The Sea Ahead, a Lebanese-film by director Ely Dagher has been exclusively premiered at the Rooftop Films in Brooklyn, NYC this past weekend.
It’s not every day you get to sit in a room full of people talking openly about mental health, but that is exactly what arthur gallery’s new short film, Genesis X, prompted dozens of young adults to do. Hosted at the Hippo Factory Studios in Los Angeles, the 15 minute movie was screened in the large photo studio with an open bar and music featured by William Anthony.
The film follows a down-on-her-luck young woman named Xiomara, played by Jalesa Marks. Xiomara is struggling to turn her life around and impress her esteemed father working for an infamous corporation. As she continues to perform tasks for the company, she struggles to break free from her anxiety feeling as though there is no escape.
As many young professionals have seen, the standards of work ethic and face time set by corporations lead to increased anxiety and a diminished sense of self-worth. gallery explores this notion in Genesis X by outlining the pressures Xiomara faces from the corporation while also outlining the parental pressures that come with said performance. Stylistically, gallery also illustrates these tensions through Xiomara’s body language, a strong cinematic color palette, and action scenes. The film’s musical efforts, led by William Anthony, also create a palpable sense of stress as we see Xiomara struggle to reconcile her work and her emotions.
Q&A moderated by Sadé Unique Grandberry
Q&A moderated by Sadé Unique Grandberry
During the Q&A with gallery and the cast, the discussion centered around the anxieties and pressures of corporate life. The open dialogue was refreshing given mental health is still seen as a taboo subject. Take away from the night? There is a little Xiomara in all of us, but perhaps there is an escape if we continue to de-stigmatize mental health.
Pharrell’s Something is the Water Festival was something worth talking about!
Yvonne Mbanefo, filmmaker discusses the making of the newest project Equiano.Stories, the importance of telling this story.
“No Exit”, the newest suspense thriller film, starring Dennis Haysbert and Havana Rose Liu (“May Day”) who plays the leading role as Darby.
In this upcoming mystery thriller, Ghosts of The Ozark, channels the reality of society coexisting with a supernatural force.
It was an honor to meet and speak with Mr. Scott Mescudi also known by his stage name, Kid Cudi. His film A Man Named Scott directed by Robert Alexander is an intimate look at his life not only as the artist we all know him to be, but as a mere human being navigating this life and this reality. The film follows his discography in order from the very beginning of his career until the present day. We see archival footage of his early tour days in Australia, and interviews never before seen on the big screen. The documentary is raw and unfiltered, highlighting the cultural impact and shift Mr. Mescudi’s music has had on the music industry over the last decade.
With interviews from Kanye West, Shia Labeouf, Willow Smith, Schoolboy Q and many more, they each speak about his artistry as a musician with such regard and passion. Most notably, interviewee’s highlight Cudi’s ability to be so vulnerable in his music. Giving his listeners a safe space to feel their feelings. For some, this is the first time in their lives they would feel safe enough to do so.
With great success comes great struggle. Mr. Mescudi’s story begins with struggle, meets success, and once again finds himself fighting a battle within himself. Even while having world tours, financial gain, and a growing fanbase, Mr. Mescudi found himself plagued with challenges both with his mental health and drug misuse. With incredible courage and utmost strength he vocalizes his pain and seeks help. It is because of his bravery, he is able to get the help he needs to heal. Overall, the documentary is cut together as eloquently as his musical works. His voice transcends across mediums. A true gift. The film premieres this Friday, November 5th on Amazon Prime Video. I highly encourage you all to watch it.
To some, the jaguar symbolizes life, power, energy, and legend. To others, it represents profit.
Not even a pandemic can hold independent filmmakers down!
Whenever I told people I was working on this list, a typical response was, “What even came out this year?”