FILMER Update: I was paired last year with filmmaker Elisee Junior St. Preux in South Fulton Arts' FILMER program, and the portrait documentary he created, produced by SFA, premiered late February and early March in Atlanta at two theaters.
Being the subject of a film was a creative experience unlike anything I've known. What a joy to work with Elisee and his crew, and with the wonderfully talented young actress Aryana Rosa Castillo, who played "little Karla." We had such a good time during a long day of shooting last August.
This film tells a bit about my background, but focuses mainly on the work we're doing here in the Atlanta area at concerts and community outreach, sharing jazz music and jazz values. It's also a look at how the seeds of what we're passionate about as adults often are planted in the soil of our childhood. And it's about listening to that inner Wisdom trying to tell us some things. In this 16-minute film, Elisee weaves together special scenes, old home movie cuts, concert footage and interviews with students, bandmates, teaching colleagues and more.
To me, one of the best parts of the premier was the fun we had attending, as my family was there, including my parents and big sister who road-tripped down from St. Louis. So much laughter and fun and joy celebrating this experience that was new for all of us.
The film is called "Karla." It will be posted (soon) on my YouTube channel (look for the YT link at the top of my website). Hope you enjoy watching!