My film Wrath City [2017] was accepted to the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2018, but it didn’t win any awards. It was also nominated for two Best Short Film awards at two film festivals but didn’t win. However, the film screened at many international film festivals across the country and it was very well received.
My film Mt. Washington [2016] was accepted as one of four films to screen at the 2018 Real to Reel Film Promotion for Omari Hardwick.1 The event would initially be held at The Apollo but was later moved to another location in NY. So, no awards, but still some other things to be happy about.
I’m representing me, right? And who I am is a filmmaker, an artist; a music lover, a nerd, a romantic; I’m not an activist but I do tell it like it is when it comes to black human rights; that’s who I am so that’s how I represent myself.
Wrath City [2017] TRAILER from Raeshelle Cooke on Vimeo.
“This clip is a 58-second trailer to my latest short film called Wrath City (the one that will be premiering). It’s about a fictional, angry town and a Haitian woman who’s being deported out for committing a horrible crime. The story makes commentary on police brutality and Black Lives Matter.”
I have my life together, no kids, and I think it’s important to always have the mentality that you are a boss, no matter who you are, and live that way. I’m not a victim or a fatherless girl you should feel sorry for. I think of myself as a boss that you should take seriously. We are not at all what they portray us to be on television. And don’t even get me started on indie films where they have women of any race in sexualized roles, not bringing anything of value or importance to the film or scene; just directors wanting to see naked women in person for the first time.
We need more independent voices in films and more authenticity in the writing. We need filmmakers to take risks more often and not just make films that are just safe. Your film doesn’t even have to make a statement, but maybe it can be about a real experience that you’ve had, or someone you know that has had one. Be more vulnerable in your writing.
Hattie McDaniel‘s great–grandnephew contacted me and expressed interest in having me direct one of the documentary projects he’s working on regarding his family. This is a 5-10 year production, though, as there are many projects and many female directors involved, so I am going to follow–-up. I’m really honored to have been presented this opportunity.
Notes:
1 Real to Reel Film Promotion for Omari Hardwick.
‘It’s a rare opportunity for new filmmakers to screen their work for industry insiders. As a writer and actor who owns a production company, I am personally excited to collaborate with Gentleman Jack on such necessary recognition of Black talent behind the camera.’
Source of above–stated quote:
2The Twilight Zone
Original series (1959–64)
First revival (1985–89)
Second revival (2002–03)
Third revival (2019)
3Not in Love
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. As the sole author of the Penitent – Part I, and the Penitent – Part II, and as the sole proprietor of Copper Beech Press, I have a material connection to these books, as well as to the publishing press, I have just listed. Other than my previously stated novels and publishing press, I have no material connection to the brands, products or services that I have mentioned here. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
© 13 February 2019 by A. Keith Carreiro
For information about my series, The Immortality Wars, please go to my home page: https://immortalitywars.com/