Rashaad Ernesto Green
Both Filmmaker Magazine and Indiewire have named writer/director Rashaad Ernesto Green as one of their 10 exciting New Faces in independent filmmaking and his feature directing debut “Gun Hill Road” was recently acquired at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, and opens in New York on 5th August.
Gun Hill Road is part of a wave of independent films that are worth your support! I first met Rashaad at the Urban World film festival when a short film he did about the murder of Sean Bell introduced the New York festival premiere of my film Malcolm’s Echo: The Legacy of Malcolm X at Tribeca Cinema. Good times. The whole experience was awesome.
I hadn’t seen him since, until just recently when I caught up with him at the Filmmakers View, Raqiyah Mays’ networking event where he was guest speaking. In the video above I talk with Rashaad I about his filmmaking journey and he offers some tips on how to make your filmmaking process lead to success.
In this photo: Rashaad, Dami and Reinaldo at Broadway Night Out NYC
Multi –Skilled Filmmaking
Since I saw him last Rashaad has been adding more skills to his CV. Having studied acting, with success in films including Spike Lee’s Inside Man, he went back to school to create more opportunity for himself and explore the passion that drives him – Directing! Rashaad is part of the new filmmaking generation cementing the new structure of independent filmmaking, where our stories are well made, for less, whilst dealing with the nitty gritty of life and the social issues that come with it. In this case being transgender.
Being multi – skilled these days is more an asset than a hindrance, especially in the world of filmmaking. It’s great to be able to shoot, direct, edit and write but its also great to delegate if you have the funds. One of the main skills to have as a string to your bow is ‘pr and marketing’ skills, which every filmmaker needs in order to galvanize support for your film. Not in the traditional sense, but more the skill of persuading your social networks to promote your film with you, or finding a topical angle that feeds into a news worthy story around your film.
Rashaad’s film Gun Hill Road is the story of a family in transition. It is the story of a young man exploring his sexuality in an intolerant and judgmental world and his exploration’s impact on his relationship with his parents and himself.
Rashaad worked with a non actor who is genuinely undergoing sexual transformation and brings the role alive with authenticity.
Gun Hill Road – Trailer
Gun Hill Road – Tackling Transgender Issues
After three years in prison, Enrique (Esai Morales) returns home to the Bronx to find the world he knew has changed. His wife, Angela (Judy Reyes), struggles to hide an emotional affair, and his teenage son, Michael (Harmony Santana), explores a sexual transformation well beyond Enrique’s grasp and understanding.
Unable to accept his child, Enrique clings to his masculine ideals while Angela attempts to hold the family together by protecting Michael. Still under the watchful eye of his parole officer (Isiah Whitlock, Jr.), Enrique must become the father he needs to be or, once again, risk losing his family and freedom.
Can a father’s fierce love for his family overcome his street-hardened ideas about manhood and end the vicious cycle controlling his life? Writer/director Rashaad Ernesto Green’s first feature film is an intricate portrait of a family divided told with sensitivity, gentle humor, and a deep understanding of the environment that shapes its people.
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GUN HILL ROAD (New York)
Opening in theaters from Friday, August 5th
- ANGELIKA FILM CENTER on Houston, Manhattan
- AMC Empire 25 on 42nd St., Manhattan
- AMC BAY PLAZA, Bronx
For tickets and times check the website below:
http://www.gunhillroad.com/events
Rashaad will be participating in Q and As at the 8pm and 10.30pm screenings at Angelika Film Center
Support Indie films, together we grow.
Peace
Darklingdami