The Gratification of a Few Good Men #atozchallenge #IndieFilm

"I think movies can change people.  I want to make films that can change people. I have always been drawn to stories that help us relate to people we might feel we have nothing in common to.  Movies allow people to walk a mile in another man’s shoes." - Ted Hope

Narrative feature film WHITE SHADOW by Noaz DesheArtists who create change, stir controversy or have a large impact with their work, show me time and time again that filmmaking can be a worthwhile endeavor when one’s motivation is bigger than the project itself. Some people aren't making movies just for the fun of the process or the entertainment factor it brings audiences.

Instead, they use the medium as a vehicle for fostering change or understanding among people who view it and their industry peers. This is a reason that I can get behind, because there is a force sustaining one’s commitment to stay the course through the turbulent and uncertain times of making movies. The work makes a difference -- either by calling out a problem or by challenging people to view topics from a perspective that they would otherwise not consider. 

While the most common and obvious place to find a few good men is among Documentary filmmakers, there are many narrative films helmed by people who are shedding light on important matters. Israeli director Noaz Deshe is one of these people. His feature debut “WHITE SHADOW” is about a young albino boy named Alias whose survival continues to be plagued by witch doctors and other locals who are hunting him for spare parts. Deshe’s movie is inspired by the modern-day underground trade of albino body parts in Tanzania, Kenya and Congo – where people are chopping off limbs of albinos, said to be worth thousands of dollars; in these regions, albino body parts are believed to bring good fortune, prosperity and cure for illness.

The logline for “WHITE SHADOW” sums up its story of a child with a price on his head:

There is a saying in Tanzania 
"Albinos don't die they just disappear"

- WHITE SHADOW, written & directed by Noaz Deshe

As this movie currently enjoys a well-received run on the film festival circuit, I’m glad that Noaz Deshe and writers/directors like him have found stirring reasons to make movies. When his production crew contracted malaria, they kept moving forward on “WHITE SHADOW.”

When a lion was shot by local military after it killed ten people in the area where Deshe and his crew were filming, they continued to work towards completing this film. The disturbing realities of albino hunting made him do it. We get to become more aware of the world around us, thanks to Deshe and the few good men – and women – whose efforts cause people to pay attention, and for good reason!

Here are the upcoming showtimes for “WHITE SHADOW”...

• NASHVILLE FILM FESTIVAL:

(Competing in the New Directors category)

April 23, 2014 – 8:45 p.m. – Green Hills Cinema – Theater 4

April 25, 2014 – 12:00 p.m. – Green Hills Cinema – Theater 15

• SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL:

May 4, 2014 - 6:30 p.m. - Sundance Kabuki Cinema
May 6, 2014 - 6:15 p.m. - Sundance Kabuki Cinema
May 8, 2014 - 8:00 p.m. - Sundance Kabuki Cinema

 While you're here, you might as well check out yesterday's post about Flying High on Fame. Also, stay tuned for more observations on why we make movies!

Flying High on Fame (Plus a Monday Movie Meme) #atozchallenge #IndieFilm

Actress Amy Smart at World Premiere of TYLER PERRY´S ´The Single Moms Club´ presented by Lionsgate in Los Angeles.There are two reasons why I believe someone would make a movie to aid in their pursuit of fame; because he (or she) either craves attention or wants to feel important. Both of those objectives might apply in some instances, depending on the person. Having come across some famous people and observed what they go through, I don’t understand why anyone would want to make movies just to be in their shoes.

People are yelling at you, shoving cameras and microphones in your face and shining bright lights in your direction – what person in his or her right mind would actively pursue the hardships of life as an independent filmmaker, just to have such an experience?!  That’s not to say I think there’s something wrong with wanting those things; to each, his own. I just believe film is not the best way to go about getting noticed or feeling like you matter – for many reasons but let’s just start with the basics.

1. Making films to quench one’s thirst for attention is a costly endeavor. It's cheaper to buy a luxury vehicle, become a mascot for a sports team or radio jockey. Better yet, get a tattoo -- that will bring attention real quick!

2. Making films because you want to feel important requires more effort than necessary for something that can be achieved through simpler means. Being in magazines, riding in limousines, walking red carpets and having your name up on the big screen are not the only ways you can feel important. Plus, this gets old really quickly and people aren't going to want to be around you -- except for maybe those who are also seeking a feeling of importance themselves; then it becomes a competition that creates conflict over whose interests are more important than the next man's/woman's. That’s an annoying cycle to be wrapped up in.

Tinseltown is fancy and we all become giddy over shiny things – I get it. However, we need not concern ourselves with these things if the work is are our priority. Once upon a time, a newspaper columnist did a write-up on one of my projects and I was not only flattered but also proud to have some legitimate press that could help bring attention to my work. On another occasion, I also appeared as a guest on a radio show when I was in high school and am currently making plans to be on a local NY-based television show, to promote ABYSS: THE GREATEST PROPOSAL EVER. Yet, I have no interest in ever becoming a household name. Save that for the birds!

Given that today is Monday, share on your blog or in the comments section, the first movies that come to YOUR mind when you think of the word FAME or the concept of someone trying to be FAMOUS. Here is my one selection for this week’s meme….since it’s theme song (by Irene Cara) was stuck in my head while writing this post:

Fame (Circa 1980)

Can YOU have success without fame?

Is fame an unavoidable side effect of a career in the arts?

Also, read yesterday's post about Entertaining the Idea of Giving it EVERYTHING You've Got if you missed it!

*Photo of Amy Smart at Premiere by Eric Charbonneau/Invision. Courtesy of Lionsgate/AP Images

Entertaining the Idea of Giving it Everything You’ve Got #atozchallenge #indiefilm

I read a book or article somewhere that said no one who is on the fence about filmmaking ever makes it. That begs the question – how much do we have to want this for us to stand a chance at reaching some pinnacle of success, whatever that looks like for each and every filmmaker?

It's almost like there are two ends of the spectrum -- the filmmakers who just dabble in it because they want to have fun and they think making movies provides their desired level of enjoyment, and the filmmakers who take this field seriously; sometimes maybe to the point that it stops being fun anymore as they become so focused on it eventually paying off in the end via studio deals or awards or whatever. The former was me then. The latter is me now. I guess the trick, or rather, the sweet spot is to find that middle ground where you have a balance of the two; the ability to recognize and enjoy the fun part while also keeping the serious aspects in mind.

Still, does film have to consume me in order for me to win? If so, why does it come at such a heavy price tag in terms of me having to put my all into it? Maybe this is required of any endeavor that you embark on. It's all or nothing and you must give it everything that you've got just to stand a chance at making a wave amidst all the noise. You can't be half-pregnant or a halfway gangster.

So I have to give each project that I work on everything I've got. That way, as least I can be satisfied if I choose to continue in film or move on to another area of interest. Giving it my all allows me to take a chance on myself and not have any regrets. The alternative doesn't do me or anyone else any good.

Have you read yesterday's post about Daring to Ditch Disadvantages Like Robert DeNiro yet?