Young Vincentian Filmmakers Present: Our True Story<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was a heartwarming experience to view, on YouTube, the culmination of several young Vincentians\u2019 cinematic endeavors as embodied in their recently premiered indie film, Our True Story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alpha Entertainment in association with XO Jay Entertainment collaborated on the 55 minutes homegrown sequel that was written, directed and edited by Javed DeSouza.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The yarn that DeSouza ultimately chose to weave revolves around a group of young adults; two of whom are particularly tested and tried through the movie, several times at gunpoint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our True Story is a dramatic presentation that carries some borderline romantic undertones. The project featured several cameo appearances and (hopefully well exploited) product placement opportunities. Not surprising, in the least, the project boasted a zero-budget and was therefore conceptualized and executed from a minimalist\u2019s approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though the elements worked fairly well together on screen, the relative naivety of the creators is not hard to spot. The good news \u2013 providing that the foundation that they have begun to construct is properly nurtured \u2013 the sky\u2019s literally the beginning of their limit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the purposes of this review we have ranked our observations as either praises or redeemable sins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DaSouza\u2019s treatment of his thematic concerns \u2013 rape, violence in society, men in society, parenting \u2013 failed to delve much beyond the superficial. This was due, in part, to the lack of attention paid to the natural development of each character\u2019s arc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We could not quite connect with Mr. Davis\u2019 (Hayden Billingy) perspective in what should have been an emotionally engaging exposition between his callus father and Xariel Quintyne\u2019s portrayal of a twice wronged teenaged daughter (Nathalie). The believable moments shared between the two become somewhat skewered because the penultimate \u2018why?\u2019 never gets answered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who kicks out a teenaged daughter for a pregnancy she decided to keep even though the child was conceived at gun point? Moreover, why does she decide to take that fetus to full term?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A watchful director must keep an eye out for that elusive combination of on-screen chemistry (romantic and platonic) that helps to, not only draw us in but, take us along on the story\u2019s quest. The director of photography, too, must weigh in to ensure that each frame captures precisely what the story needs to share its testimony \u2013 continuity intact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, when the hero is being genuinely praised for his sense of propriety \u2013 even if it\u2019s for keeping his room clean \u2013 show us why we should believe he is praiseworthy. Be mindful too, when on open sets, of unscripted background \u2018actors\u2019 especially in frames that bring a particular savagery to the plot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And when a dinner setting is as welcomingly displayed as in Miss Hendricks\u2019 (Lafayette Johnson\u2019s) kitchen; visually, the payoff would be greater if the scene is properly lighted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, fatal make up and costume errors would be corrected before the shoot wraps. Ronaldo Knights\u2019 JJ is almost teenaged while Jay-Z Lewis\u2019 Jay sports distinctly grey hair, yet Natalie\u2019s hairdo remains unchanged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The comic relief was well timed; a tad too overplayed at times, but it worked well to hold together the getting-ready-for-the-baby montage. The juxtaposition of parenting styles was well crafted and evoked the desired effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seeing a single mother and son (Miss Hendricks and Jay) be so openly trusting in and supportive of each other \u2013 especially after Mr. Davis\u2019 ill-treatment of his adopted daughter – was refreshing. That she opens her not too large home (given the distance from the kitchen sink to the front door) to a pregnant teen is a testament to the kind of virtues she worked hard to instill in her son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He on the other hand seems intent to keep courting the near fatal relationship with Andre\u2019s (Jasper Alexander) gun via his violently obsessive sister Shannique (Keira Barnwell).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All told the effort, though ambitious, is quite applaudable but with the potential for global success on platforms like Netflix, Hulu and the like, it is imperative that we get it right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alpha Entertainment promises at least 3 more major releases for 2021; one each to commemorate Halloween, SVG\u2019s Independence Day and Christmas. These projects, DaSouza told Asbert News Network exclusively, would all work to further his company\u2019s immediate objective \u2013 \u201cstimulating the creative industry moreso the filmmaking sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This, he said, was inspired \u2013 not only \u2013 because of the growing numbers of opportunity-starved actors that now need outlets for their craft; but also his projects affords him the chance to use his voice \u201cto address a lot of social issues.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe fact that we could create a positive impact on society \u2013 that is what we want\u2026 we all need a little hope right now.\u201d
JPSchwmon@Gmail.Com<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Young Vincentian Filmmakers Present: Our True Story It was a heartwarming experience to view, on YouTube, the culmination of several young Vincentians\u2019 cinematic endeavors as embodied in their recently premiered indie film, Our True Story. Alpha Entertainment in association with XO Jay Entertainment collaborated on the 55 minutes homegrown sequel that was written, directed and<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":24223,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24222","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-local-news"],"yoast_head":"\n