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Director's Statement - Why "WAR"?

3/17/2016

2 Comments

 
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WHY? That is the question!
 
EVERY FAMILY HAS A HISTORY UNTOLD!

When I approached actor Nathaniel McIntyre to portray the role of OTHNIEL JUSTICE, he asked me, “What do you want people to take away from watching the film?”
 
I thought about his question deeply. I responded, “When I watch this film, I want to witness the purpose of family, the significance of faith, and the strength of love, loyalty, and commitment. Through faith and love, there’s always hope for meaning in one’s life and forgiveness; even after years of suffering. With family, it’s the one undeniable bond of who we are and where we come from. If family is rooted in faith and love, then the family will always be the compass to guide us back to who we are, when we lose sight of ourselves when we face real evil in the world. This film is about rebuilding broken families!”
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When I released a CALL for MUSIC ENTRIES, I noted: “Our team is looking for music that represents the backbone and soul of America: God, family, country, love, labor, and even the pain of life that is endured then overcome!” When I received a submission from the band Honeyboy & Boots, their soulful sound INSPIRED the completion of “War”. I informed them, “This film is inspired by the hardworking coalmining families of War, West Virginia. A small town in the mountains where God comes first and family is everything. Here, long ago, the seed of the soulful heart of America was planted and still remains. However, plagued by much hardship, the spirit of hope must be resurrected!” Music shared by artists like Honeyboy and Boots is just the kind of hopeful soul music to do just that!
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But WHY make this film in the first place?
 
Have you ever heard of a great human story that inspired you to be a better human being? To look at yourself and ask, “Am I doing everything with each breath of my life to love my neighbor and make a real life-changing difference as a luminary in all my encounters?” Do you ask yourself, “Am I a part of the problem in this world, or the solution?” Please permit me one more question. “Am I really FREE?”

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Pictured L to R: Steve Alberts, Luciano J. Vignola, and Nathaniel McIntyre. Photo Courtesy of David G. Baker.
Nancy Bennett, a woman whom I have never met, is such a SAINT!
 
In a recent interview with Victory Talk Radio host John Baldwin, Nancy Bennett revealed how she joined her passion of medicine and God into a life lived as a Medical Missionary! An all day, every day commitment of selflessness to uplift the buried spirits of our fellow human beings suffering from poverty, homelessness, loss, and drug and alcohol addictions. A reality all too real as an increasing sickness in the American economy and way of life. As I listened, with 43 years of healthcare experience, she stated she answered God’s call to bring her life’s training to War, West Virginia (a fallen city left with ruins that more so resemble a town hit by a World War III).
 
Foundation, as in all things, is that ROCK upon which all stands. She first restored a church in McDowell County, then schools, a food bank, and HOPE!
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Pictured: Paloma Pilar. Photo Courtesy of David G. Baker.
In my pursuit of knowledge, I read an article “As coal fades in West Virginia, drugs fill void” by Kimberly Johnson. Her research and investigation revealed how “McDowell County, once the top producer of coal in the nation, now leads state in overdose deaths.” She further unveiled, “McDowell’s children are the latest wave of victims as widespread addiction rips families apart — more misery for communities already suffering economic hardships from job losses in the coal industry.” An interview she shared gave overwhelming insight into the families. “When Principal Florisha McGuire wants a clue about what’s going on in the homes of her students…she often finds the answers on their feet.” It’s a fact that “… ‘on average, about 43 percent of [her] students had lost a biological mother or father,’ either from overdose or removal from their homes, McGuire said.”
 
According to Profit Confidential, America is ranked as the 8th richest country in the world. I ask myself, “How can a city, that looks and feels like a third-world country exist IN America?
 
There is an overwhelming mentality that there is no way out; and people do not reason a worth in education without any jobs. In a forgotten city, Nancy never forgets and her battle every day is to find out how to reach them.

ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!

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Pictured L to R: Nathaniel McIntyre & Paloma Pilar. Photo Courtesy of David G. Baker.
As a writer, I pursued my own interviews and investigation! Lisa Bennett, producer of the Victory Television Network and daughter of Nancy Bennett (another woman whom I have never actually met in person) introduced me to a local miner who also volunteers in helping his fellow neighbors in joining in Nancy’s efforts. I learned a lot from him. His testimony touched my heart, opened my eyes, and further inspired my call to write!

“Children of War” is my first Western. I’m calling my film a Modern-Western because my picture illuminates the West of the present. You will not see perfection, you will see a story; as sharp, sudden, steady, gritty, and dark as our emotions. I did not make this project for one person, I produced this moving picture for the American spirit, which is hurting and imperfect.

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Pictured: Steve Alberts. Photo Courtesy of David G. Baker.
The stars aligned and I was gifted 16 hours (in a single day) to shoot “War” with some of the most passionate artists I’m honored to collaborate with. My cast and crew talent were already booked for other gigs and I was profoundly blessed to have even ONE DAY, ONE STORY, and ONE OPPORTUNITY to accomplish ONE FILM!

As an artist, I’m in awe of how art will literally take a life of its own!

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2 Comments

A Capture of March Magic!

3/31/2014

1 Comment

 
PicturePhoto by David G. Baker
My WORDS for MARCH:

M - Music

A - Awards

R - Races

C - Cinema

H - Happiness

Is it the 31st already?

            Me: Dear 2014, you are flying by!!!

            Time: What do I always say Apolonia?

            Me: I know, I know, “TIME is on our side”! 

 There is so much to be thankful for?

Let’s start with the creative force brewing within Beardforce Films!!! Last year in April when I participated behind-the-scenes for the Nashville Film Festival (an Oscar qualifying and international affair), I met the determined and daring Director Eric Byford. Within minutes of meeting this dynamic filmmaker, I knew I wanted to work with this man.

            Me: Dear 2013, I’m eager for a new endeavor collaborating with inspiring professionals!

            Time: What do I always say Apolonia?

            Me: I know, I know, “TIME is on our side”! 

So, almost a year later… THE Eric Byford reaches out and informs me of his company’s participation in the 54 Hour Film Festival (just days before shooting would commence). STOP EVERYTHING. My answer, without hesitation, was YES!!!! My weekend was reserved for this answered prayer!
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Photo by Katie Sluder
At 6:00 pm, on Friday, February 28th, the team began to gather in Murfreesboro, TN. Much of the collected talent and crew have never met.  Our connection, was our fearless leader, Eric!

These were our given and required variables for the RACE!          

            Genre: Horror/ Suspense
            Line of Dialogue: I've/You've/He's/She's/We've/They've got to believe in something.
            Prop: A pair of skates (traditional roller skates, in-line, or ice skates)
            Action: Kneeling
            Curveball Challenge [given on Saturday at 5:00 pm] (Incorporate another action into your short): sleeping and/or running

We assembled, spewed storyline ideas, GOT TO WORK, and then “Daddy’s Girl” was born! For a horror flick, there was lots of LAUGHING going on behind the camera. What a twist!

We met our deadline! Whew!!!
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Photo by Katie Sluder
PicturePictured w/ Adriel Porter of Seek First Productions
What’s next? Oh, the official screening and AWARDS ceremony!

Congratulations to Seek First Productions and the entire producing team for a successful submission and audience turn-out for the 54 Hour Film Festival on Tuesday, March 18th! We had TWO SOLD - OUT screenings!


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L to R: Apolonia Davalos, Jason Coleman, and Tonya Wheeler
The Beardforce Films squad was blessed with the following awards and nominations:

Awards

BEST ACTRESS
Apolonia Davalos

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Tonya Wheeler

Nominations

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Beth Berger and Caleb Clinton Watson

BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS
BEST MAKEUP
And
CRITICS’ CHOICE FOR BEST PICTURE

WATCH Daddy’s Girl!
Here’s the VIMEO Link: http://vimeo.com/90473533#at=0
I must take this opportunity to give a SHOUT-OUT to the best troupe of filmmakers:
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  Producer/ Director/ Writer - ERIC BYFORD
First AD/ Writer - TABITHA REED
Director of Photography/ Writer - CALEB CLINTON WATSON
Camera Operator - BETH BERGER
Editor - KATIE SLUDER
Writer/ Location Scout/ Boom Op/ Sound - J. R. BRIGGS
Production Manager - INNI WINBERRY
Production Design and SFX - ALEXANDRA KELLER
Writer/ Talent - JASON COLEMAN
Talent - TONYA WHEELER
Talent - APOLONIA DAVALOS

PicturePhoto by David G. Baker
It was an HONOR to creatively collaborate with each member of this team! We all tremendously trusted each other!

Then, the very same week, gets even better! HOW??? You ask!

Saturday, March 22nd was the red-carpet world premiere of “The Good Book” – MOVIE! SILENT CINEMA is making a POWERFUL comeback!!!

This motion picture has been awarded 5 out of 5 Doves (the HIGHEST rating) by The Dove Foundation.

            "Watching The Good Book would do anyone some good! See it soon." - Edwin L. Carpenter, Dove Foundation

The evening air breathed LOVE, FAITH, and INSPIRATION. Our beloved Director, Sharon Wilharm, asked the audience to share their thoughts of the feature.

"For silent it spoke loudly.” - Belita H.
"You don't have to hear God to see Him." - David D.
WATCH
Our Audience Feedback via
“The Good Book” Movie Premiere Night Promo
PictureL to R: Apolonia Davalos, Sharon Wilharm, & Michelle Harleston
A crucial spirit that lives through the film is the MUSIC composed by Composer Rick Holets. His score gives each character and scenario a signature identity illustrating clear and compelling arcs within the story.

Sharon Wilharm recently shared this most beautiful review:

"This movie has touched my soul so deeply. I have seen many inspiring films but this one is in a category all its own. The Good Book is just that. A message of love, of hope, of endless possibilities in God's glorious act of love to each of us. To mention the Character's in this film as Actor's is a limited sense of the word. These people must truly love God as it shines from their hearts to the screen. The production of this movie is by God's Hand. There is no other way to describe the beauty, the chills, the tears I have felt watching this. EVERYONE needs to see this and help others to feel the joy in God reaching the lost, the broken hearted, the people that mess up, just like me. Thank you to the Wilharm's for the greatness that is from God's Hand... to yours. Thank you, each of you." - Donna D., Writer/Director of Chronicles of Life Trials
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PicturePhoto by David G. Baker
A LIMITED number of Pre-Released DVD's are now available. FREE SHIPPING! http://www.goodbookmovie.com/#!cart/cuox

Also, I invite you to learn more about W.O.WW. - World Outreach Without Words! Mainstreet Productions is committed to giving away copies of their evangelistic silent feature, The Good Book, to be used to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.

To register, fill out the online form below by May 1.  http://www.goodbookmovie.com/#!woww/c1qab

The beauty of a SILENT picture, is that there are no language barriers!!!

March unveiled much HAPPINESS!

            Me: Dear 2014, why must March end already?

            Time: What do I always say Apolonia?

            Me: I know, I know, “TIME is on our side”! 

            Time: AND…

            Me: “ALL GOOD THINGS COME WITH TIME!”
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L to R: Apolonia Davalos, BK Bomar, & Michelle Harleston. Photo by David G. Baker.
1 Comment

Silent Cinema Beatitude

2/9/2014

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Silent film is an alluring artful genre that is recently experiencing a meaningful resurrection in cinema.

Renowned husband and wife producing team, Sharon and Fred Wilharm, ignited production for the movie “The Good Book” in the summer of 2013 in Denton, FL. I began filming September 17, 2013 in Springfield, TN, which bestowed upon me two significant firsts in my career: my first faith-based film and my first silent feature!

Known for my HEARTY LAUGH, the circulating response among my fellow thespians, hilariously was, “You – SILENT??? IRONY!!!” HA HA HA I laugh every time!

I feel positively blessed being entrusted to portray the principal role of MARION. As a storyteller myself, the opportunity to explore God’s real presence in our lives, as MARION, a loving mother and wife, is absolutely extraordinary! In life, each of us uniquely battles the burdening cross of crippling grief so the prospects to relate to her lamentations are endless. We are all connected!

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On set of "The Good Book". Photo by David G. Baker.
SYNOPSIS: The Good Book movie is the first evangelical silent feature to be released since sound was added to movies.  It tells the story of a small New Testament that is passed along from individual to individual. These include young and old, rich and poor, blessed and forsaken. For seven of the strangers, it provides hope and meaning when they need it most.
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On set of "The Good Book". Photo by Sharon Wilharm.
What sets silent pictures apart from talkies is the magnetism of how much more we communicate through pure body language. Investigating the awareness of this subtle yet quiescent technique was a physically thought-provoking and FUN skill to play with. As it is said, “Actions speak louder than words!”
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On set of "The Good Book". Pictured: Apolonia Davalos, BK Bomar, and A. Michelle Harleston. Photo by David G. Baker.
Being a member of “The Good Book” family continues to be faithfully inspiring as demonstrated by the support from the Christian film community in response to its cinematic originality. I can hardly wait for the Tennessee red-carpet premiere this coming March!  

Oh, and get ready to fall in LOVE with my favorite Co-Star Baby Jaxon!!!
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On set of "The Good Book". Photo by David G. Baker.
STAY-TUNED for Interviews, Reviews, Pictures, and Screening Information!

Please WATCH “The Good Book” Official Promo Interview by Faith Flix Films with Apolonia Davalos and BK Bomar: CLICK HERE

Awarded #3 Favorite Actress of 2013 by Faith Flix Films!
CLICK HERE to check out my 2013 interview!
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On set shooting the official promo video for "The Good Book". Photo by Sharon Wilharm.
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NAFF: 8 DAYS & 265 FILMS OF CELEBRATING CINEMA

6/9/2013

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INSPIRING, ORIGINAL, & WORLDLY are three words that come to mind after attending the prestigious Nashville Film Festival that enlightened and enlivened our lives April 18 – 25, 2013 at the Regal Cinemas in Green Hills.

Sponsored by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and NISSAN and in coordination with the Duhok International Film Festival, NaFF was more than an unforgettable event, it was an exciting introduction and unity of cultures under one roof!

A great reward for attendance was the talk-backs post screenings and the one-on-one discussions with the independent filmmakers, composers, actors, producers, etc., in the lobby. The enthusiastic vibe that often exudes in an environment composed with a flourish of creative people encourages such correspondence so the experience of the screening goes beyond the film itself.

I’m HONORED to have met with the following Filmmakers:
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Paul Eenhoorn – Lead Actor of “This Is Martin Bonner”
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Richmond Arquette – Lead Actor of “This Is Martin Bonner”
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Drew Denny – Director, Writer, Actor of “The Most Fun I’ve Ever Had With My Pants On”
Another significant and unique addition that attributed to NaFF’s reputation this year was the Kurdish Film Celebration at the War Memorial Auditorium on Sunday April 21st! The successful turn-out was a perfect example of how the universal language of film breaks down barriers and unites cultures together.

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I had the pleasure to meet Kurdish Actor Ari Rufino.
I had the opportunity to see the following films:

FEATURES: Rhino Season, This Is Martin Bonner, A Letter to Momo, The Most Fun I’ve Ever Had With My Pants On

DOCUMENTARIES: These Birds Walk, Musicwood (Music Film Category)

SHORTS: Reed and Woody (Music Film Category); .sub (from Spain), The Foreigner (from Greece), The Last Border (from Germany), Reza Hassani Goes to the Mall (from USA), Shanghai Strangers (from China), That Which Once Was (from USA) (Crossing Cultures Category)

I’m looking forward to collaborating with local Nashville Filmmakers and having the HONOR to have a film screening at NaFF in the future!

Congrats to the Filmmakers, Sponsors, and Staff on a SUCCESSFUL INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION OF CINEMA!

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