Movie Review: I Will Follow – In Theaters Now
Following in the heels of the movie Mooz-Lum, there’s yet another new independent Black-produced film (an Ava DuVernay film) called, “I Will Follow,” was created and promoted outside of traditional Hollywood channels, that is slowly making its way into theaters across American through by the potent mix of public demand and online marketing, namely social networking (in this case Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter).
My hubby and I drove from Philly to Cherry Hill, NJ (show times there are 2:20 pm, 2:35 pm, 4:55 pm, 7:20 pm, and 9:50 pm). This was the nearest location to us showing the film and it was well worth the trip. It’s not your typical independent film that has an undeniable independent look. No. This film looked as good as other films on the big screen that used the traditional means to get there (i.e., Hollywood channels).
Here’s the trailer…
Visit the official movie website at http://iwillfollowfilm.com
The film was released through AFFRM (African-American Film Festival Releasing Movement) and AMC Independent and opened on March 11, 2011 and stars Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Omari Hardwick, Michole White, Dijon Talton, Tracie Thoms, Royale Watkins, Damone Roberts, Phalana Tiller with Blair Underwood and Beverly Todd.
Below is a pretty cool interview with the film’s directory, Ava Du Vernay, along with the leading man and leading woman characters.
I definitely recommend seeing this film–and by doing so you will do your part in helping to make this type of distribution a reality for other films. The rise of black film outside of Hollywood is on and poppin’, indeed! Read my blog about Anthony Mackie’s remarks on the topic of Hollywood not really doing much for Black Film these days (he says it’s our responsibility, so does Jeff Johnson–who I also quote in the blog– and I agree with them both. I also think it’s important for every Black person involved in the film industry today, no matter what role, to take heed of Ava’s remarks about distribution. Check out those remarks here.
As of the writing of this blog post, I WILL FOLLOW is in the following cities: NYC, LA, CHI, ATL, PHIL, DET, SF, Boston, Houston, Dallas, Char, Sea, NJ + MIA! You can follow AFFRM on Twitter for the latest and greatest information.
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UPDATE: I ran across this video movie review about “I Will Follow” that I like, check it out here.
[…] 5:02 pm Ava DuVernay, write/director of “I Will Follow” (in theaters now – read my review), makes some very important remarks about film distribution that I think every Black person […]
I like this lady AVA. I love her solution oriented mindset. Okay–white people are not feeling us….they are not acknowledging us at the Oscars. So….that’s not stopping ME. It’s going to be a hard road uphill. But my goal is to get to the top of the hill. I’m making my film and I’m working SMART.
I long to see black people take this type of initiative and attitude as a collective in every area we lag behind. And not wait for any kind of handout! If we’d just support each other.
I will look into this AFFRM and see if there are ways to donate to it.
I’m encouraged by her attitude and remarks here. If AFFRM puts out work by people like her…then I want to support.
i just watched it and i guess i was looking for a happy ending of some kind. it was just like, life is what it is! but it was very good acting. (i hated the gay thing but what you gonna do)