Measures of Success
Reflecting on the past couple of weeks + what's next for "The Negro Artist"
We are now accepting TAX—DEDUCTIBLE donations. All of proceeds will support The Seven Times and our screenings of “The Negro Artist” across the United States.
We are excited to present The Negro Artist at xBk Live in Des Moines on Friday, January 10, 2025. Doors Open: 7:00 PM | Show Starts: 8:00 PM. This event will be a night to remember, celebrating the power of storytelling through poetry, music, and film.
It was the morning of December 13 - a day after
and I arrived in Downtown Los Angeles to screen our film “The Negro Artist.”The film was showing at the Regal Theater at LA Live on the 14th as part of the Culver City Film Festival. Doug and I rented an Airbnb down the street. Inspired by where we were, and the 70-degree weather, we decided to go for a jog. Doug moves fast, but I move a little faster, so before I knew it, I was well ahead.
At one point I looked to the left and saw a bunch of shops and restaurants that were unique to the area. I then looked to my right and saw Los Angeles City Hall. I looked up and thought about why we were there, then my next thought was, “This is kinda crazy.”
I was in disbelief that my film was showing in my home state. However, the celebrating started a couple of days before in Iowa City, where it was 80 degrees cooler. We screened “The Negro Artist” on the film’s subject Caleb Rainey’s home turf at FilmScene. It’s a wonderful movie theater in a beautiful hotel named The Chauncey.
Check it out here: https://icfilmscene.org/
Our combined efforts nearly sold the place out - in spite of our screening competing with “Wicked”. Caleb,
and a student performed some poetry ahead of the screening. We received thunderous applause after the film. We also received a ton of positive comments during our preceding Q&A with the audience.
was there. He wrote about the experience in his latest column. Please subscribe to his work:
After the screening at FilmScene, we headed to Los Angeles. Caleb and his father George, who is also in the film, also traveled to LA to see it on the big screen.
The Regal at LA Live is a historic venue. It stands a block away from Crypto Arena, where the Lakers play.
Doug and I flew into Santa Ana. It’s a little ways from LA, but it’s way less stressful than playing traffic-roulette at LAX.
Doug had been to Southern California a few times before that. He had not previously hang out in Downtown Santa Ana or Downtown LA. Doug was pretty psyched to be there. I was equally psyched to show him some of my favorite spots.
Before I get to the screening, I’m going to quickly review a few of the films we saw at the festival and shoutout some filmmakers that we met.
The Sweet Side of Crazy
“The Sweet Side of Crazy” played among several short films in our scheduled block, which lasted a couple of hours. “The Negro Artist” played last. The short documentary followed an Oklahoma family as they mourned a relative whose life was consumed and cut short by addiction. So many people can relate to this family’s story. The film stuck with me and my friends for hours after seeing it. Doug and I also felt a sense of pride seeing the middle of America represented. I had the chance to share my thoughts with the director and producer Kaylee Hoy.
Check out the film’s Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/sweetsideofcrazy/
I Cross the Sea With You
In this documentary feature, Korean indie rock band ByeByeSea's friendship flourishes during the pandemic, sparking a cross-country odyssey in pursuit of their dreams across the USA. The film features poetic commentary from band members about their creative processes, mental health struggles, and their experiences in America. ByeByeSea’s music is also easy on the ears. It’s played throughout the film.
Check out the film’s IMDB:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt18277358/
Check out their music on Spotify:
Where We End Up
In this short drama, Emmy-nominated actor, Nathan Florindo, questions his life decisions when he receives a phone call from his ex-lover just moments before a televised interview. I walked out of this film saying “Damn, that was real.” It’s often a reality of success that there is a price to pay for it. In a way similar to Alexander Payne in his films, director Roman Acosta takes the audience through an experience that many dudes can relate to. I’ll just leave it there. Follow Acosta for more:
https://www.instagram.com/theromanacosta/
In many ways, our screening of “The Negro Artist” in LA was a success. We had a pretty big audience, and we received an epic applause at the end of the film. Some of my close friends and family were in attendance. My mom was able to see it on the big screen with no technical issues, which is what mattered to me the most. It was also cool to hear George’s reaction to seeing himself on the big screen.
Unfortunately, we didn’t win any awards this time around.
I’m grateful for every opportunity to showcase “The Negro Artist.” The West Coast was introduced to my film and Caleb’s work in stellar fashion. I look forward to our upcoming screenings in Des Moines, Chicago and Detroit. More info on those can be found at the7times.com
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Thank you for sharing this! I’m so proud of you and your work. Keep going! Awards may or may not come, but that applause, connection, and excitement from audiences all over is the prize 👏🏻👏🏻
Congratulations on your success. I knew the film was going to resonate in so many places when you premiered it in Okoboji. Oh what a night - what a powerful story!