I was at
the recent Sundance Film Festival. I interviewed many actors, film producers and
directors who applauded President Barack Obama for his compassion and honesty in
helping Americans.
Some
of them spoke about their current projects. During my interviews, I asked
several celebrities what they thought of Sundance and their thoughts regarding
our new president.
One
filmmaker I had an opportunity to meet is Robert Townsend, who first achieved
recognition through his film “Hollywood Shuffle.” Since that time, he has
accomplished many endeavors, one of which was running a cable company in
Atlanta, Georgia.
Townsend
has a new documentary that he directed titled “Why We Laugh” based on Black
comedians. There are various clips of Richard Pryor, Whoopie Goldberg, Bill
Cosby, Keenan “Ivory” Wayans, Eddie Griffin just to mention a few. There were
also interviews of scholars, politicians and cultural critics.
Townsend
believes that comedy is a form of communication in helping people regardless of
what their differences are or what nationality they are; we must respect each
other and work together.
The
screenwriters for his documentary are Quincy Newell and John Long, and it is
written by Darryl Littleton. In many ways, this historical contribution to
American culture is a tribute to the way individuals can charge history. “Why We
Laugh” is an excellent documentary.
Other
celebrities who attended the festival included Cuba Gooding Jr., Paris Hilton,
Uma Thurman, Jody Foster, Ralph Macchio from the “Karate Kid” and John
Schneider, formally of the “Dukes of Hazzard.”
Here are
just a few quotes regarding the annual film festival and President Obama:
In regards
to Sundance, Cuba Gooding, Jr. stated: “Sundance is a great place to network,
and there are a lot of new filmmakers being exposed there.”
He
went on to say about the president, “He’ll make a big difference, but he has a
tough challenge ahead of him.”
Also in
attendance at the festival were 60s recording artists Chad & Jeremy in concert
at the ASCAP café. In regards to the festival, Chad said “this is a great
opportunity for new artists to gain exposure.”
And his
feeling about president Obama: “Now’s the time to cut government waste in
America. Barrack Obama’s vision and foresight will eventually do that.”
A former
“Dukes of Hazard” star John Schneider said, “The festival brings people together
and is a great networking experience.”
About
President Obama Schneider said: “There's no question that we're in economic
straits. I believe Barrack Obama will make a difference, but it’s not going to
happen immediately.”
In 1980,
the Utah Arts Commission was formed and the Utah Playwright conference was in
effect. At that time, Robert Redford invited his fellow filmmakers to Park City,
Utah where the Sundance Institute had formed in 1985.
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My book of poetry
entitled "Messages" was inspired by my dear friends C.J. Cansler along
with Victoria Boone and Beryl Warren.
The group of poems
along with some beautiful photographs are to inspire the reader.
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