"Family" DVD on Sale Now! Get Your Copy Today.

Excitedly, due to overwhelming demand, the "Family" limited-edition DVD is available now. So it you missed your chance this spring, you can get your copy of the award-winning, critically acclaimed feature film. I figure if you're in the FB group, you'd want to know *smile* Please go to the film website to order your copy today at http://www.familythefilm.net/ .

"Family" is the coming-of-age drama/comedy centering on the lives of a group of closeted lesbian friends who make a pact to come out together within 30 days. This groundbreaking feature film has played to sell-out audiences all over the world. It was nominated for "Best First Feature" Film by the 2009 Pan African Film Festival. It is the "Emerging Filmmaker" Award Winner at the Tampa Intl Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.

This hit film boast some of Hollywood's up & coming talents. This soon-to-be classic DVD is loaded with extras including:
Director's commentary, Director's Interview, Cast Interviews, Trailers, Outtakes and much more.

Critics have lauded the film praising its "...strong acting and filmmaking...engaging and well-realized storylines." -METROWEEKLY

GET YOUR COPY TODAY OF THIS HUGELY ENTERTAINING, HISTORICAL FILM; FOR YOUR DVD, HEAD TO THE WEBSITE:

DVD is for Home/Personal Viewing ONLY!

There is a link for purchase of DVD and Public Performance Rights for Community Groups and Organizations

http://www.familythefilm.net/

"Family" Pride

As we arrive at the two-year marker since the production "Family" and over a year of film festivals, it would be a good time to reflect a little on the journey. It has been an interesting one, littered with such memorable, encouraging and challenging experiences. "Family" received the nomination for "Best First Feature" during its world premiere at the Los Angeles-based Pan African Film Festival. The event was a reunion of the majority of the cast for a couple of special days. It received the "Emerging Filmmaker" Award at the Tampa Intl Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. Finally, it has received some very glowing reviews.

The initial festivals were followed by a generous amount of radio, online, and print interviews that really gave me, the director, the opportunity to distill my thoughts over the experience. I had to explain and sometimes defend my story and characters. So many who saw the film felt that there were reflections of themselves in cinema for the first time, but with that, was the expectation that all of the film reflect their politics and interest; it can't--it's just a film written simply to reflect the writer's (my own) views. While the film was showered with praise and accolades, it was also assaulted with some blows to the prevailing themes, the actors cast, the language used, and the filmming of certain scenes. I found it daunting and exciting to address all of these elements. I feel that that is what I enjoy most about the post-process of filmmaking.

"Family" has seen a great deal of exposure in dozens of film festivals, screening to thousands of people all over the world. The reception in South Africa was a unique experience but not so unlike Boston, and as we head to London, England, I'm sure there will be similiar responses. The film trailers on Youtube have experienced over a 400,000 hits and incredible feedback from those who have viewed them.

The goal for "Family" was to bring exposure to those marginalized lives; to give lesbians of color and particulary those of African descent a voice. I wanted to show their fascinating lives; their challenges, struggles and joys. I feel "Family" had done that and will continue forward to hold a mirror up to those who have been ignored. I feel it will bring a certain poetry to those experiences that are thought commonplace. I know it's a modest film, made from modest means, but the concept and the message, I feel, is priceless.

Controversy

Already there is a little controversy concerning "Family" as many expect that the film can be a one-size-fits-all. As much as a filmmaker hopes that the universal themes she puts in her film resonates with all in the world, they won't. I appreciate the candor of many who have approached me and respect the feelings of all but "Family," though showcasing, predominantly, women of color, is a racially inclusive film. It was written as such and not in affected way, but, quite organically. There is an interracial love story that I am proud of; men are in this mostly lesbian tale; finally, "Family" is inclusive of all orientations and gender nuances, as well as skin tones and body sizes.

Some would seek to have this be an homage to black women exclusively, but it isn't entirely. I do believe, though, that "Family" should receive kudos for presenting the lives of the marginalized: women period and particularly women of color and, also, in giving a far more authentic portrait of their lives. I love controversy like the next filmmaker, but I just want to make sure that people don't reject the film before they experience it--then afterwards, throw stones or flowers or whatever you have handy.

"Family" Film Festivals '09

Well, "Family" begins its official run of film festivals across the world. It is always so exciting and rewarding for me as a filmmaker to visit cities and sit with people as they take in the project. The Q&A's are the truest barometer of your film's success--not the critics. It is during the festival that you get the critical feedback directly and indirectly. Directly by the reaction of the audience and later there actual statements. Also--the secret is to sit in the back and see what people honestly do. I've had the pleasure of seeing people witness "Family" reluctantly leave to go to the restroom and actual semi-sprint back into the theater, as if not to miss anything. I've seen people return time and time again to view the film in its entirety. I see that as the film's success; the answer to how people enjoy it.

All is not perfect in festival land; not every audience will love, like, or tolerate your work, but at least the work is in the world for one to have an opinion on. To me doing the work is the greatest achievement. Also, creating an event for the people to come together to enjoy or trigger debate is an accomplishment in itself. However, the downside is some potentially callous critical reviews that I believe are far more severe on works on women in general and works about black women specifically; these works are easy target because they don't always have advocates and must struggle with lesser production than their male counterparts--less funds available for work that is not seen as commercially viable. I definitely feel that the tide is changing, but until then, let's cross our fingers and hope that those with a critical voice can see what the film meant to be; see how radical and hopeful it is for women, particularly those gay-identified. Regardless, "Family" comes into the world, and she's ready!