NH Filmmaker Interview Series #12 - Rae Dawn Chong

The African

What if the African was politely asked to join other fellow Africans on a voyage into the new world. When he and his friendly comrades arrived safely having been given proper passage and a room with food and cleanliness. He was welcomed into a community made up of fellow pilgrims also of many ethnicities and in this new world community he was allowed to prosper and grow. As he grew so did his family and wealth and The African was allowed to create fair commerce and to add fellow dreamers who supported his vision for a prosperous future for he and his family and fellow investors. There was hardly any resistance other than the occasional storm or air born illness as setbacks. He had a large family of friends and a healthy support network that made sure his efforts saw fair trade and financial support when needed. As time went on The African was able to leave a legacy of both massive wealth and tradition. He was allowed to summer on far away Islands in Maine with family and friends and to share in his good fortune and see his children marry well. The African was allowed to prosper like every other early American family who arrived on these shores. There was love support and community. Imagine this start? I just described what early White Anglo Saxons settlers experienced in early times. Contrast this start with ours?

Really?

We are gearing up to shoot a film about a special friendship. The protagonist is a young man who as he evolves has to deal with his sexuality and his identity. I think valid things , important things we all deal with throughout our life. One of the things our campaign has illustrated to us the film makers is how clouded we become with our judgements and our bigotry. I am not surprised but maybe a bit disappointed. Why does our sexuality offend? I am curious why people are so up in arms against homosexuals or being African American,or being a true progressive or liberal. Why does it cause such a ruckus? Who are we that we care who another person loves? Baffling and annoying that is my reaction. I am sick of people being so judgmental and I suppose we are in for it as we make the movie we are asking for it because we are allowing you inside a tender place. America lately has shown up to be a pretty intolerant place where we CLAIM to value freedom on paper but in practice not so much. Our intention for the film Pame is illumination and a chance to enjoy and experience a special friendship. Yes it is between two social misfits, yes we will offend the intolerant or bigoted. Because we judge, we sit back and judge, we all do it. I for one find life and my perspective in need of broadening everyday. I for one feel we all could use a bit of enlightenment not everything is as it seems. It is a journey a beautiful, rich , adventure if we allow it to be.

Pame

We ar emaking a movie in april; Here is an article that is out today if you are interested and want to support us take a look; http://m.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?aid=%2F20140106%2FNEWS%2F401060317&template=wapart

Star

You are made up of the exact same substance as actual celestial stars. The very fact that you said yes to living is a blessing and if this life is turning out to be an adventure with all sorts of challenges than you are super special and capable of solving the mysteries. YOU....said YES! You would not have it any other way and because we are in charge it is up to us to delight in it and to be excited about what is coming next. This is not to discount where you are or have been it is to acknowledge what a magnificient job you are doing. No matter how grey the skies or bleak the prognosis. This is an adventure made custom for YOU. In fact so much so that we only get a true sense of our own experience, everything we see and feel and know is a reflection of where we are. Fancy that? Enjoy all of it and say yes to all of it and watch the heavens fall in line to uplift and support you. Nothing but love even when there seems to be nothing, it is LOVE allowing us to get out of our way and prosper. Happy New Year STAR!