Esperanza is an aspiring photographer from a quiet neighborhood in Pasadena. Her best friend, Rosa, has recently become involved with Al, a gang leader from a gritty East Los Angeles neighborhood. Rosa takes Esperanza to Boyle Heights to meet Al. He shows them around his neighborhood, his gang, and his family, opening Espeanza's eyes to both the depravity and the beauty of life in Al's barrio. Esperanza's naivety and brandishing of her camera causes a disturbance in Al's set which endangers the lives of everyone she cares for. After that tragic day, Esperanza must decide what her life will become as she faces the loss of those she loves caused by the art she loves.
STATUS - COMPLETED
Directed by Kevin Coleman
Written by John Cruz
Produced by Brian Armes
Cinematography by Leah Anova
SNAPSHOT AWARDS/SCREENINGS
S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase 18th Annual African-American Film Marketplace and S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase, 2011 Black Hollywood Education & Resource Center "Reel Black Men Showcase" 2011 Lionsgate, Expose Your Shorts 2010
Black Reel Award 2007
Black Hollywood Film Festival 2006 (Best Student Film)
Urban World Film Festival 2006 (Official Selection)
World Fest Houston 2006 (Grand Remy Award)
Urban Media Makers Award 2006 (Official Selection)
River's Edge Film Festival 2005 (Official Selection)
Projects
Elon Settles Elon Settles is a 16 year-old homeless male prostitute who struggles to survive on the streets of St. Louis in an underground world of male youth sex workers. Police quickly turn Elon's world into a quick moving chase of him attempting to cover his tracks as the murder of a "John", a well respected married man with a hidden sexual appetite for young males is found dead where youth hang out. This is a story of solace and redemption through the eyes of our forgotten youth.
Directed and Produced by Kevin Coleman Executive Produced by Markell Jones Story by Kevin Coleman Written by Renee McClellan Cinematography by Leah Anova
Help Us Make This Film, WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT: Contact Kevin Coleman on how to support the film. We are looking for financial donations and or in-kind production support i.e. equipment, grip truck, and meals for the crew. It all helps make this film a reality.
Osi is a nice guy trying to do the right thing. He is friends with Reggie the toughest guy and girlfriend stealer in a neighborhood of North St. Louis. Reggie allows Osi and his druggie girlfriend Alyssa to sleep in one of his cars in his backyard since Osi recently lost everything in a fire. Osi tries to protect Alyssa from the day to day struggles with her drug addiction. Reggie has his eyes on Alyssa who isn't completely honest with Osi about Reggie and their past encounters. Alyssa quickly sends their already troubled lives down a rabbit hole of betrayal when she falls into Reggie's trap who baits her with drugs. Osi now must confront Reggie about his obsession with Alyssa which may jeopardize his quest for a better life.
The film is a look at an inner city community where words are rarely used to solve problems. Enough killing! What if we walked away instead of fighting when there’s conflict.
STATUS - Completed RELEASE DATE - July, 2011
Directed and Produced by Kevin Coleman Written by Reondo Minor Produced by Derrick Phillips Executive Produced by Markell Jones
OSI SCREENINGS
Moolah Theatre & Lounge, November 3, 2011 at the Moolah Theatre and Lounge (St. Louis, MO)
