Lil' RED is RIDING the wrong way in the HOOD!, 8min., USA
Directed by Venus Jones
This short film with a long title is a Hip Hop twist on a classic cautionary tale starts with an adventurous little boy getting lost on the wrong side of town. Childhood labor and public safety may sound like heavy topics, but they're presented in an approachable manner in this timely and important project.

http://lilredmovie.com/
https://www.instagram.com/venuslovejones/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

It began as a novelty book for "woke" grandmas and after it was rejected by some traditional publishers. l learned about an individual artist grant interested in doing something new to elevate their work. I wrote my proposal to turn my poetic narrative based on a classic tale into a film and l won. I spoke of partnering with a non profit organization on the front line of the human trafficking epidemic. The funding inspired me to create the animation for Lil Red is Riding the Wrong Way in the Hood. I'm the first in record to make the main character a boy because their safety is often historically overlooked in comparison to little girls. I also made the characters African American because our communities are presently reimagining public safety.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

About six months tweaking the script and a year of production.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Earn Trust

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The biggest obstacle l encountered was imposter syndrome after winning the grant and fear began to creep in that l wouldn't find a competent trustworthy team and l wasn't good enough. After getting past the mental hurdles and anxiety. The second obstacle was trying o decrease breakdowns in communication and working with an animator based in different time zone and country. This caused scheduling delays delays at times as l wanted to respect holidays in Nairobi, Kenya.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was smiling ear to ear hearing the praise. I especially enjoyed when someone mentioned the records on the wall. My intention was to tell a story with the pictures not just the script. One viewer saw the underlying lesson of letting young people know early about the dangers of shady contracts. I saw too many episodes of TV One's Unsung mini documentaries and countless emerging artists became economic slaves because of it. My film seeks to prevent this.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I remember listening to songs as a teenager and l could picture each moving image in my mind. I remember thinking this corn field is where l'd film it and this is what the singer would have on as they walked backwards with sun on their face. I was imagining being a director and didn't know it. When l became the talent in hundreds of commercials in Florida and wanted to add to the script or make suggestions that l realized writers and producers of films have most of the power and influence. If l wanted a decent script as an actor l would have to write and eventually direct.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

As a child l loved watching Polly, the Black version of Pollyanna, produced by Disney and directed and choreographed by the legendary, Debbie Allen. It promoted an attitude of gratitude, being a bridge across difference and much like my film the main character is a child learning who to trust. It's a classic. And l still remember writing a few letters to Disney advocating for it's release on DVD or on the Disney website. It took quite a while before l found a copy on eBay and now you can watch clips on YouTube. I imagine racism was one factor back then regarding the distribution. Yet, l think it's one of Disney's greatest made for television productions.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I love the element of feedback provided by Wildsound Festival and the only thing most filmmakers need at my level is custom marketing plans and ongoing mentorship from veteran's available during select times would be awesome.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site? I love my experience on FilmFreeway. It has introduced me to various opportunities and a cost effective way to promote my film. I've won over six selections and two awards for best short. I love the fiesta 🎉 vibe and virtual confetti that falls with each acknowledgement. It keeps us independent filmmakers encouraged.

10. What is your favorite meal?
My favorite meal is 🍕 a well sauced pizza because l like bread and more importantly l love cheese. It would be accompanied with a good salad 🥗 with strawberries, avacado, onions, mandarins and a poppy seed dressing on top. Followed by a raspberry lemon cream cheese cake. 🍰

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I'm open to writing more episodes in a series of safety videos for Lil Red that will also be a catalyst for conversation. Our educators and parents need and want entertaining tools to better discuss different subject matter.

l'm also interested in creating my first documentary for wordsmiths where we change the world one word at a time.

I will also continue to teach others how to write more poetry that promotes peace, as an artist and activist, interested in equity and social progress.