Filmmaker M. Denise Simmons' documentary and the winner of Best Documentary at the 2019 Urban Film Festival will be shown Saturday at the Historic Ward Rooming House.
Haitian American, South Florida filmmaker M. Denise Simmons' documentary, winner of Best Documentary at the 2019 Urban Film Festival, will be shown this weekend in a free screening, The screening is part of Hampton Art Lovers and Urban Film Festival's "Films Under a Simple Tree" Documentary Film Screening Series.
The filmmaker says her "#Beforeyoushoot" documentary humanizes the lives of Black men in the eyes of law enforcement, media and society by proactively narrating their stories.
#Beforeyoushoot will be presented at the Historic Ward Rooming House in the heart of Overtown on Saturday, Aug. 28. It is free, but an RSVP is required. The screening, which begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, is presented by Hampton Art Lovers at the historic rooming house, 249 Northwest 9th St., Miami.
The showing is a kick of to this year's Urban Film Festival set for Friday, Sept. 3 to Sunday, Sept. 5 at The Lyric Theater, Overtown Performance Arts Center and Dorsey Library. See the schedule of events here.
In "#Beforeyoushoot," Simmons, who was raised in Belle Glade and Liberty City, says that in the film, Black boys and men tell a story that encompasses the common link to us all; our humanity. In doing this, the film both exposes and educates viewers on the core of racism, prejudice and police brutality.
M. Denise Simmons who was raised in Belle Glade and Liberty City is director and CEO of her own film company MD Simmons Productions, Inc.
#BeforeYouShoot captures the stories of six individuals in a way that is not only compelling but also revealing to the Black male experience in America. In their day to day lives, they are not only confronted with the harsh realities of being Black, young and male, but are also faced with the realities of the intersectionality of their identities whether that be their special needs or their prior history with law enforcement.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to screen my film in such a historic and prominent area of Miami - Overtown, where Black culture has always been celebrated and honored,” says Simmons Director of #BeforeYouShoot and founder of MD Simmons Productions.
Simmons told The Miami Times last year that she was working on a production of a documentary that pays homage Esther Rolle. The film and television actress resonated with audiences in the role of Florida Evans on the 1970s sitcom "Good Times."
“They need to see people who look like them behind the camera to create the stories that they feel passionate about,” said Simmons.
This event is free to the public but RSVP is required. To RSVP, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hampton-art-lovers-presents-films-under-a-simple-tree-tickets-168008153911?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
