Today we begin the festival submission journey for First Fruit. Endless gratitude to our incredible cast and crew whose passion and dedication carried this film to the finish line. Special thanks to our Post-production Supervisor Yaminah McKessey for leading us through post-production, alongside editor Mike Viney @m1kev1ney - sound designer Daniel Guerra w/Ari Guerra, foley Fernando Bedoya, colorist Adrian DeLude @adelude - composers, Catherine Joy @cathjoymusic & Kevin Leysath, II @kevinleysathmusic - and @blacknewyorican at New Venture w/Loren Jaxson for the beautiful poster. You all helped bring the final vision to life.
We’re deeply proud of what we’ve created together and look forward to celebrating with you all soon.
Film Independent continues to accept donations on behalf of the film throughout our festival run - @filmindependent
With gratitude,
Lenny Payan & Beverly “BJ” Rouse - Producers
@lennyloon1@bevjrouse@rousehouseent
w/ @iamdarrindhenson@vijay_victorious1
#FirstFruitFilm #FilmFestival #IndependentFilm #FilmIndependent #OnwardAndUpward
I’m so proud to share with you a scene I wrote:
“Punch It In The Bud”
Special thanks to my boxing coaches, Alex and TT for supporting my vision and idea. And letting me film this in their boxing gym.
I’m equally grateful to Adrian for believing in me, supporting my idea and his girlfriend for her work as well.
A big THANK YOU to @timstagram_98 for saying YES to this, last minute. You brought it man! It was such a pleasure having you be a part of this 🙏🏽
And my hubby for his encouragement, love and boom operator skills 😉
And God, for the gift of writing. I still can’t believe this is something I wrote 🥹🙏🏽
Written and directed by Deborah Cortez
Filmed, directed and edited by @adelude
Filmed at @unifiedboxingclub.la
Fight choreography by Alex (Unified Boxing Club)
Co-Star @timstagram_98
Had an incredible time island hopping with my Filipino family. You know what was not so incredible? Getting stung by a jellyfish. It’s okay. I only cried a little. I’m a big boy. 😭🤣
Someone said playing a song in my head will help me with my fear of open water swimming.
Only one song plays in my head when I’m out here looking like a juicy seal with a cute little orange buoy.
Want to share this montage I made with the incredible @yonik_unique .
Like many of our brothers and sisters in the trans community his story is an inspiration of daring to be who you are.
Alex is definitely living his life to the max. Dude is a warrior!
🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈🇺🇦
Watch the full-length version here: /watch?v=nesnQQuT7UY
Camera/Edit/Color: @adelude
VFX: @davesimmons_art
Hair & Makeup: @tommy_cyr
Lighting Assistant: @jeannalax
Still Photographer: @chiaralexaphoto
Coach: Alex Ewan @unifiedboxingclub.la
Referee: @topboxersadiq
