True Grit(s) Screened at Warner Bros.

2/28

Black Employees @ Warner Bros hosted a very special screening of TRUE GRIT(s): a faux cinéma-vérité docu-dramedy. History was made at the legendary studio, as the first film ever to deal with infidelity, healing and HOT GRITS graced the big screen, and the audience ate it up.

The evening consisted of a screening of the film, a panel discussion and a Q&A segment focusing on the issue of infidelity. Guests made there way through the outdoor sets of such TV classics as: 77 Sunset Strip, The Dukes of Hazzard, & Friends. Why there was never a storyline with Rachel throwing some grits on Ross, I’ll never know.

Unfortunately, no grits were allowed in the theatre; however, dessert and coffee was served in the lobby before the screening. Next the guests made their way into the beautiful theatre. Indira and I introduced the film, and sat in back and clutched our hands in prayer. “Dear Lord, it’s me, Blaine and Indira. I know you are so busy, but please let these people like our little movie.”

The film that asks the question “what is cheating to you?” received an enthusiastic response from the audience, and they were ready to respond to the question and ask the panel some questions.

The panel consisted of the “usual suspects” filmmakers Indira Gibson, Shawn Carter Peterson, yours truly, Blaine Teamer and our resident therapist Antonio LeMons; however, this marked the first time that Tonya Pinkins joined our panel discussion. The legendary stage diva did not disappoint and dived right in. Candid, charming and full of charisma, Tonya gave her perspective on the topic of infidelity. She shared lessons that she learned and how she healed from the experiences.

Fueled by the panel’s honesty and insight, the audience could not wait to have their say, and they did. The film opened up Pandora’s Box. As usual our resident therapist Antonio was on hand to help people work through what the film brings up. The film introduces the audience to therapy in a unique way, and the screenings give them direct access to one.

What amazed me about the audience discussion were the unsuspected viewpoints and the social myths that were deconstructed. Also, how audience member shared their perspectives in order to help other members who were dealing with their own issues. It was group therapy with a TRUE GRIT(S) twist. I think we are onto something.

The whole purpose of the film series and our screenings is to stimulate a conversation about social issues and to get people talking about it. Then let them define the issue and co-create the solutions to solve the problem. Mission accomplished at Warner Bros. Next stop Portugal.