Audience, Withoutabox

TESTIFY U S A

Directed by: Darius Clark Monroe
Written by: Darius Monroe
Starring: Art Evans, Al Thompson, Shirley Whitmore
Country:U S A
Created:2006
Runtime:12 min.
Member: Darius-Monroe
Average rating: 4.86 by 14 users


Synopsis

In TESTIFY, we discover the truth behind a broken relationship between a father, prominent Southern Baptist Pastor Cyrus Biggs, and his son Gene.After Sunday’s service, Pastor Biggs is informed by a familiar, yet unannounced visitor, that it is imperative that he goes to visit his son. The Pastor and son meet and a new revelation is revealed.

Forms: Narrative Fiction, Short
Genres: Drama, Culture, Spiritual
Niches: African, African American, Black, Christian, Gay/Lesbian, Women, Student, Mature/Adult

Screenings & Events

Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival
Film Festival
Awards: HBO Short Film Finalist
Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, U S A
August 2006

Urban Mediamakers Film Festival
Film Festival
Awards: Short Film Competition
Atlanta, Georgia, U S A
October 2006

Indie Memphis: The Soul of Southern Film Festival
Film Festival
Memphis, Tennessee, U S A
October 2006

Redemptive Film Festival
Film Festival
Awards: Redemptive Storyteller Award
Virginia Beach, Virginia, U S A
November 2006

NYU @ New Filmmakers
Film Festival
New York City, New York, U S A
November 2006

Reeling 2006: Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival
Film Festival
Awards: Short Film Competition
Chicago, Illinois, U S A
November 2006

PlanetOut Short Movie Awards
Film Festival
Awards: Short Film Finalist
U S A
January 2007

Texas Black Film Festival
Film Festival
Awards: Honorable Mention
Dallas, Texas, U S A
February 2007

2007 Urban Film Series Tour
Film Festival
Washington, DC, U S A
February 2007

San Diego Black Film Festival
Film Festival
San Diego, California, U S A
February 2007

Pan African Film Festival
Film Festival
Los Angeles, California, U S A
February 2007

Festival du Cinéma de Paris
Film Festival
Awards: Sélection Officielle
Paris, France
February 2007

The Washington DC Independent Film Festival
Film Festival
Washington, DC, U S A
March 2007

Arizona Black Film Showcase
Film Festival
Phoenix, Arizona, U S A
March 2007

London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival
Film Festival
London, United Kingdom
March 2007

Cleveland International Film Festival
Film Festival
Cleveland, Ohio, U S A
March 2007

Harlem Stage on Screen
Film Festival
New York City, New York, U S A
March 2007

Spaghetti Junction Urban Film Festival
Film Festival
Atlanta, Georgia, U S A
April 2007

Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
Film Festival
Miami, Florida, U S A
April 2007

LOGO The Click List: Best in Short Film
Broadcast TV
U S A
April 2007

First Run Film Festival
Film Festival
New York City, New York, U S A
April 2007

Inside Out Toronto Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival
Film Festival
Toronto, Canada
May 2007

Damah Film Festival
Film Festival
Culver City, California, U S A
May 2007

Hollywood Black Film Festival
Film Festival
Beverly Hills, California, U S A
June 2007

San Francisco Black Film Festival
Film Festival
San Francisco, California, U S A
June 2007

Roxbury Film Festival
Film Festival
Boston, Massachusetts, U S A
August 2007

Outflix Film Festival
Film Festival
Memphis, Tennessee, U S A
August 2007

North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
Film Festival
Durham, North Carolina, U S A
August 2007

Reel Knox LGBT Film Festival
Film Festival
Knoxville, Tennessee, U S A
October 2007

Reel Affirmations 17
Film Festival
Washington, D.C., U S A
October 2007

Cast & Crew

Production

Darius Clark Monroe (Executive Producer, Director (1st Project)), Tiffany Achane (Producer)

Writing

Darius Monroe (Writer (1st Project))

Performance

Al Thompson (Lead Actor), Art Evans (Lead Actor), Carlos Bounds (Supporting Actor), Keith Davis (Supporting Actor), Kisten Rhodes (Supporting Actor), Shirley Whitmore (Lead Actor)

Camera

Daniel Patterson (Cinematographer/DP)

Art Department

Melissa Adeyemo (Production Designer)

Post Production

David Anderson (Picture Editor), David Anderson (Sound Editor)

Music

Jeremy Schrepple (Original Music/Composer)

Academic

David Atkins (Academic Advisor), John Tintori (School Administrator)

31st Cleveland International Film Festival Feb 14, 2007 08:47AM
Congratulations! Your film TESTIFY has been selected to screen at the 31st Cleveland International Film Festival (March 15-25, 2007). This year, close to 700 independent short film entries were submitted for review by our Selection Committee. Needless to say, competition was fierce.
Festival du Cinéma de Paris Feb 02, 2007 11:30AM
As part of the Annual Program Without Borders, TESTIFY is an official selection of the Festival du Cinéma de Paris. For more information please visit: http://www.mamut.com/homepages/France/2/9/5festival/newsdet7.htm
Arizona Black Film Showcase Jan 22, 2007 06:44PM
TESTIFY has been selected to screen at the Arizona Black Film Showcase. The event will be held in Phoenix, Arizona: March 22th-25th. Stay tuned for more info.
The Washington DC Independent Film Festival Jan 20, 2007 03:54PM
TESTIFY has been selected to screen at The Washington DC Independent Film Festival. The festival event takes place March 1st-11th.
2007 Urban Film Series Tour Jan 19, 2007 05:07PM
TESTIFY has been selected to screen at the 2007 Urban Film Series Tour: 4th Annual Film and Discussion series. The event will be held in Washington, DC, February 7th-11th. "Testify is outstanding and makes you reconsider your own misplaced judgments and attitudes about those close to you."-Urban Film Series
Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Jan 11, 2007 05:29PM
We would like to formally invite your short film TESTIFY to participate in the 9th Annual Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 2007 (April 27th - May 6th). We have programmed your film to exhibit in a short film program titled TESTIFY, (named after the title of your own film) which is specifically aimed at an African-American/black/Caribbean gay audience.
Texas Black Film Festival Jan 10, 2007 10:51AM
TESTIFY will be screening in Dallas, Texas: February 1st-3rd, at the Texas Black Film Festival. Finally, I get a chance to screen in my home state!
San Diego Black Film Festival (Formerly known as the:Noir Film Festival) Jan 03, 2007 04:52PM
TESTIFY just received word that it will screen at the Noir Film Festival in San Diego, California: Feb. 1-4th. The Noir Film Festival, originally known as the Micheaux Film Festiva, is produced by SAKHAM, Inc., in partnership with the Black Historical Society of San Diego, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. The Noir Film Festival now features seven genres of independent black films, an opening reception, parties, awards gala, panel discussions, celebrity appearances, featured directors, as well as, a marketplace. San Diego finally has a full fledged black film festival. And all are welcome to attend, enjoy, and experience America's black cinema.
Festival du Cinéma de Paris Jan 02, 2007 07:51AM
TESTIFY has been preselected for the Festival du Cinéma de Paris.
London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival Jan 02, 2007 07:46AM
I am writing formally to invite TESTIFY to participate in the 21st London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. The festival, organised by the British Film Institute (BFI) is the third largest film festival in the UK and attracts audiences of over 25,000. The LLGFF will run from 21 March - 4 April 2007. The London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival presents a strong and eclectic programme of feature films, shorts, artists' film and video and experimental work, as well as a whole host of discussions and special events.
Pan African Film Festival Jan 02, 2007 07:40AM
Congratulations! We are pleased to inform you that your film TESTIFY has been accepted for screening in the 15th Annual Pan African Film Festival which will take place at the Magic Johnson Theatres in Los Angeles February 8-19, 2007. With an attendance of over 150,000 people, PAFF is the largest Black History Month event in the United States. In a fun, family friendly environment, audiences enjoy cinema, art, music, spokenword, panels, workshops and parties. All ages, genders, ethnic groups and lifestyles are welcomed. Centered around the largest and most prestegious Black film festival in North America, each year PAFF screens over 150 films from the U.S., Africa, the Caribbean, South America, the South Pacific, Europe and Canada, made by or about people of African descent. PAFF also includes a section of international films from the developing world. In addition to the films, PAFF hosts over 100 fine artists and unique craftspeople whose works highlight the beauty of the African aesthetic. Showcased art includes visual art, sculpture, photography, unique handmade crafts, home furnishings, designer jewelry, textiles, designer fashions and accessories. For more info. please visit paff.org
PlanetOut Short Movie Awards Finalist Dec 15, 2006 10:27PM
I am writing formally to advise that your film TESTIFY has been been shortlisted in the 8th Annual PlanetOut.com Short Movie Awards 2007 which the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival is co-hosting.The PlanetOut Jury will make their selections over the New Year. If TESTIFY has won an award we will contact you, in confidence on January 9th 2006. PlanetOut will officially announce the winners as part of PlanetOut Queer Brunch at the Sundance Film Festival. We would ask that you retain our confidentially if you are contacted as a winner on January 9th until the official announcement is made at Sundance. Congratulations, you are a short step away from potentially $10,000 if your film is judged as “Best Overall” and selected as the Grand Prize Winner.
Harlem Stage on Screen Dec 05, 2006 10:36AM
TESTIFY will screen at the Harlem Stage on Screen, formerly known as the Harlem Film Festival. This wonderful event takes place March 9th-11th 2007 at the Harlem Stage (Aaron Davis Hall) in Harlem, New York City. Harlem Film Festival was created in 1991 to support the works of independent filmmakers of color. The films and videos presented at Harlem Film Festival strive to tell new and unique stories of people of color with a diversity of images and to create a forum of dialogue benefiting both the filmmakers and the audience. The festival reflects the diversity of the Harlem community, as well as the independent film community, where film and video makers continually experiment with new forms, forge new territories and disregard boundaries. Since its inception, the festival has been curated by Michelle Materre. Neyda Martinez joined as producer in 1998.
Spaghetti Junction Urban Film Festival Dec 05, 2006 05:10AM
TESTIFY will screen at the 5th Annual Spaghetti Junction Urban Film Festival April 16th-22nd 2007. This is the largest Urban Film Festival in Atlanta and our second screening in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area.
NEW FILMMAKERS Nov 02, 2006 07:49AM
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! MARK YOUR CALENDARS! You are cordially invited to the NEW FILMMAKERS SPECIAL NYU GRADUATE FILM SCREENING at the Anthology Theater. On Wednesday, November 8th @ 6:00pm, 12 short films, produced by NYU 3rd year graduate film students, will have their BIG SCREEN debut. Where: Anthology Theater (2nd Ave and 2nd St.) When: Wednesday, November 8th, 2006 Time: 6pm Link: http://www.newfilmmakers.com/ Cost: ONLY 5 BUCKS! Why: To check out 12 great films including my film "TESTIFY" Thanks so much and I hope to see you there.
Redemptive Film Festival Oct 16, 2006 01:33PM
Congratulations! Our jurors have deliberated and your film was selected to receive a Redemptive Storyteller Award for 2006. This is a tribute to your hard work and the high quality achieved by your team. Our jurors included professionals with years of experience in many aspects of cinema and television and one "film aficionado," who represented the public. All entries were screened using very high standards and only films with an average rating of 80 percent were selected as award winners. Several good films were not selected for this award, so you should be proud of your achievement.
Indie Memphis: The Soul of Southern Film Festival Sep 27, 2006 10:55PM
Today is September 28, 2006. I assumed that all notifications for Indie Memphis had gone out and I simply had not gotten in. Well, to my surprise, this morning, I was delighted to find an acceptance email in my inbox. TESTIFY is on its' way to Tennnessee!
Urban Mediamakers Film Festival Sep 22, 2006 08:04AM
Just received word that TESTIFY will screen next month in Atlanta at the Urban Mediamakers Film Festival. I was nervous about this one because I'm a student and I forgot to mention that on the application. BUT, instead of being programmed in the student competition, TESTIFY will screen in the regular short competition!
Chicago Reeling Sep 21, 2006 03:11PM
TESTIFY will screen at Reeling 2006: The 25th Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival, the second oldest LGBT film festival in the world! This will be our Chicago premiere.
MVAAFF!  Jul 10, 2006 03:25PM
TESTIFY has received its' first acceptance and is a finalist in the HBO short film competition at the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival!

Ratings

MustLuvMoviez
    5 Stars

xlnt film; can't wait to see more from Mr. Monroe

keithdavis
    5 Stars

A moving, timely film. Well-made and textured. excellent performances, particularly from deacon lee

egypteyes
    5 Stars
eyeswideshutbx
    5 Stars

good work as usual from mr. monroe. its only going to get better

charliesalazar
    3 Stars
QBurts
    5 Stars

Superb, must see!

Kionn-Burt
    5 Stars

Great movie, the best is yet to come.

mr-x06
    5 Stars
elliotvanhay
    5 Stars

"the movie was so good I held a screening...in my home!"

kTennessee
    5 Stars

Can't wait to see the feature version of this.

RGario
    5 Stars

Wonderful movie. The topic was very real for today's society.

Darius-Monroe
    5 Stars

Simply Great!

danielrlozano
    5 Stars
BLACKSHORTS
    5 Stars

TESTIFY WAS A GREAT FILM!THE PLAYERS WERE GREAT AND THE DIRECTOR REALLY KNOWS HIS STUFF.

7 Comments about TESTIFY

eyeswideshutbx
Jan 20, 2007 06:55PM

congrats on the washington dc acceptance. you doing the damn thing. i'm still trying to be like you.

wab-audience
Oct 05, 2006 01:08PM

Welcome to the Film Focus!

saskiawb
Sep 21, 2006 03:43PM

when's it coming to la?

SaturdayNightLife
Jul 30, 2006 10:19PM

Congrats on MVAAFF. Looking forward to catching this film one day soon. See ya on the boards...

QBurts
Jul 27, 2006 03:47PM

Let me do a little "Testify"ing--this movie is a must see, it's unpredictable, will keep you wondering. It's far from fiction, and it mirrors an ongoing issue in our society.

kTennessee
Jul 08, 2006 07:52PM

I really enjoyed this film. Very professionally done, mature, and definitely a story worth telling.

RGario
Jul 05, 2006 08:51AM

The movie was great! It had a spin to it at the end that I did not see coming.

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