Surprisingly, over 250 people came out to support this independent film, which was written and directed by Eric Graham.
The movie, which has been described as a psychological comedy, is about a young teenager named Bobbee Bee, who struggles to cope with his anger and hatred.
But, despite the film being labeled a comedy, it is much more than that.
Matter of fact, the writer of the film, Eric Graham, who is a proud graduate of Winston-Salem State University, where he received a B.A. in Mass Communication with a concentration in Radio & Television and a minor in History with an emphasis in African-American Studies, cleverly utilized comedy to tell a deeper story, which as it slowly develops, could be categorized a mystery as well as a thriller, depending on the age of the viewer.
Seriously, there are alot of layers in this film, which if slowly pealed away, reveal much more than meets the eye.
Why? Because, even though there is a cartoonish element to this movie, which was filmed and financed by Terrence Graham, the overall content is mind-blowing.
It's a classic piece of artwork.
In fact, it is more like a jigsaw puzzle, which must be unscrambled and put back together again piece by piece.
But, unfortunately, when you're finished, you find out that there are several pieces still missing.
Despite the missing pieces, however, the brilliance of the film is Graham's usage of ordinary people throughout the flick.
Eric said his decision to utilized the untapped talent of his family and friends, who all have a connection to Duplin County, down to the soundtrack, all the way to the editing process, which was done by Darius Carr, made the film unique as well as personal.
In effect, the humor, the language, the music, the clothing and the scenery in the film is uniquely their own and not a poor "Hollywood version" of themselves on camera.
"First, I like to say this is not a Me movie. Or a T-movie (referring to his brother Terrence). This is a We movie." Eric, explained to those in attendance to view the film for the first time before it goes into it's third editing phase.
Because, he, seriously, wanted them to really feel that they were a part of the project, while holding it dear to their hearts.
"Honestly, this movie was produced to showcase as well as highlight the talents of this entire community. It was not done for my personal aggrandizement and self-gratification." admitted Eric, who neutralized his ego by not being seen in the film.
"This film, means nothing, if the people, especially in Duplin county, don't support it, talk about it, debate it, celebrate it, laugh at it, Face-book it, purchase it, or watch it."
And so far, the people have done just that.
Plus, with a cast of about 45 people, who volunteered their time and talent to make the film possible, it is already a success in the eyes of the Graham brothers.
Below are a few of those participants and their roles in the film:
Nubiana Mitchell as Fannie "Four Eyes"
Iris Carter as Bobbee Bee's Mother
Andrea Walker as "Smokin" Joe Black
Devon Oakley as "Larry Long Legs"
Ian Oakley as "Puerto Rican Jose'"
Rich Pringles as "Rich P."
Sentifica Wilson and Diamond Harris as "The Gossip Girls"
LeDerva Hall Lisane as "Nanny"
Johnny Miller as "Angry Andrew"
Destiny Miller as "The Bag Lady"
Trevon Williams as "Little Bobbee Bee"
Savion Littlejohn as "The Hater"
As the buzz surrounding the film continues to grow and more people begin to ask whether they are going to get an opportunity to see it, Graham plans to have additional showing of the movie in the Duplin county area once the film is edited.
" I must admit, this is a pretty good film. I just need to improve it just a tad before it is submitted to any film festival.
For more information about Bobbee Bee "The Hater," please e-mail me at lbiass34@yahoo.com
For more information about Bobbee Bee "The Hater," please e-mail me at lbiass34@yahoo.com
