April 2008
This month on the show we have the distinct pleasure of talking with and old friend, Jim McQuaid of Turnip Video, and a new friend, Rodger Lee Edwards of Cool Breeze Communications. Both filmmakers have come together to produce “Trouble in The Water” which is our feature short film this month.
From www.troubleinthewater.com
Trouble in the Water, a joint production of Turnip and Cool Breeze Communications, was written by North Carolina native Roger Lee Edwards, Jr.
In this short film, we get to know Gary Simmons — a young African-American — and learn how, over the years, he’s allowed the constant bombardment of negative cultural images and messages (from both within and outside his race) to gradually drag him down. Now, he struggles between the love he’s supposed to feel for his people and the alienating affect of their negative — and sometimes embarrassing — behavior and attitudes. The key to transcending the negativity … he finds in an unexpected place.
Based on the author’s experience of racial negativity — growing up in the African-American community — and inspired by reflections on the Langston Hughes poem, “My People.”
For more information about the film and it’s directors visit
A BIG thanks to both Jim and Roger for taking time to come on the show and talk with us, AND allowing us to screen the film. We encourage everyone to support this type of filmmaking.
We’re also screening a short this month entitled “Whirling Dirvish.” From SourToe Productions, this visually compelling short is a lifetime of dancing through the eyes of a little girl.
