Thursday, August 3, 2017

“Daddy’s Girl” World Premieres at the BlackStar Film Fest; Newcomer Director Jeanette McDuffie Premieres Short Film Thursday, August 3, Philadelphia, PA


SHORT NARRATIVE

Daddy’s Girl

Dir. Jeanette McDuffie • United States, 2016, 9 min.

On the day of her 10th birthday party, Lia wants nothing more than to have her unreliable father attend. When he doesn’t show up, she’s forced to face some real-world realities.

World Premiere


Daddys Girl World Premieres at the BlackStar Film Fest
---Opening Day at the BlackStar Film Fest Begins, 
Newcomer Director Jeanette McDuffie, Premieres Short Film ---
  
What: World Premiere of “Daddy’s Girl” at the BlackStar Film Fest
Where: International House Philadelphia, 3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
When: Thursday, August 3rd, 2017 at 11AM

Who: Director, Jeanette McDuffie and Producer, Micaeh Johnson

The BlackStar Film Festival is an annual celebration of the visual and storytelling traditions of the African diaspora and of global indigenous communities, showcasing films from black people around the world.  On Thursday, August 3rd, Director Jeanette McDuffie joins the collective of BlackStar Film Fest filmmakers, world premiering her short film, “Daddy’s Girl.” 

“Daddy’s Girl” tells the story of Lia who wants nothing more than to have her unreliable father attend her tenth birthday party. When he doesn't show up, she's forced to face some real world realities.


McDuffie says, “I'd previously avoided the themes visualized in “Daddy’s Girl” because it was so personal and my relationship with my father is one that still needs healing. I wasn't ready to think about or unpack the moments of hurt that is arguably the central driver of our relationship. However this film was to be an exercise in using the resources in my backyard, so it was fitting that I tell a simple story so personal to me, one that existed within the walls of my childhood home.”

McDuffie decided she would write this particular film, because it was an idea and theme that would resurface at silent moments over the years for her. 

She adds, “It was important to me to extend the narrative beyond the boys absent fathers leave behind. I was passionate about creating this short because black women, and especially black girls, are so invisible in media. There is not much space in the world for little black girls to be angry or sad. There isn't much space in media for little black girls to "be" period. It is quite fitting for 'Daddy's Girl' to premiere at a fest that celebrates and elevates the black voice and narrative."

“Daddy’s Girl,” because of the BlackStar Film Fest, pushes forward the voice of young black girl. 

About Jeanette McDuffie - Jeanette imagines a world where the images in TV and film are as textured, colorful, complex, rich and varied as the lives we’re actually living. She is especially passionate about creating projects that explore the diverse and rich images of black women and black people.
She directed, co-wrote, and co-produced the web series milk + honey. The series is executive produced by Idris Elba and features Debbie Allen, Lance Gross, Asha Kamali May, and Boris Kodjoe.
A Chicago native, she earned a MFA from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts and is a graduate of Florida A&M University.

Jeanette’s career reflects a balance of real world experience and formal training. She began her film journey in the production office of The Ring 2. There she got a full education on the nuts and bolts of creating a major motion picture. While an assistant for actress Gong Li, Jeanette learned from Oscar winning artists on the sets of Miami Vice & Memoirs of a Geisha. She gained experience in how to shepherd a project through physical production by working for producer Reuben Cannon. Working with her mentor, John Singleton, on Abduction was a master class in planning coverage, working with actors, and communicating with crew to execute the creative vision for a film. She later worked for producer Suzanne de Passe.


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