PASSING BLACK
a film by Maria E Hill
Based on a true story, Passing Black, is about an interracial couple set in Cincinnati in the 1960’s. As the couple, Lucy and Bruce, becomes more involved in the civil rights movement this film explores the challenges their family faces when they becomes the target of the Klu Klux Klan, hate mail and racial slurs. While trying to endure the backlash, Lucy is plagued with issues of racism, discrimination and infidelity by Bruce. She is then faced with making the ultimate decision when she has to decide if her involvement in the civil rights movement and what appears to be a failing marriage is worth the risk.
As I approached my Senior year and began working on my thesis film, I was inspired by my Nana Lucy to write about my own family. Based off of the stories that I have heard over the years from my Nana, my Mother and other relatives, I wrote Passing Black.
Up to this point I have had amazing support from my family, my mother – Licia Green, my father – Rodney Ellis, and close friends. This unwavering support provided me with the opportunity this Spring to bring key crew and lead cast from New York to Houston to shoot the film. It was an amazing experience and truly a chance of a lifetime!
Working within the confines of a “micro-budget”, I was blessed to have the invested time of my crew, cast as well as amazing location owners. Although this is my family’s story this story is no different than countless of others across the country. I ask that you please take the time to view the trailer - - I believe you will be inspired by what you see!
I hope you will consider supporting my film for post-production as well as for the upcoming festival season.
www.passingblackfilm.com- Maria E Hill
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Above: Final days of Pre-Production in Houston.
What We Need To Finish This Film
Currently, we are in the post-production stage of the film. What we need in order to finish this film:
POST-PRODUCTION
*Editing
*Color Correction
*Sound Design (Foley and possible ADR)
*Recording the soundtrack
*Mixing for the final sound
*Media Storage
FILM FESTIVALS
*Entry Fees
*Marketing
*Flights
*Room and Board
Above: Breakdown of budget for Post-Production and Festivals
Why This Film?
Though this story is set in the late 1960s, the themes in this film (civil rights, family, race and infidelity) are still very relevant today. As race has become a big topic in today's mainstream, this film discusses how we navigate the world and understand the people around us.
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Above: Production still from
Passing Black.
Other Ways You Can Help
To make this a possibility and get this film out there we need your help!
* Please forward this project to your friends and family!
* Share this on facebook, instagram, twitter, etc.!
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Above: Production still from Passing Black.
Thanks for all the support!
To learn more about the film please visit:
www.passingblackfilm.com facebook: www.facebook.com/passingblack
instagram: @passingblack
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Above: Slate from production.