Short film “I Choose,” shown at FLIFF, remains relevant, says North Miami director

In this election year, I Choose: Power Every Four Years, a 26-minute film about voting rights, encourages viewers to think about the impact of civic engagement and the power of their voice. Created to encourage young voters in the 2020 election, the themes of the film resonate in today’s political landscape.

Originally written by playwright, actor and North Miami resident Bill Spring, “I Choose: Power Every Four Years,” a theatrical piece, was inspired by the 2018 Parkland High School shooting and the students who became activists for social change. The play took on new relevance when it was made into a film during the pandemic.

The voting rights film, set in Miami in September 2020, follows a woman as she faces frustration and despair in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Miami theater veteran Carey Brianna Hart portrays the isolated and hopeless Bella, who records a farewell message in her apartment while contemplating suicide after losing her husband and job to the pandemic. However, as she reflects on the courage shown by survivors of the Parkland shooting, Bella discovers that her voice can make a difference, ultimately finding a new sense of purpose and possibility.

For Hart, Bella’s story resonated on a deeply personal level. She grew up hearing about her mother’s involvement in the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Her mother’s activism and the legacy she left in Hart’s life greatly influenced her performance in I Choose.

“My mom has always been pro-voting in our family. As a family, we attended rallies, marches and other political events,” Hart says. “I often heard outside of my family how people fought and died for the right to vote. My mother could smell the saliva of the vicious German Shepherds that the police had allowed to pounce on her as she walked along the picket line, ready to bite into her flesh and tear her apart. Firefighters hosed her and her classmates during peaceful demonstrations. Her actions always filled me with personal pride.”

Hart says that portraying Bella’s frustration with the political system did not require much emotional preparation, since her feelings coincided with the character’s feelings.

“It wasn’t hard to prepare and show Bella’s disappointment. The frustration was real and growing,” she said. “Working on this project gave me hope and reminded me that even in such a polarized time when we have distanced ourselves from each other, we still need to come together. We Americans depend on each other.”

Filming took place in the fall of 2020, in the midst of a particularly contentious election year.

“I Choose: Power Every Four Years” will screen on Sunday, November 10th as part of the 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) at the Gateway Cinema in Fort Lauderdale. FLIFF screened the film for the first time in 2021.

“Although the film was shot in 2020, the issues raised in it have become more acute today. In some ways, the film seems even more relevant today. . . because voting issues are very important right now,” says Spring, acknowledging that the show will take place after this year’s historic election is over.

“It is important to recognize that many of the challenges we currently face as a country will not go away once the 2024 elections are over. History repeats itself. We Americans must choose; that is, vote on who and what we want to be as a country. Each person has the right to make these decisions independently. Our ability to vote is enormous,” Spring adds.

The theme of civic engagement is central to the film, and Hart noted that the “I Voter” message could be a game-changer for younger generations who may view voting as unimportant.

“Many young Americans have been told that their votes don’t count, and they choose not to get involved or learn about the political process,” Hart says. “They need to know that their apathy means they have fewer choices in their own communities. Grassroots political action can make big changes possible.”

Spring also emphasized that the right to vote represents Bella’s personal empowerment, comparing it to “ruby slippers” that cannot be taken away. “Voting is truly our strength,” he says. “Don’t let anyone take your ruby ​​slippers. If we want to have a say in what happens in our lives, we need to get off our tails and vote.”

Hart echoes these sentiments, emphasizing that the film addresses real-world issues that affect all Americans. She believes the story carries a message of resilience and determination that resonates with audiences of all generations.

“I feel like a movie being inspired by real-life events like the Parkland incident makes it very real and relevant for people who might think it’s not important or doesn’t affect them,” says the actress. “The sociopolitical climate affects all Americans. We may think we are insulated from disaster, but incidents like Parkland show the country has gone off the rails. This is a wake-up call.”

As the only character in the film, Hart’s solo performance brought him unique challenges and rewards. According to her, playing Bella required her to work with complex emotional material in a very intimate setting, which pushed her to become fully immersed in the character’s journey.

“It takes a lot of vulnerability to remain truthful about the emotions and the content and bring them together. It also takes a lot of effort to let go of tension and emotions in order to return to your personal stagnation.”

“I Choose” received awards at film festivals in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Washington. Director Ricky J. Martinez, cinematographer Dennis Perez and producer Jose Lima worked closely with Spring to bring the story to life amid logistical challenges. challenges of the pandemic. Rehearsals were conducted via Zoom and the film was completed in three weeks in time for the 2020 election season.

Reflecting on his hopes for the film’s impact, Spring shared that he wants audiences to recognize their power and the importance of actively participating in democracy.

“I hope people understand that they have personal power,” he says. “Like the heroine of the film Bella, never be afraid of anything or anyone. I would like audiences to watch this film to think about what they believe is important in their lives. Is it all self-centered or does the collective whole come into play? Democracy is fragile and now is the time to take a hard look and evaluate where one really stands regarding the importance of democracy.”

WHAT: “I choose: power every four years”

WHERE: FLIFF: Gateway Cinema, 503 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale.

WHEN: 16:45, Sunday, November 10.

EXPENSES: General Admission $13; 10 dollars, pensioners, students, military

INFORMATION: 954-525-3456 or fliff.com.