This summer the indie feature On the Low is making the film festival rounds. Today is the short's New York City premiere at the New Festival.
Hopefully this feature will have a cinderella run during its limited theatrical release. My ex and I saw On the Low last February at a screening and we both were impressed. At 15 minutes it isn't too light; neither will you find the angst and the typical extended dialogue common in many indie shorts. You know the type. The director wears nerd glasses and slacker outfits, and introduce themsleves like, "Yes, I'm a student fillmmaker dabbling in haiku-based dialogue and cinema verite."
Back to On the Low: No pretension here, just two high school seniors on the DL. Directed by Luther Mace, the cast stars industry vets such as Martin's Tommy Ford, Deondray Gossett, Delpano Wills and Austen Parros. Newcomers Antoine D'Angelo Lattier and Gene Samuels round out the cast.
The movie centers around young Ty (Gossett) coming to terms with his sexuality. After experimenting with classmate Kevin (Wills), their feelings begin to grow and the boys get into a schoolyard fight. As the sexual tension escalates, Ty realizes that what began as innocent curiosity has blossomed into something more profound. Meanwhile, Tommy Ford plays a teacher who has sage advice for the conflicted youth.
The film is brief, moody and powerful. The editing is tight, the script confident and unrushed. My only regret was that it wasn't longer. (Well, a second regret: Deondray looks like a great kisser and we could have seen more of that.) Both male leads are comfortable with the material and have some chemistry. Don't think director Luther Mace is afraid to show male intimacy; he isn't. There's lots here.
Deondary Gossett is probably the stronger lead which isn't surprising given his resume. He's acted in Sister Act 2, Roswell, The Parenthood and The Hughleys, among other projects but it seems like Gossett has traded in his SAG card to work behind the camera. In 2002 he was one of nine winners at Showtime's 2nd Annual alt.Sho.com Alternative Media Festival for another short. Gossett started his own production company and is now in post production on another project: The DL Chronicles: Next of Kin.
Tuesday, June 7: On the Low premieres at the Loews 34th Street @ 6pm
Hey If I come in On Friday, will the movie still be there or is it a one time deal...
I am interested. Panting even. I don't get a chance to see such intamacy in film.
As always in Parting,
I came in Peace and in Peace I leave.
Posted by: Kenneth Alston | 06 June 2005 at 20:06
It's about time they made a movie like this.I'm tired of the movies portraying the same ol flaming queen(they exist) but so do many other types of gay men.I'd love to see this.
Posted by: HolidayN. | 06 June 2005 at 23:02
Where is the bootleg copy so the L.A. peeps can see this?
Posted by: Trent | 06 June 2005 at 23:25
how can a kali brotha see this film???
Posted by: rome | 07 June 2005 at 01:12
would like to see this movie, how do I
Posted by: charles | 07 June 2005 at 07:35
Yeah im in dc trying to check it out myself.
Posted by: David | 07 June 2005 at 07:56
wish him the best with the film. i'm very interested in seeing the film sometime. :)
Posted by: dari | 07 June 2005 at 10:19
David in DC, come to the 10th Annual North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (www.carolinatheatre.org/ncglff) on August 11-14 in Durham NC. We're showing the Southeastern US premeire and Luther will be in attendance.
Posted by: Thomas | 07 June 2005 at 10:28
seen to be a chill flick i want to see the movie atl location
Posted by: malik | 07 June 2005 at 15:46
When is it coming to DC?
Posted by: eric | 07 June 2005 at 15:55
When is it coming to Illinois / Indiana ?
Posted by: Mike | 07 June 2005 at 22:54
Boston MA showing...wassup?
Posted by: CJ | 07 June 2005 at 23:45
I totally want to see ths flick.....man....black art is in a renaissance and please believe that gay black folks are leading it.
Posted by: Rashid | 08 June 2005 at 21:11
What about atlanta, showing?
Posted by: no drws | 08 June 2005 at 21:15
Blk boyz have been in the main stream for ages, and as boy-lovers it's about time a different aspect of our life style is potrayed in non-perveted, ignorant, horny mindless inferior species. Blk boyz in this millenium tend to care more of each other and build each other up-through tough love or other wise. We own houses 2gether, live,adopt kids,travel,mentor,invest,church and SLEEP 2gether moreso now than ever before.We used to be looked at as worse than being blk...well, has there been a better century for blk boyz than this. Lets pick up our brother, have God in our hearts 'N show them what life is all about. We already posses the ultimate strength in humanity. Lets show what we are made of...and I think this flick hits the mark at least for starters. Not all of us are flaming,ignorant,"homophobic/DL niggers" et.c
Luv y'all folk....."keep your drws up" lol
Posted by: no drws | 08 June 2005 at 21:30
When will we ever see it in Africa? Can we get it on DVD because I would love to watch the movie.
It always inspires us African Boyz when we see other black brothers face the same predicament we do as gay people.
Peace!
Imani
Posted by: Imani | 09 June 2005 at 08:56
i would love to view this movie very much but i live in atl, ga can i get a copy oy buy one please let me know at wil_do_69@yahoo.com
Posted by: wil | 09 June 2005 at 13:54
I too would like to see this movie if it's available on DVD, or VHS. Even as a production on televisoin, I would love to see it, please email me in regards to it's premier. I live in Raleigh NC, and am anxious about it's arrival to the forefront.
Posted by: Lloyd Anthony | 09 June 2005 at 15:53
are their any places in charlotte nc that might carry it
Posted by: trayce | 09 June 2005 at 17:28
will it becoming on tv any time soon or dvd if so email me back at deejays_goodies@yahoo.com thanks.
Posted by: DeeJay | 09 June 2005 at 23:11
Where can you purchase this film?
Posted by: Platinum | 11 June 2005 at 16:54
I would also like to see this movie. Could I get a copy as well?
Posted by: Riley | 11 June 2005 at 20:15
When is it coming to Dallas, Texas. I would "LOVE" to see it.
Posted by: Labarron | 11 June 2005 at 23:34
where in nyc can i buy the DVD
Posted by: SLIM | 13 June 2005 at 01:51
From Chi-town.. Is this on Dvd or Vhs... I would love to see this....????
Posted by: Casper | 13 June 2005 at 10:26