Son of a Bean is a hidden treasure in North Sacramento. Located on Del Paso Boulevard, the independent coffee shop has supported local art and music since its opening in 2013. The venue plays host to the California Film Foundation monthly meet-ups to educate filmmakers and has even served as a filming location to a couple of our 48 Hour films.
We caught up with owner Michael Chavez to ask him about his shop. "SOB"'s walls are covered with the art from the community, and the venue frequently holds events like open mic's. Mike is a big supporter of buying and selling local, and keeping business in the community.
On Thursday, September 21, while many film types in the State Capital were primping for their own close-up at yet another local film short competition, an amazing, multi-award-winning indie feature, iFeel, quietly made it's stop in Sacramento at The Crest Theatre.
The movie takes a unique look at mental illness, through the eyes of handheld technology. The lead character, Daniel, is different from most depictions of the mentally ill in media. Daniel is attractive, charming and successful. iFeel reminds us that even the people who seem perfect, battle their own demons.CFFcaught up with star, Ron Wilder (HBO's House of Lies) before the Sac screening to talk about his role and views on the film.
How does filming on mobile devices affect the tone of iFeel?
For this movie, it enhances the tone. I feel like shooting on mobile devices can become cliche due to the plethora of first-person horror films.We have literally, been there and done that. ButiFeelis the first film that uses this shooting technique to emulate the character's feelings. He is literally showing his feelings through the lens and that is a refreshing journey that is breathtaking and haunting at the same time.
In your opinion, what aspect of the movie makes it award-worthy?
Good question. The crew and cast involved and their collective spirit is what really pushes this movie forward. You can feel that synchronicity through the film. Some of the shots are truly breathtaking and the creative genius of my Director, Ludwig and Cinematographer, Pawel, was at times mystifying. Ludwig’s vision is really seen through the film, and ultimately through me. That in of itself is award-worthy.
Which audience got it? Which fest did you most enjoy so far? Honestly, iFeel was well received at all the festivals we had the pleasure to be a part of. I don’t mean to sound pompous with that statement, it’s just the truth. Our film had a lot of buzz, and our nominations and awards reflect that. It was truly a fantastic project to be a part of and it seems to resonate with a vast audience of movie-goers. As far as my favorite festival, it would probably be the Santa Monica Film Festival because it was local for me, and I was able to watch my friends and family enjoy the film and the experience.
What makes your character relatable? I feel like we all go through Daniel’s journey at some time in our life, in some way, shape, or form. We all, at some point, will question what we want,what we need and how we arrived into our current state of affairs, no matter what they may be, that’s just part of the human condition. We will all feel “off track”at some point in our lives and it takes a strong person to recognize that and have the courage to re-center themselves.That in of itself is relatable.
What do you, personally, think happiness is? Happiness is different for every person in this world. What happiness is to me could be completely different than what happiness is to you and THAT'S OKAY! We tend to lose that in this world and it’s current state of affairs. We need to be open to accepting each other, and what makes or does not make them happy. Because happiness, ultimately, is loving yourself. Once you truly love yourself you will know happiness. Happiness is that self-love.
Sacramento Native and Sac State alumni Danielle Moné Truitt got her start in local productions through the B Street Theatre, Sacramento Theatre Company, Celebration Arts, and Music Circus, starring in productions such as "Hair" and "Aida". She has gone on to fame as the title character of the John Singleton produced, BET show "Rebel".
Danielle is returning home this Sunday, September 10th in "Overnight Success", a "night of music and truth-telling".
What is the inspiration for "Overnight Success"?
Overnight Success is about the last 10 years of my journey in Los Angeles. The things I've been through and learned and some of the work that I've done that has shaped my career.
Why did you decide to return to Sacramento to perform "Overnight Success"?
I decided to come back to Sacramento to perform the show because when I left Sacramento I did a show called "Journey To Stardom" as a send off to Los Angeles. So now that I have been in Los Angeles almost 11 years, I wanted to come back and share what I have experienced and learned. Plus, so many people in Los Angeles helped to shape me as an artist. It's kind of a thank you to those people and the city.
How did performing in local productions like Music Circus shape your acting skills?
Well, I would have to give more credit to Celebration Arts and B Street Theatre. Those are the theatres that took me in and really gave me opportunities to explore and grow as an actor. Even after I moved to LA I was able to come back to The B Street Theatre to perform. Music Circus was a lot of fun and because the productions are put up so quickly, it helped me to be able to perform at 100% level in a short amount of time.
Danielle Truitt as BET's "REBEL".
What are the biggest differences between being on stage and on screen? Which do you prefer?
On stage the energy is more potent; you get to feed off of the audience. You get to see people being affected by what they are seeing and feeling. You also get no do-overs. You have to ready for anything. Screen is lots of fun, you get to do things over and over to insure the best performance. Screen is all about the eyes and subtleties. And it's something you are able to have forever. So it's really cool, but there is not feeling like being live on stage. Nothing compares to it.
What has been your favorite role so far?
My favorite role ever is the role of Camae, from the play The Mountaintop.
The writers of "Rebel" said they wrote your character to better reflect your personality. What characteristics do you think you share?
Rebel and I are both very passionate about what we believe in, and we are unapologetic about who we are.
What advice do you have for young women in Sacramento trying to make it in the entertainment industry?
Fall in love with yourself. Love YOU! This industry is hard and the last thing you need to be confused about is who you are and what you have to offer the world. Whether the industry sees it or not, you have to know it!
Danielle will be performing "Overnight Success" Sunday, September 10th at Harlow's. You can purchase tickets here.
Hi, Mom is an exciting new pop-punk group crashing the already hot local music scene. Consisting of Bailey Zindel, Julian Grenz, and Henry Diem III, from Sacramento, CA., Hi Mom is "hi" on their new video, which just had its world premiere on BVTV Spetember 1st.
Bailey and Julian have worked together in different local projects in the past, such as Altessa. Julian is also currently in Demon In Me, signed to Standby Records, and Bailey has created album art and merchandise for bands such as A Lot Like Birds and Hail The Sun under the Halfheart Media banner. Their debut music video, directed by Andy Chen, has a lively, distinctive look. Frontman Bailey answered a few questions about the new project.
The video, album art, and promotional pictures all have a very specific aesthetic, what made you decide on this color palette?
I didn't decide on a certain color palette specifically - I've always been a huge fan of pastel colors and I really didn't want to do anything dark. When we did the video for Leave the Light On I got these pastel colored balloons and then ended up narrowing that same pack down to three colors when we did the photoshoot. I really latched on to the imagery of the balloons and the confetti because it felt cohesive and it was something I felt comfortable building around without representing the music disingenuously
What was the idea behind the video?
I knew I wanted to do something performance-based, and really liked the idea of cutting between me singing to the crowd going crazy and just me singing to the girl. Andy (the director) did a lot of concept development on it too.
What is your favorite line of "Leave the Lights On"? Why?
My favorite line in Leave the Light On is "I almost got away with leaving you and not really caring at all" - I worry a lot that I can be a callous person because I struggle to develop emotional connections with people and I end up hurting people more than I'd like to because of that. I wanted to explore that I was more upset at my inability to care than I was at hurting/losing this person
When did Hi, Mom first start writing and playing music?
I wrote and recorded an entire album in 2016. I regained a lot of clarity at the tail end of a couple years of being in a weed-induced haze from the minute I woke up in the morning. The project existed as a solo project until I met Henry in August of 2016 and we started jamming and then Julian seemed like the obvious addition a few months later. I would say we've been rehearsing with our current lineup since January.
What are your biggest musical influences as a band?
Green Day is my personal favorite band and is largely responsible for me getting into music initially. I don't feel like I draw songwriting inspiration from any artists too specifically, but some of the artists that have impacted me most are Manchester Orchestra, Fountains of Wayne, Bayside, Alkaline Trio, The Avett Brothers, Weezer, The White Stripes, My Chemical Romance, etc. - Manchester Orchestra especially has massive dynamic shifts in their songs and I've been drawing a lot from that in the last couple songs I've written.
What does Hi, Mom have planned for the future?
Right now we're gearing up to start playing shows. We have a few tentative things lined up locally and are working to set more stuff up. We just shot two more music videos a couple weeks ago so those should show up sooner or later. We're doing as much as we can, just trying to keep the momentum going and hoping that people will be as stoked about our upcoming releases as we are.
You can purchase "Leave The Light On" on iTunes or stream it on Spotify.
CFF member, TL Miller, is a familiar name on the local arts scene. He hosts a weekly dance party @ Badlands called Trapacana 916 and has created at least one film for the Sacramento Film Festival.
On September 16th he unveils his new creation, at Sacramento's Colonial Theater, The Devilishly Divine Revue: Resist(DDR).TL started on the show in 2015 after working closely with different cirque and burlesque troupes. DDR boasts of being the only “queer, pagan, horror based troupe” on the west coast. Premiering alongside the live show, is a short film by TL and Saul Arigaza, "The RIP", which promises to be full of "scandal", and "comic book action".
California Film News hooked up with TL Miller for a short interview on his upcoming show:
What makes The Devilishly Divine Revue different from your other events?
DDR is a pretty unique animal. We originally branded as a burlesque variety show but evolved into more of a cirque / cabaret with strong vaudevillian overtones. Being birthed within the Badlands environment, we set out to be inclusive from the beginning. We are a troupe of humans, all types. Encoded into our shows is the message of inclusiveness, acceptance, while rejecting and banishing bigotry, hatefulness and oppression.
What first interested you in burlesque?
I grew up in theater, performing and come from a diverse family. Couple that with being a dance party purveyor and an exposure to cirque and sideshow and you get the genesis of DDR
What inspires your burlesque shows?
We take inspiration from many sources, a huge source being the occult. That hidden light and mystery behind all things. Our shows have reflected elements and tenets of Vodou and other animistic theologies, the spiritual tradition of the Norse as well as others with more to come.
What made you want to seek out LGBT+ people for burlesque?
We joke that we are the only queer, pagan, horror focused troupe in well... maybe the world? Odd even amongst the odd I suppose. Not too far off as mysticism and the theater and the circus are closely intertwined. We pay homage to this rich tradition.
What is the upcoming “Resist” show about?
DDR is hosted by myself as the character Reverend Bishop and co hosted by his employee / arch nemesis Shameus O'Tool the candy man. In this, our 6th show, Shameus takes the reins and MUST BE STOPPED. Expect wondrous performances from artists like Lydia Wilts, Jenna Silkington, Saint Sara Sin, Saint Jessica Grabbit, Lez-He West, Pinkie Rose, Coco aka Nefertitti, Rhiannon the red, Maia Valentine and other surprises as well.
Why did you fundraise for WEAVE? (Women Escaping A Violent Environment)
Our upcoming show will be somewhat different. For the first time we are using that powerful performance tool of satire to communicate our feelings about the state of this country. Resist at the Historic Colonial Theater is about the villain winning the battle, but about allies banding together to RESIST him. This is what made working with WEAVE on this show so seamless. This show in particular showcases the triumph of the feminine in the face of severe oppression.
CATCH THE SHOW:
You can purchase tickets forResist, which premieres September 16th, at the Historical Colonial Theatre, at www.resist.brownpapertickets.com
