FLOWER FOKES U S A

Directed by: Belinda Sullivan
Written by: Belinda Sullivan
Starring: Yolanda Harris, Robert Leyva, Belinda Sullivan
Country:U S A
Created:2007
Runtime:12 min.
Member: beli
Average rating: 5 by 4 users



Film Description:

Synopsis

Finding flowers in a market one day, I decided to write a story about the antics of friends and having great fascination and much respect for the transgender aspect of the LGBT community, I wanted to reference that, as I thought it would make a fun and wild little picture. As the story unfolded and the cast came to life there were so many layers the characters started to take on the likes of everyone I know. I ended up with a family with an out of control kid, a drag queen who has no shame for who and what she is, a husband who cheats on a wife who doesn?t care because she is in a struggle with her own sexuality, a man who does not care where he puts it, and the lovable family friend who is just a mess! The story was so real to life and loved ones, I recognized how lucky I was to have found these little flowers to cast in the roles, for had I used a human cast, I don?t think I would be too comfortable watching the people I care about recognize themselves in the film or in the characters. On the other hand, what a kick it has been having those same people tell me their favorite ? because they can identify with them! If I look at it hard enough, I find myself too, as one or even several of the colorful little `FOKES? in my film.

Forms: Animation, Narrative Fiction, Short
Animation Techniques: Photos, Puppets
Genres: Alternative, Comedy, Avant-garde, Dance, Independent, Spoof, Transgender, Romantic Comedy, Urban, Satire, Culture, Art
Niches: African American, Black, Gay/Lesbian, Women, Mature/Adult

Screenings & Events

Blowin' Up A Spot
Film Festival
Austin, U S A
April 2007

QWOC Film Festival - Festival Focus
Film Festival
San Francisco, U S A
June 2007

Frameline31
Film Festival
San Francisco, U S A
June 2007

Oakland Int'l Black LGBT Film Festival
Film Festival
Oakland, U S A
August 2007

SistahFest 2007
Film Festival
Los Angeles, U S A
September 2007

8th Annual Pikes Peak Lavender Film Festival
Film Festival
Colorado Springs, U S A
September 2007

Cast & Crew

Production

Belinda Sullivan (Director, Executive Producer)

Writing

Belinda Sullivan (Writer (1st Project), Story By (1st Project))

Performance

Belinda Sullivan (Lead Actor, Voice-Over), Christie James (Supporting Actor, Voice-Over), Dana Jae (Supporting Actor, Voice-Over), Geoff St. John (Supporting Actor, Voice-Over), Kim Mason (Voice-Over, Supporting Actor), Kim Murphy (Supporting Actor, Voice-Over), Liliana Hueso (Supporting Actor, Voice-Over), Morris Knight (Supporting Actor, Voice-Over), Robert Leyva (Lead Actor, Voice-Over), Yolanda Harris (Lead Actor, Voice-Over)

Camera

Belinda Sullivan (Cinematographer/DP (1st Project), Additional Photography, Sound Mixer, Video Operator)

Art Department

Belinda Sullivan (Set Decorator, Art Director, Costumer)

Specialized

Kim Mason (Special Effects)

Post Production

Belinda Sullivan (Picture Editor, Sound Editor, Digital Effects), Kim Mason (Digital Effects)

Music

Morrisson _ (Original Music/Composer)

Representation

Belinda Sullivan (Agent)

Academic

Madeleine Lim (School Administrator, Academic Advisor)

Animation

Belinda Sullivan (Animator (1st Project)), Tesa Bruce (Animator (1st Project))

Mar 15, 2008 05:05PM
NEXT SCREENING: Oakland Black International LGBT Film Festival Jul 17, 2007 01:54AM
August 16 - 19th at the Parkway theater in Oakland. I am very excited that Flower Fokes has just been added to the lineup for this year's program. My movie, playing in my favorite theater - in my hometown. It doesn't get any better. Well, actually it does... I'll post more later!
SCREENING: 8th Annual Pikes Peak Lavender Film Festival Jul 13, 2007 12:20AM
September 14, 15 & 16, 2007. I am very excited that Flower Fokes has been invited to open for the highly acclaimed film Red Without Blue. What an honor! And as I write this post, someone is sitting over my shoulder in the office I'm in, letting me know exactly how small the world I exist in is, and how I've been 6th degree connected to this film for some time now. What a delightful discovery...
SCREENING: Frameline31 Jun 14, 2007 02:09AM
NEWLY CUT TEASER Jun 07, 2007 02:08AM
SCREENING: QWOC Film Festival Jun 04, 2007 12:08PM
Flower Fokes will show on June 9th in San Francisco as part of the 'Festival Focus: Queer Black Women's Films'. These are the filmmakers whom attended the class I did. I have been so busy with other things, including laying down the audio tracks for my next project - a serious work with a human cast, I have not had time to get excited. Brenda, whose film will also show on the ninth, and I sat down last night to go over which films we want to see at Frameline. She will go with me, and hold my hand, and ease my nervousness. The ride continues.
FINAL VERSION... May 14, 2007 01:24AM
Phew! Never have I been so relieved! For the first time, I feel like the film is a completed project! I needed to redo the closing title sequence - which was a mess. Revisiting the film with a fresh eyes enabled me able to let go of some images and cuts I was holding on to. I have added a twist to the ending that I had originally wanted and I've shown it to a dozen or so friends, all of whom are wowed at the revisions. The final thing to do is post a new and better quality trailer, but as for the film Friends, finally - it's done... fin... put to bed. Ovah! On to the next project... Beli out.
Austin... May 04, 2007 11:33AM
Just got back from the Austin Women's Film, Music, and Literary Festival. I had a great time, saw some fantastic films, and learned a mountain of things. It felt odd attending a festival for the first time as a participant, sitting amongst an audience of unknowns, who delighted me with laughter and even occasional applause during the film. I am now inspired to get on with my next project - a serious piece and a complete departure from FLOWER FOKES... I will even cast humans to play the parts - HAH! Thanks, congrats and kudos to P.O.W. - for doing her way! OH - and Austin is a fabulous town!
TRAILER PICKED UP... Apr 17, 2007 01:26PM
Now, I ask the Universe - pick up the entire film please! ": ) I'm thrilled to know the search spiders on Google have picked me up, and the trailer has been placed on some pretty cool video sites. Thanks so much for this Friends and Viewers! You are making my Heart soar and keeping me inspired on the festival chase.
Brenda talked me into it... Apr 06, 2007 04:09PM
There will be a sequel... FLOWER FOKES 2: Unplucked and Scary. LMAO! I'm planing to have it finisehd around Halloween; my birthday. Laughing hard as I hit the post button.
FLOWER FOKES WILL BE SHOWCASED AT FRAMELINE 2007 Apr 03, 2007 01:03AM
I got the email today... FLOWER FOKES will be part of the showcase at Frameline31! Goodness... pinch me somebody!
SCREENING: Flower Fokes ... Accepted at Austin's Women's Film Music and Literary Festival Mar 23, 2007 06:52PM
This was the first festival I eyed when my film was in post. The film will be seen at The Queer Women of Color Film Festival, held in San Francisco in June 2007, as well. I even got the trailer posted, although I'm not that thrilled with how it looks, since I posted in DivX format. Oh well... What a journey I find myself on!

Ratings

beli
    5 Stars

How could I not give my own film 5 stars? HAH!

yruu
    5 Stars

im married to joe

Grant_007
    5 Stars

Too funny for words! See you in SF Beli!

practice
    5 Stars

As fabulous as I knew it would be!!

11 Comments about FLOWER FOKES

Idefixutz
Jun 20, 2008 03:24PM

The fifth edition of the “Gay Film Nights” Festival in Cluj-Napoca, Romania: http://www.beanangel.ro/sfg
Maybe we will see this short film in the festival.

gayfilmnights@beanangel.ro is the contact for apply until 1st of October 2008.

beli
Jan 03, 2008 10:53PM

Skye!!!

Hey Lady,

What a surprise to see you post on my blog! Makes me feel like I have a fan at home! '; ) Thanks for peering in. And I can easily arrange a screening for a hometown sistah. I'll look more at your links when time permits - Loved the pics!
Stay in touch Skye... you know where to find me!

Skyediver
Dec 24, 2007 08:36AM

Below are Cineaffable links.

I'm hoping for Flower Fokes as an entry at Cineaffable in Pairs. I attend every year and would love to root for your video. In my opinion this is the absolute BEST festival for lesbians--a great party too!

Cineaffable: Paris International Lesbian and Feminist Film Festival
http://www.cineffable.fr/en/


Skyeview: A Sistah's View of the World
http://www.kuma2.net/skyeview/?p=287

Skyediver
Dec 24, 2007 08:21AM

Big Up Belinda!
I throughly enjoyed the trailer and can't wait to see the short. Nah, I can't wait to purchase my own copies of the film whenever it's released on DVD. 'Sho is a whole ot of loving up inna dat video.

Do consider entering it in Cineaffable: The Paris Lesbian and Feminist Film Festival. My all time fave fest. Lemme know if you want Paris sistah contacts.

Maximum respect,
Skyediver, Oaktown

yruu
Nov 01, 2007 05:29PM

i want to see flower fokes

paulette
Sep 12, 2007 09:12AM

Well done, Really enjoyed the trailer. Looks like your busy making more films. Good luck. Look forward to you screening in London. You can now watch the full version on 'Shantell Town' online. Check out my page. P

beli
Jun 04, 2007 08:00PM

Busy preparing for back to back Festivals in SF. Hoping to return to normalcy soon.
Normal... what the hell is that? ": )

mablwom
Apr 06, 2007 07:08AM

beli
Apr 01, 2007 10:47AM

I'm going to try to upload a better quality clip. This one ... ack.

Beli

beli
Mar 30, 2007 10:20AM

Well, Mad was right when she said 'your film will take over your life'. It's endless and a learning experience like I've never had. It's wonderful Friends.

Beli

beli
Mar 09, 2007 10:28AM

On my usual Saturday visit to the flower market with my friend, we were late and discovered there were no flowers left, save for one little bunch. My friend kinda shrugged and started to walk away. I looked into the bucket, picked out this one little bunch and said, 'Hey, lets get these - they look like people'. Abeke looked at me sideways, and then busted out laughing as she said, 'Beli... you and your imagination'!

I bought a couple of bunches, took them home and drew faces on them. I still get a great kick out of Abeke gasping into the camera as my little "Flower Fokes" came to life. I made music videos with them for kicks, and knew I had something.

Then one day, someone sent me a flyer for a beginner film class. On the first day of class, I pitched my idea to a group of open-mouthed fellow students and instructor... and the rest is a history of back-stories as I shot and made this film powered only with imagination and drive. I just want to make you smile and do hope you enjoy it!

Beli

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