Matinee

Series/Themes: Race in America

Genre: Drama

Film Year: 2019

Locations: USA

Film Length: 78 min.

Languages: English

Director: Phillip Youmans

Featuring: Wendell Pierce, Karen Kaia Livers, Dominique McClellan, and Braelyn Kelly

Preceded by the short film Easter Snap.

God-fearing Helen Wayne’s faith is quietly tested when the relationships in her rural Louisiana Protestant town begin to unravel. Helen’s only surviving son, Daniel, is recently unemployed and struggles with the burdens of alcoholism while caring for his young son. Helen seeks refuge from the instability in her church, yet even her pastor, Reverend Pastor Joseph Tilman,cannot seem to escape his demons following the sudden death of his wife. 19-year-old writer-director Phillip Youmans tackles the complexities of the dichotomous role of masculinity and religion within the African American-community while subtly exploring the small complexities within a small black Protestant community. Introduction by Michelle Jackson (VAFF)

This film is part of the Race in America series presented by James Madison’s Montpelier and supported by Bama Works Fund at the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, the UVA Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights, and the UVA Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion