Nando & The Kids from Scenarios 2008 Film Premiere

Last night I was invited as a special guest blogger to the Scenarios USA 2008 film screening of 3 short films written by talented youths across the country. Students were asked to define masculinity in the form of a script and among thousands of entries, three were chosen to become actual short films and directed by veteran directors in the industry.

Earlier in the day, while at the gym, I saw an episode of MTV's Sweet Sixteen. The show was about a 14-year-old drama queen living in Miami turning 15 and having the biggest party known to mankind. In one scene, she "flipped out" on her enabling mother for giving her a car on the WRONG day. It was at this point that I was reminded how some kids now-a-days were very ungrateful; I wasn't really looking forward to the film festival after all . Would I have to FAKE my way through the night? Would I have to pretend to care about these snooty kids? I was sure they would be intolerable and I'd end up hating myself for taking the free invite--despite the free shrimp.

But an unusual thing occurred, I spent the entire evening in "ah" of these kids. They were the complete opposite of that brat in Miami and I had the BEST night speaking to them. After meeting the bright, talented writers, I was amazed at how articulate and well thought out their life plans were; they knew their life mission. And there I was, at 33-years-old still pondering the question, "What do I want to be when I grow up?"

Thank you Ernestine Heldring for the invite to such a wonderful event. Everyone attending the Scenarios program last night shared one goal...to celebrate the success of these 11 youth's talent, courage and charisma. Kids, in a seperate blog, I'll review each of your films. I want to make it a seperate blog because I don't want to take away from your hard work. So stay tuned!

Here I am with Rawson Marshall Thurber who happens to be a hilarious guy. Rawson kept begging me to take the lead role in his next film, but I had to let him down gently. Maybe next time Rawson.

Here I am with Clark John--Director of "The Wire". From listening to him and stalking him that night--I could tell he really enjoyed his time working with the kids. And from the looks of it--they really got a kick out of him. (He didn't offer me a role, maybe I scared him off) Call me!

And here I am with writer Mariella Zavala and Director Joshua Marston. Joshua didn't really know who I was when I asked for a photo--he thought I was an overjoyed waiter. Bless you Josh!

MANCHILD
Written by Earlaina Kemp
of Cleveland, OH
Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber (Dodgeball)



MISUNDERSTOOD
Written by Siraj Bah, Minkiai Burgos, Tiauna Clark, Amberstar Farrow, Amina Felder, Phillesia McKenzie, Mariet Polanco, Malik Roberts and Ravyn Sweringer
of New York City
Directed by Clark Johnson (The Wire)
Special thanks to Kenya Ponder who taped this portion of the interview!





BITTER MEMORIES
Written by Mariella Zavala
of Pharr, TX
Directed by Joshua Marston (Maria Full of Grace)




To all the kids: (and I can call you kids cause I'm older!) Please keep in touch and let me know how life goes for you. Some of you were off to college and others were still in High School. In just one night you and your films touched me and that takes a lot--I'm a very judgemental queen. I wish you well, I wish you success but most of all...I wish you creativity. Use your talents wisely--not everyone has the opportunity to display them at such magnitude!

P.S. All the dates in the photos above are wrong--no we didn't travel back in time, I just can't figure out the camera. I should have asked one of you little brainiacs to fix it!

Info on The Scenarios USA Program click here.
Info on Rawson Marshall Thurber click here.
Info on Joshua Marston click here.
Info on Clark Johnson click here.

For previous Scenarios USA blog
click here.