Danielle Brooks Shines in Indie Film 'If I Go Will They Miss Me' at Miami Film Festival
Danielle Brooks has made a name for herself in major productions on both stage and screen, but she finds a special connection to indie projects. At the Miami Film Festival, she received the Art of Light Award for her role in the film "If I Go Will They Miss Me." Brooks plays Lozita Harris, a mother trying to keep her family together as her partner struggles to reconnect with their son after returning from prison. The film, a semi-biographical, mythical feature, was shot in a public housing complex in Watts.
Brooks was drawn to the project after watching the short film version directed by Walter Thompson-Hernández. She found the story to be honest and real, different from the larger-than-life characters she had played before. The character of Lozita was based on a real person, and Brooks delved into research to capture her essence, from her tattoos to her mannerisms.
The film explores themes of survival and family dynamics, set in the challenging environment of Watts. Brooks praised her co-star, J. Alphonse Nicholson, for his talent and the emotional depth he brought to their scenes together. Despite limited rehearsal time, their chemistry on screen was palpable, creating a sense of vulnerability and trust between them.
Upon seeing the finished film, Brooks was deeply moved and emotional. She felt a strong connection to her character's journey of self-discovery and love. The film's trajectory from a short film to a feature-length production and its acquisition by Rich Spirit for a theatrical release this fall has been a testament to its quality and impact.
Brooks encourages aspiring filmmakers to pursue their passion and believes that success is possible with dedication and a supportive community. She credits her experience on "If I Go Will They Miss Me" for inspiring her to create her own short film. She believes in the power of word-of-mouth promotion and hopes that audiences will embrace the film's message of resilience and love.