The Atlanta Film Festival is set to highlight the best of local cinema during its 49th year, running from April 24 to May 4. This year’s festival is particularly significant, featuring a total of 132 films, including 40 with connections to Georgia. Among these films are two notable features, ‘Color Book’ and ‘Come See Me In the Good Light.’
‘Color Book’ opens the festival on a heartfelt note, focusing on the bond between a father and his son, who has Downs syndrome. The film portrays their journey across Atlanta to attend a Braves game, attempting to escape the grief caused by the recent loss of the boy’s mother. Directed by DeKalb native David Fortune, ‘Color Book’ serves not only as a tribute to the father-son relationship but also as a love letter to Atlanta itself.
In an interview, David Fortune explained his motivation for creating ‘Color Book.’ He longed to see more representations of Black fathers and sons in cinema, feeling that the stories he witnessed in real life weren’t being reflected on screen. Inspired by his desire to showcase diverse narratives, he began exploring the experiences of parents raising children with disabilities, especially Downs syndrome.
Fortune emphasized the need for authenticity, stating, ‘It’s not one size fits all; it’s multiple shoe sizes, and I just wanted to capture that as authentically as I possibly could.’ This exploration led to the day-in-the-life format of ‘Color Book,’ which began as a short film titled ‘Us,’ focusing on a father teaching his son to play baseball. After completing the short, Fortune felt drawn to delve deeper into their everyday lives, leading to the creation of the feature film.
‘Color Book’ aims to portray the essence of living in Atlanta, showcasing parts of the city often overlooked in film. Fortune noted that while many productions shoot in Atlanta, they often fail to capture the true essence of the city and its experiences. He was committed to honoring his hometown by depicting relatable experiences rather than focusing on prominent landmarks.
As an artist, Fortune drew inspiration from photography and photojournalism, referencing renowned figures such as Carrie Mae Weems and Gordon Parks to shape the visual storytelling of ‘Color Book.’ He expressed excitement about kicking off the Atlanta Film Festival, highlighting the significance of returning to his roots a decade after previously volunteering at the festival.
‘It’s a full-circle moment,’ he said, recognizing the importance of showcasing his work to an audience that shares the same community and cultural experiences. The film will screen on April 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the Plaza Theatre and again on May 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the Tara Theatre.
Another featured film, ‘Come See Me In the Good Light,’ directed by Atlanta native Ryan White, brings a different perspective to the festival. This documentary tells the story of poet Andrea Gibson, who, after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, discovers unexpected lightness throughout their journey. Alongside their partner, fellow poet Megan Falley, Gibson’s experience with cancer treatment and poetry performance is captured in a moving narrative.
Ryan White shared the backstory of the film, revealing how he and his producer, Jessica Hargrave, were inspired by comedian Tig Notaro. Despite being initially drawn to the idea of a documentary featuring humor, the depth of Gibson’s work and their ability to confront mortality through wisdom and humor led White to shift the film’s focus.
The film aims to subvert traditional narratives surrounding terminal illness, presenting a refreshing perspective on love, hope, and resilience. ‘It’s a love story,’ White explained, emphasizing the film’s emotional depth and the powerful reactions from audiences. Following screenings, numerous viewers reported feeling motivated to reach out to their loved ones, highlighting the film’s universal themes.
The Atlanta Film Festival serves as a homecoming for White and Hargrave, as both are Atlanta natives eager to reconnect with their roots. ‘It’s like an Atlanta reunion,’ White remarked, noting that many friends and family members could attend the screening, creating a communal experience around the film. ‘Come See Me In the Good Light’ will be screened on April 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the Tara Theatre, adding to the vibrant lineup of local films at the festival.
As the festival unfolds, audiences can look forward to experiencing unique perspectives through the lens of Atlanta’s talented filmmakers. With ‘Color Book’ and ‘Come See Me In the Good Light’ leading the charge, the festival promises to be a celebration of local voices and stories that resonate deeply with the community.
Overall, the 49th Atlanta Film Festival not only showcases diverse narratives but also strengthens the ties within the local film community, marking a significant milestone in the celebration of Georgia cinema.
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