World-renowned artist Titus Kaphar tries his hand at writing and directing a film and chose “Exhibiting Forgiveness” as his first feature film. And oh what a debut! The movie speaks volumes on family, fatherhood, hope, and redemption but it’s also entertaining. Kaphar knows how to set the mood and tone of his film and still entertain you at the same time. It’s heavy drama with enough levity that it goes down smoothly.
I sat down with the artist to talk about his interest in making this film, a semi-autobiographical movie that has him speaking his truth, and his experience writing and directing his first movie.
“Exhibiting Forgiveness” arrives in theaters from Roadside Attractions on October 18.
First of, Andra Day is one of the sweetest people I’ve ever interviewed! She even ended our virtual interview by saying “I hope to get to meet you someday” awwww. I love her more!
And in the film, she serves as the heart of the film as Aisha, the wife of the tortured artist played by Andre Holland. I talked to Day about her interest in making the film, her character, and the family dynamics of the movie.
One of the things I love about the film is the great performances of the cast all across the board. From Andre Holland as the tortured painter Tarrell to Andra Day as his wife to Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Tarrell’s mom to John Earl Jelks as La’Ron, Tarrell’s dad. So I was very happy to talk to both Holland and Jelks about their roles, their characters, working with Ellis-Taylor, and what they hoped for viewers to get after watching the film.
