RI Filmmaker McNonwuun Prince Opens Film at Columbus Theater
Friday, May 10, 2013
McNonwuun Prince leads a new African film movement in Providence, and opens his new film, Temperamental, at the Columbus Theater in Providence on Saturday, May 11.
In an attempt to discover more about McNonwuun and the African film scene as a whole, GoLocal sat down with the director, who currently resides in Providence.
Q: What first got you interested in film?
A: Filmmaking has been my childhood dream. I used to have an informal French name back in the days called "Video Miroir," meaning video mirror. I stayed up late during those times to watch every TV show, and even starved at times to save my money to go to video clubs to watch movies that I thought were interesting or could impact me.
I was also the entertainer of my peers. I remember performing under that moonlight, with no light just lanterns burning in distant background; I would tell stories that I fabricated in my head. Those stories I told were sometimes so vivid that I could see the effects on my peers even days after the told the story was told. I enjoyed those moments and there and then I realized the potential of filmmaking.
Q: What are your goals in terms of your filmmaking?
A: To me the art/film must stand alone --separate from the creator or artist-- to become a driving force or to have the potential to impact. It is never about me, but rather, the message I'm trying to convey. As much as I rely heavily on my faith, I always try to let the message come out of me instead of me coming out of the message. In the end, I'm hoping to use my filmmaking to do more than just entertain but at least be a part of the society of men fighting for the right cause for humanity or society; expanding imaginations; teaching; orchestrating visions for others; and challenging them to take risks.
Q: Who are some of your influences?
A: My favorite directors are Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, Christopher Nolan, Clint Eastwood and Quentin Tarantino.
Q: Since it’s more or less unknown amongst the general public in Rhode Island, can you discuss the local African film industry?
A: The African filmmaking in Providence is relatively new and non-existent. However, it’s a multimillion-dollar business in other places and countries. Generally speaking, In New England, it still has just a little awareness, and is geared mostly towards Africans.
Q: What do you believe accounts for this?
A: There are many factors, but primarily that most African filmmakers are mostly up and coming and don’t know how to access the city for resources. Secondly, the projects are usually self-funded, which can limit the awareness of the film. Also, some filmmakers are just hobbyists trying to entertain only the inner circle of the African community in Providence. Lastly, the movement could use better organization to help project the professionalism that is required.
Q: How do you identify with Rhode Island?
A: RI is basically my home since I came from Africa with my family many years ago. I attended high school and college here in RI.
Q: Where was Temperamental filmed and did you use a local crew?
A: Temperamental was filmed in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. The primary location was RI. The state has some beautiful landscapes and scenery; this is especially seen in the few shots we took of downtown.
We used some local actors and crew; these are upcoming actors in the African filming industry. Perhaps not well known yet to the general public, they are people with different experiences and background including acting while in school or playing minor to major roles in other African films. Most of our main characters were from MA, PA and one actress/model from Canada named Tracy Obonna, who was recently featured in Essence Magazine.
Q: What do you hope viewers take away from Temperamental?
A: The impression that would like viewers to take from Temperamental is that the African filmmaking in Providence is growing and Temperamental shows this potential. Temperamental has great storyline sequences, pictures, acting and other beauties that are relatively unusual for the budget and class. Let me add that Temperamental is a stand alone project and overall an independent film. The story mostly portrayed by African actors, but it is relative for any viewer of any nationality and/or race. I think in the end they will learn more about the future of the African filming style and see a bit more depth of our genre.
If you’d like to see what McNonwuun and the African film community has to offer, check out the premiere of Temperamental on Saturday, May 11 at the Columbus Theater in Providence at 6:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $20 and VIP tickets are $25, which includes a limousine ride, photo shoot and free admission to an after party. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/McNonwuun.
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