The short film ‘I Elect’ shown at FLIFF remains relevant, says North Miami filmmaker

In this election year, “I Elect: Power Every Four Years,” a 26-minute film about voting rights, encourages viewers to consider the impact of civic engagement and the power of their vote. Created to encourage young voters for the 2020 election, the film’s themes resonate in the current political landscape.

Originally a theatrical work written by playwright, actor and North Miami resident Bill Spring, “I Elect: Power Every Four Years” was inspired by the 2018 Parkland high school shooting and the students who became activists for social change. The play took on new relevance when it was adapted into a film during the pandemic.

Set in Miami in September 2020, the voting rights film follows a woman facing disillusionment and despair amid the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Miami theater veteran Carey Brianna Hart portrays an isolated and hopeless Bella who records a farewell message in her apartment as she contemplates suicide after losing her husband and her job due to the pandemic. But as she reflects on the courage shown by the survivors of the Parkland shooting, Bella discovers that her voice can make a difference and ultimately find a renewed sense of purpose and empowerment.

For Hart, Bella’s story resonated on a deeply personal level. She grew up hearing about her mother’s involvement in the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Her mother’s activism and the legacy it left in Hart’s life had a major influence on her performance in “I Elect.”

‘My mother was always in favor of voting in our home. We attended rallies, marches and other political activities as a family,” Hart said. “I often heard, outside my household, how people had fought and died for the right to vote. My mother felt the saliva of the vicious German Shepherds (that) police officers allowed to attack her as they walked along picket lines, ready to tear her flesh and tear her to pieces. Firefighters hosed her and her classmates down during peaceful demonstrations. Her actions have always filled me with personal pride.”

Hart shares that portraying Bella’s frustration with the political system did not require extensive emotional preparation, as her feelings matched those of the character.

“It wasn’t hard to prepare for Bella’s frustration to show. The frustration was real and heightened,” she said. “Working on this project gave me hope and reminded me that even in these polarized times of distancing ourselves from each other, we still need to come together. As Americans, we depend on each other.”

The filming took place in the fall of 2020, at the height of a particularly polarizing election year.

“I Elect: Power Every Four Years” will screen on Sunday, November 10, as part of the 39th annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) at the Gateway Cinema in Fort Lauderdale. FLIFF screened the film for the first time in 2021.

“Although the film was shot in 2020, the issues the film addresses have been exacerbated today. In a way, the film feels even more relevant today. . . because the issues around voting are so crucial right now,” says Spring, who acknowledges that the screening will take place after this year’s historic election is over.

“What is critical to recognize is that many of the issues we are currently grappling with as a country will not go away after the 2024 election. History repeats itself. We, as Americans, must choose; that is, voting, who and what we want to be as a country. Every individual has the power to make these decisions for themselves. Our power to vote is enormous,” Spring added.

The theme of civic engagement is central to the film, and Hart noted how the message of “I Elect” could be transformative for younger generations who may view voting as unimportant.

“So many younger Americans have been told that their vote doesn’t count, and have chosen not to engage with or learn about political processes,” Hart said. “They need to know that their apathy means they have fewer choices within their own community. Political action at the grassroots can make big changes possible.”

Spring also emphasized that the power of voting represented a personal empowerment for Bella, compared to “ruby slippers” that could not be taken away. “Voting is really the power we have,” he says. “Don’t let anyone take your ruby ​​slippers. If we want to have a say in what happens in our lives, we have to stand up and vote.”

Hart echoes these sentiments, emphasizing that the film is based on real-world issues that affect all Americans. She believes the story contains a message about resilience and determination that is relevant to audiences of all generations.

“I think the film, inspired by real life events like the Parkland incident, makes it very real and relevant to people who might think this isn’t important or doesn’t affect them,” says the actress. “The sociopolitical climate affects all Americans. We may think we are insulated from disaster, but incidents like Parkland show the country has gone off the rails. It’s a wake-up call.”

As the only character in the film, Hart’s solo performance brought unique challenges and rewards. Playing Bella required her to engage with challenging emotional material in a very intimate setting, requiring her to fully immerse herself in the character’s journey, she says.

“It takes a lot of vulnerability to stay honest with the emotions and the content and let them merge into one whole. It also takes a lot of letting go of tension and emotion to return to my personal stasis.”

“I Elect” has won awards at film festivals in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Washington, DC. Director Ricky J. Martinez, cinematographer Dennise Perez and producer Jose Lima worked closely with Spring to bring the story to life amid the logistical hustle and bustle. challenges of the pandemic. Rehearsals took place via Zoom and the film was completed in three weeks, in time for the 2020 election season.

Reflecting on his hopes for the film’s impact, Spring said he wants audiences to recognize their power and the importance of actively participating in democracy.

“I hope people will realize that they do have personal power,” he says. “Just like the character Bella from the movie, never to be intimidated by anything or anyone. I want the audience watching this film to look at what they value in their lives. Is it all egocentric or does the collective whole also play a role? Democracy is fragile, and now is the time to take a closer look and evaluate where people really stand on the importance of democracy.”

WHAT: “I choose: power every four years”

WHERE: FLIFF: Gateway Cinema, 503 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale

WHEN: 4:45 PM, Sunday, November 10

COSTS: $13 general admission; $10, seniors, students, military

INFORMATION: 954-525-3456 or fliff.com