Aghast

*Opening Selection* at the Academy Award-qualifying 23rd Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series on Oct, 24, 2020.

Runtime is 7 minutes, 22 seconds.

LOGLINE:
Based on true events, Eve Scott stands her ground, protecting property, liberty, and the life of herself and her child as an outside threat works to force entry into her home.

FIRST TIME FILMMAKER:
"Aghast" is co-directed / produced / written by first-time filmmaker, MAXINE ELOI; she also plays the lead role of "Eve Scott". Maxine has a BFA in Acting from Boston University. Both of Maxine's parents were born in Haiti; Maxine was born a first generation United States citizen.

MISSION STATEMENT:
"Aghast" is based on the true story of 23-year-old Korryn Gaines. A several hour standoff between police and Korryn and her 5-year-old son turned deadly when police used a SWAT team to force entry into Korryn's home, arguably instead of exhausting all means available to de-escalate the situation.

Presenting "Aghast" to US and international audiences is meant to be one of many tools to help facilitate conversation between law enforcement and the communities they serve, build bridges of understanding, and promote positive changes and practices.

CO-DIRECTOR:
"Aghast" is co-directed / produced / written by Rob Underhill. His films have been in competition at over 200 film festivals worldwide, including ST. LOUIS and SEATTLE (both Academy Award-qualifying film festivals), have received over 100 awards including for Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and have scored rave reviews from top film critics like Mark Bell of FILM THREAT and Anne Brodie in CRITICIZE THIS! More at www.RobUnderhill.com

  • Maxine Eloi
    Director
  • Rob Underhill
    Director
  • Maxine Eloi
    Writer
  • Rob Underhill
    Writer
  • Rob Underhill
    Producer
  • Aravind Ragupathi
    Producer
  • Maxine Eloi
    Producer
  • Maxine Eloi
    Key Cast
    "Eve Scott"
  • Bill Frost
    Key Cast
    "Captain Coakley"
  • Jordan Sharp
    Key Cast
    "Micah Scott"
  • Brandon Yow
    editor
  • Aravind Ragupathi
    Director of Photography
  • Steven Grove
    Music By
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Urban, Social Issues, Black, Women of color, Civil Rights, Social Justice, African American
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 22 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 4, 2020
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • *Academy Award-Qualifying* 23rd Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series
    Brooklyn, New York
    United States
    October 24, 2020
    World Premiere
    OPENING SELECTION
  • 22nd San Francisco Black Film Festival
    San Francisco, California
    United States
    July 7, 2020
    Industry Preview Screening
Director Biography - Maxine Eloi, Rob Underhill

"Aghast" marks Maxine Eloi's first time as a filmmaker, having served as co-director / writer / producer. She also played the lead role of "Eve Scott" in the production.

Both of Maxine's parents emigrated from Haiti; Maxine is a first-generation American, born in the United States.

Maxine has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Boston University, and she has studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.

Maxine has served on the board of the Women’s Theatre Festival of North Carolina.

Maxine has been guest on the popular National Public Radio show, The State of Things, hosted by Frank Stasio. She also has received a lot of positive press from top newspapers in North Carolina, such as The News & Observer, for her acting prowess in theatre.

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