Searching For Damian O (Vimeo pswrd:5861)
“Searching for Damian O”
(A visually striking, psychological surreal ride down the “rabbit hole” of Family Court.)
Searching for Damian O, is a comical look at a subject which boast no comedy; Child
Abduction and Custody battles.
The story chronicles an Individual’s 14 year battle to have access to his then, minor son.
Beginning with the Interstate abduction of 5 month old Damian (by his Mother) from Chicago, Il., and a second interstate abduction from Delta County, Escanaba; a parochial Upper Peninsula town in Michigan, this case now spans 5 states and the Father’s loss of his son...legally and emotionally.
With a spry upbeat narrative, inspirational soundtrack and stunning visual effects, we speak with the friends and family, touched by the precocious nature of Damian O. In the brief years spent with his Father’s family, he left a legacy of love and memories, which we revisit, while providing the hardcore realities of a Parent facing an emotionally debilitating, uphill battle across multiple municipalities.
Once children are taken across state or international borders by a parent, it is rare for the other parent to maintain rights to these children.
Are Individual rights being forsaken, in an emotional and financially draining Familial Court System? Stolen are the lives of the children manipulated. Children kept from extended family which represents support networks for their future stability. This is the legacy of an estranged Son.
Could it happen to you…?
Searching for Damian O, the docu-film will debut in June, 2022
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Omar C. JohnsonDirector
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Omar C JohnsonWriter
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Omar C. JohnsonProducer
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Erin LaneKey Cast"comedienne"
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Alexis J PrideAssociate Producer/Interviewer/Writing Consultant
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Tracy MaillouxProducer
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TRISTAN BERNARD BernardCinematographers
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Tracy MaillouxCinematographers
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Don HowzeCinematographers
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Omar C. JohnsonCinematographers
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Preston MillhouseCinematographers
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Alex HalsteadCinematographers
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Alaric MartinFilm Editor
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TRACY MAILLOUX C MaillouxVFX Animation Motion Graphic Designers
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Alaric C MartinVFX Animation Motion Graphic Designers
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John ZilkeVFX Animation Motion Graphic Designers
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Jamar NicholasIllustrationsLEON: Protector of the Playground Comic
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BAM Studios ChicagoAudio PostChicago Fire, Med and Cop shows
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Sidney Jones, jr.Sound Designer
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Brian ReedSound Design Executive Producer
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Alefiyah MasterSound Design Executive Producer
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Oje'Original Music/Bass Grooves
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Project Type:Animation, Documentary, Experimental, Short, Other
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Runtime:30 minutes
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Completion Date:August 2, 2022
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Production Budget:30,000 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
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New Fimlmakers NYNew York
United States
April 22, 2023
Finalist -
Chicago Filmmakers AwardChicago
United States
June 9, 2023
North American
Award Winner -
Washington Film AwardsWashington, DC
United States
July 14, 2023
North American
Finalist -
Hawaii International Film awardsHawaii
United States Minor Outlying Islands
June 5, 2023
North American
Nominee -
Documentaries Without Borders InternationalRehoboth Beach, DE 19971
United States
September 23, 2023
North American
Award Winner -
Atlanta Movie AwardsAtlanta, GA
United States
September 4, 2023
North American
Semi-Finalist -
San Francisco Arthouse Film FestivalSan Francisco
United States
July 14, 2023
North American
Semi-Finalist -
Paris International Short FeastivalParis
France
July 31, 2023
Paris
Finalist -
Philadelphia International Filmmaker AwardsPhiladelphia
United States
September 28, 2023
North American
Semi-Finalist -
San Diego International film FestSan Diego, CA
United States
August 18, 2023
North American
Semi-Finalist -
Best Shorts CompetitionLa Jolla, CA 92039
United States
September 19, 2023
North American
Award Winner -
Cannes World Art FestivalCannes
France
February 5, 2024
Cannes
Selected -
Melbourne Independent Film FestivalMelbourne
Australia
February 29, 2024
Melbourne
Semi-Finalist -
Monte Carlo Movie AwardsMontreal,
Canada
February 28, 2024
Montreal
Semi-Finalist -
Vienna Indie Short Film FestivalVienna
Austria
January 4, 2024
Vienna, Austria
Semi Finalst
OJE’
Emboldened with the rich history of Southern excellence and Civil Rights advocacy, Oje’ hails from the Sawyer Family of North Memphis, TN. This large Southern family of Siblings promoted working class perseverance, education and was a part of the Southern Black migration to the North, during the 50’s and 60’s.
As a bassist and cameraman/producer, Oje has multiple un-released recordings and scripts dating back from the early 2000’s. He graduated from Columbia College Chicago, where he studied Music Theory, Studio/Sound Engineering and ENG/TV News production. Storytelling has always been a true love, with a focus on Fiction Writing and Journalism. Employed in the Behavioral Health field, he addresses visually, the trauma.
His music video, “B4Daze” was a prelude this story.
The initial interview for SFDO was shot, June 2006 and stored away. He re-started production in 2011. In bankruptcy from 2016 to 2022, Oje’ fought to invest in the “production completion” utilizing, animators, illustrators, production crews and dedicated editing support from his longtime friend and Video/Film Editor, Alaric Martin. Alaric brought the “visual” magic while Oje’ drew on his bassist “verve”, to engulf the film in a sense of musical emotion, immersing the viewer, as only the soul of music can!
In June 2022, He finally completed, “Picture lock” on SFDO. Audio Mastering via BAM Studios Chicago was completed, 8/2/2022.
Hello. My Name is Omar Johnson. I’m a bassist/songwriter and Writer/Producer/Director of the Docu-Film, Searching for Damian O.
Searching for Damian O, was started in 2005, telling the story of a Father, attempting to reunite his family, with his estranged son Damian Omar. It is a celebration of Damian O’s childhood in Chicago, IL., told by those most effected by his departure. 17 years later, this account is now ready to be told!
Their memories are vivid; graphically draped with laughter and Joy; the laughter only a child can bring. This family insist Damian know… He was never forgotten…thought of daily, often throughout every fiber of the day. His absence has had a devastating impact on their lives. Damian was last seen by his birth father’s family, in December of 1998, 24 years ago.
A story of hope, courage and faith, it will inspire those facing child custody issues to be vigilant, selfless and willing to compromise. For the benefit of their children, not be drawn into The “War of Ex-Spouses.” We as parents have the ability to choose and do what’s right for our children. The alternative? Poison their innocence for our personal gain.
My method of storytelling using animation, home grown bass grooves and drum traps, accentuates the surreal nature of this drama. Most individuals could not imagine spending tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars, to have access to their child. Using original musical compositions dedicated to Damian Omar....the core of this emotional drama is “poured” onto the screen.
I believe in this story to such a degree that I am risking it all. The loss of my home and everything I’ve worked for and acquired; focused on the completion of the Searching for Damian O, project.
As stated by Director/Musician Rob Zombie... “Art is not safe.” I know this is an important heartfelt American story. It is also about my son, Damian Omar who is now old enough to know the truth. It is also about Fathers in America, denied access to sons and daughters. We live in a society where the common thread of civilization is equality. Fathers are second-hand citizens in the realm of Family Law. Let’s advocate… Mothers and Fathers for equal, parental rights, for All!