The Take Away
Logline:
Sing your soul. The world's listening.
Cassandra Berry brings music to public park stages, to worshiping congregations, to neighborhood bars and to many places in between. Her family's legacy of song knows no boundaries, no racial divide or no age that's too young or too old. Mother Jerusha Smith wraps every day and every person in prayer. Together they sing out and the take away? The world listens.
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Susan Carol DavisDirectorAl on Earth, Mack Minded, Mack Minded: Humanly Possible, Story Town with Weldon's, Living Art: Jo Williams, Retno's Refusal
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Claire Blakeney DeJarnettDirectorAl on Earth, Lookouts
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Susan Carol DavisProducerAl on Earth, Mack Minded, Mack Minded: Humanly Possible, Story Town with Weldon's, Living Art: Jo Williams, Retno's Refusal
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Claire Blakeney DeJarnettProducerAl on Earth, Lookouts
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Cassandra BerryKey Cast
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Jerusha SmithKey Cast
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Claire Blakeney DeJarnettDirector of PhotographyAl on Earth, Mack Minded, Mack Minded: Humanly Possible, Lookouts
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Katie Rose CrosswhiteSecond Camera
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Susan Carol DavisSecond Camera
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Madison DeJarnettSecond Camera
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Katie Rose CrosswhiteAudio Recordist
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Susan Carol DavisAudio Recordist
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Madison DeJarnettAudio Recordist
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Matt FarmerLead Editor
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Claire Blakeney DeJarnettSecond EditorAl on Earth, Cuban Earth, Mack Minded, Mongolian Chronicles, Crossed, The Suspensionists
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Matt FarmerSound Design and Mixing
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Project Type:Documentary, Short
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Runtime:16 minutes 27 seconds
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Completion Date:November 17, 2023
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Production Budget:5,000 USD
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Country of Origin:United States, United States
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Country of Filming:United States, United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:1080HD 24fps
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
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Denton Black Film FestivalDenton, Texas
United States
January 28, 2024
World
Best Texas Documentary Short - 2024 DBFF Virtual People's Choice; Finalist, Best Documentary Short -
Zepstone International Film AwardsSalt Lake City, Utah
United States
September 9, 2024
Utah Premiere
Best Documentary Short Film -
Thin Line FestDenton, Texas
United States
April 26, 2024
Official Selection -
Topaz Film FestivalDallas, Texas
United States
October 19, 2024
Official Selection -
Lone Star Film FestivalFort Worth, Texas
United States
November 1, 2024
Official Selection -
CARE Awards Film FestivalParkersburg, West Virginia
United States
November 9, 2024
Southeastern US Premiere
Women in Film Award, Redemptive Short Film Award -
Southside Film FestivalBethlehem, PA
United States
July 10, 2025
Northeast USA
Official Selection -
Rock 'n Roll Film FestivalNairobi
Kenya
January 1, 2025
African
Official Selection -
Five Continents International Film FestivalPuerto la Cruz, Anzoategui
Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
January 4, 2025
South American
Best Female Director - Documentary Short / Special Mention -
StoryMode Independent Short Film AwardsPueblo, CO
United States
March 20, 2025
Colorado Premiere
Official Selection and Nominee, Best Documentary Short
Susan Carol Davis is CEO of Curious Dog Creative LLC. Davis diversifies as film/stage director, producer, actress and arts educator. She serves as President of Artists Enclave of Denton County and Juror for the Thin Line Fest. Susan is an active member of Women in Film-Dallas, SAG/AFTRA and Actors' Equity Association.
Claire Blakeney DeJarnett is Manager of Creative Services for Pinnacle Live. Additionally DeJarnett is Director of Film Programming for Thin Line Fest. Claire was formerly an adjunct faculty member of the University of North Texas Media Arts Department in Denton, Texas with her MFA from that same institution.
Cassandra Berry and Mother Jerusha Smith were inspired and inspiring choices when it came time to select the artists who would be the subject of a third short film in a series titled "Living Artists" developed by Curious Dog Creative. Both directors had worked with Cassandra on creative projects in film and theatre. We knew that the family's lineage of talent, their love for humankind and strong faith were authentic and abundant. What better time than now to share a story like Cassandra and Jerusha's with audiences everywhere.