Private Project

Elevate

When elevators get stuck, Trina is the overweight dispatch operator on the other end of the emergency line.

Trina’s job gets the best of her as she tries to complete just one day of healthy eating. Harassed by her cruel boss and overwhelmed by the trapped elevator occupants that reach out to her for help, her only escape is Lola, a fitness guru who she desperately tries to emulate.

In this drama, everyone finds themselves caught in the grips of food addiction, homophobia and racism.

  • angela matemotja
    Director
    The Encounter (HBFF 2011)
  • angela matemotja
    Writer
  • Dele Ogundiran
    Producer
    Ray Donovan, The Encounter
  • Brianna Brown
    Key Cast
    Dynasty, Devious Maids, Homeland, General Hospital, Eastsiders
  • Alexis Carra
    Key Cast
    ABC Family, Recovery Road, ABC Mixology, Grey Anatomy
  • Paul ward
    Key Cast
    Mad Men, Eastsiders
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 34 minutes 33 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 6, 2018
  • Production Budget:
    50,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED/CANNON
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Silver Screen International Film Festival
    Tampa, Florida
    United States
    May 25, 2019
    Florida Premiere
    N/A
  • Women's International Film Festival San Diego
    San Diego
    United States
    April 20, 2019
    N/A
    TBA
  • Golden State International Film Festival
    Hollywood
    United States
    March 25, 2019
    BEST INSPIRATIONAL FEATURE WINNER
  • 2019 Rainbow Umbrella LGBTQ Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    January 19, 2019
    UK Premiere
    Best Director WINNER
  • 10th Annual Downtown Los Angeles Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    October 20, 2018
    World Premiere
    Female Pioneer Award: Angela Matemotja (director of Elevate)
  • Rapid Lion, South African International Film Festival
    Johannesburg
    South Africa
    March 8, 2019
    South African Premiere
    N/A
  • Accoloade Online Global Competition
    San Jose, Ca
    United States
    March 14, 2018
    Online Competition
    MERIT AWARD:Feature Film and Leading Actress
Distribution Information
  • Gravitas Ventures (Release July 2019)
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - angela matemotja

Hi,
My name is Anjela Danielovna Matemotja, born in the former U.S.S.R. and living in Los Angeles!

Because I was born into into a bi-cultural family, my perspective and experiences in this world have never been “ordinary.”

My black South African Father was a part of the political arm of the ANC, which helped him escape from the political oppression, to study in the former U.S.S.R.

In Kiev is where my Father met and married my Mother, a young Russian woman whose family settled there after the war. Kiev is also my birthplace.

As a consequence of my Father having to live in exile, by the time I was eight years old I'd lived in Russia, Kenya, and Tanzania. Arriving in America speaking only Russian and Swahili, I immediately realized that I did not fit in with other kids.

These early experiences coupled with my empathic nature helped me form my unique outlook on culture, society and race.

My mission has been to explore the social, sub cultural and international aspects of our nation, one story at a time. Our world is in crisis and I believe that art can heal.

Given the divisive temperature of our current society I do believe that this film is timely and needed.

What I feel is missing in our country today is the ability to listen to each other, truly connect and come to respect and understand each other regardless of where we come from or which God we believe in.

That is one of the main reasons I’ve trapped the characters in this film in Elevators. It was a cost effective way to force opposing characters to listen to each other and perhaps come away with a new or refreshed insight on race relations, food addiction and homophobia.

We are so busy being talked at on social media these days, I feel that the intimacy of the forced relationships in the film will speak to many of us. Especially those of us that crave real intimacy, peace and understanding to some of the problems our country is plagued with today.

Please take the time to view and consider this slow burning, effective and timely drama, my first feature film, ELEVATE.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Angela Matemotja

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Director Statement

We as artists have the power to encourage dialogue for understanding, acceptance and compassion.