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.
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angela matemotjaDirectorThe Encounter (HBFF 2011)
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angela matemotjaWriter
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Dele OgundiranProducerRay Donovan, The Encounter
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Brianna BrownKey CastDynasty, Devious Maids, Homeland, General Hospital, Eastsiders
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Alexis CarraKey CastABC Family, Recovery Road, ABC Mixology, Grey Anatomy
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Paul wardKey CastMad Men, Eastsiders
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Project Type:Feature
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Runtime:1 hour 34 minutes 33 seconds
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Completion Date:March 6, 2018
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Production Budget:50,000 USD
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Country of Origin:United Kingdom
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:RED/CANNON
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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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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Silver Screen International Film FestivalTampa, Florida
United States
May 25, 2019
Florida Premiere
N/A -
Women's International Film Festival San DiegoSan Diego
United States
April 20, 2019
N/A
TBA -
Golden State International Film FestivalHollywood
United States
March 25, 2019
BEST INSPIRATIONAL FEATURE WINNER -
2019 Rainbow Umbrella LGBTQ Film FestivalLondon
United Kingdom
January 19, 2019
UK Premiere
Best Director WINNER -
10th Annual Downtown Los Angeles Film FestivalLos Angeles
United States
October 20, 2018
World Premiere
Female Pioneer Award: Angela Matemotja (director of Elevate) -
Rapid Lion, South African International Film FestivalJohannesburg
South Africa
March 8, 2019
South African Premiere
N/A -
Accoloade Online Global CompetitionSan Jose, Ca
United States
March 14, 2018
Online Competition
MERIT AWARD:Feature Film and Leading Actress
Distribution Information
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Gravitas Ventures (Release July 2019)Country: WorldwideRights: All Rights
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
We as artists have the power to encourage dialogue for understanding, acceptance and compassion.