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“WHO AM I?” – Musical Short Film
October 6, 2023 @ 8:00 am - October 8, 2023 @ 5:00 pm
“WHO AM I?” – musical short film, starring N.C., Grammy-nominated artist Petey Pablo, to screen at Charlotte Film Festival and Raleigh Film & Art Festival this fall.
When Hip Hop and Mental Health meet.
“Who Am I?,” a musical short film that aims to demystify the practice of mental health, will be screening at North Carolina film festivals this fall. Starring Charlotte native Alex Ellis and Grammy-nominated artist Petey Pablo, the film addresses the stigma that seeking therapy is a form of weakness or brokenness, when it is the first place to start rebuilding, breaking through our narratives and becoming more aligned with who we truly are.
The film will screen at the Charlotte Film Festival Sept. 27- Oct.1, and at the Raleigh Film & Art Festival, Oct. 6-8. It was previously screened at the Hip Hop Film Festival, New York, in August 2023, and the North Carolina Film Festival, New Bern, N.C, in July 2023. The trailer is available here: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/839484866
“Who Am I?” is the fourth project Ellis has solely written, produced and starred in.
“Both Petey and I were born and raised in North Carolina, and it’s an honor for “Who Am I?” to be chosen as one of the top films at these festivals, especially considering the worthy competition and limited slots,” said Ellis. “It’s exciting to see our film gain momentum on a larger platform as it tackles the stigma surrounding mental health and encourages people to seek help. I’d love to normalize going inward to find your answers mainstream.”
As told through the eyes of the main character, Petey, the skeptic in turmoil, he begins to trust the process, open up and reflect on a past he has not reconciled with ever before. The musical portion of this short is a metaphorical dive into the inner psyche of how our minds rewire trauma, thought, memory and experience. It’s humorous, thought provoking and a love letter to anyone grappling with discomfort and leaning in.
“I love storytelling and connecting people. One day I was brainstorming an idea of a therapy session turned into a musical fever dream, when I remembered literally running into Petey after he opened for Snoop Dogg in Charlotte one Christmas years ago,” said Ellis of the inspiration behind Who Am I? “We’d been following each other on IG for years after that, looking for a chance to collaborate. It was a domino effect that came together like a puzzle but at the end of the day, the inspiration was to create healing for humans on a higher level. And to normalize anxiety, grief and pain.
Written and produced by Ellis. Starring Ellis and Pablo. Directed by Christine Lakin.
Alex Ellis Bio:
Alex is a multi-hyphenate artist. Most recently, she starred as Rose Dewitt Bukater in the Off-Broadway hit musical TITANIQUE in New York City. She was also a producer on the project.
Broadway/National Tours: Catch Me If You Can, On A Clear Day You Can See Forever, Thoroughly Modern Millie (Millie), Legally Blonde, They’re Playing Our Song. TV: Hot In Cleveland, The Goldbergs, The Unicorn, Man With A Plan, Hollywood Darlings, The Movie Show.
Additionally, Alex sings in a magical Yacht Rock band called Harbor Party. Her voice can also be heard on World of Warcraft, Red Dead Redemption, Disney’s animated children’s show, Vampirina, as the role of Cosmina as well as Jenna on Nickelodeon’s, The Loud House. She also writes, shoots and produces her own short films and content, screening the festival circuit from NY to CA and everywhere in between.
More info at www.thealexellis.com or IG:@aellis3.