Sunday Synopsis – Sleep Outs, Movie Titles and ‘Lighten Up’ (RELOADED)

An event planner in Philadelphia told me (when I attempted to plan a sleepout last month as part of the “ABYSS” premiere, to raise awareness about homelessness) that likely none of the residents would attend my film screening because no one likes sleeping on the ground in cold weather.

The irony of that reasoning was precisely my point, which is why I was glad to meet so many men and women from the business sector who united during the Covenant House Pennsylvania’s annual Sleep Out this past week; supporting homeless youth who are on the streets due to various circumstances such as child abuse, job loss, displacement following tragic events and related factors.

Geared up with just the clothes on their back, cardboard Home Depot boxes and sleeping bags, these individuals spent the night outside on the ground in chilly conditions – the very thing that someone told me earlier would not be done (willingly) in The City of Brotherly Love. Participants raised over $89,000 to support Covenant House’s many services while experiencing a small taste of what life is like for a homeless teenager.

During a candlelight vigil earlier that evening to kickoff this event, I was among the attendees who were introduced to a local University student who had to put her pursuit of higher education on hold after becoming homeless, as her family being split up among area shelters. Her story caused me to wonder what, if anything, are large Universities doing to assist in the wellbeing of students enrolled at their school who experience homelessness or are in danger of becoming homeless.

Anyway, although my premiere plans for “ABYSS” have changed, I will be launching an initiative in conjunction with the upcoming release of the movie, to help raise funds and awareness for the working homeless who are affiliated with organizations that provide jobs and housing assistance to the underemployed.

Speaking of “ABYSS” and changes, a modification – or rather addition -- to the film’s title is also coming soon. I decided to tweak the name of the movie so that it could give people a clearer picture of what this short film is about. Stay tuned for the title reveal!

In the meantime, here’s a one-minute comedy film called “Lighten Up,” that I wrote and directed a few years ago. It’s about a woman whose tolerance level is tested when her attempts at having fun with her boyfriend goes unnoticed due to him being preoccupied with office politics. She wants to enjoy their time together; he won’t let up about his beef with a company that doesn’t appreciate the contributions of their employees. The Monday Movie Meme is coming late, again, so hopefully this short film will hold you over.

Would YOU ever sleep outside for one night?

Do YOU know anyone who has experienced homelessness?

What’s YOUR favorite Monday Movie Meme theme, to date?

Comments

[Angela Brown]

What's sad about that short clip is how often that probably is the case in relationships where the guy - or girl - is so caught up in other things that the obvious "I'm throwing myself at you" hint is totally missed.

I've known a few people who got kicked out of their homes but were able to take up residence with a family member or friend.

I don't know if I would sleep outside at night. For a good cause, yes. But even then I might have second thoughts because of the comforts I'm accustomed to. I feel like such a louse thinking that knowing there are people in the pit of cold nights having to make due outside to sleep :-(

[Nicole]

Angela,

That's an interesting perspective on the video and I understand how it could shed some light on the all-too-common habit of one person taking his or her significant other for granted...especially in instances where couples have been together for a long time. It's easy for people to get comfortable and fall into the habit of not paying attention to what's right there in front of them. Like the Janet Jackson song goes..."don't know what you got 'til it's gone."

Those who have family or friends to take them in when they don't have anywhere to go are very blessed to have such help. I agree with you in the reluctance to willingly choose to sleep outside, after living in the comforts that we have been able to have for ourselves. I would have been up for the experience if I could've pulled off the outdoor premiere for "Abyss" but the closest scenario where I'd willingly opt in to sleeping outside would probably be if I'm on a camping trip. Then again....just a few years ago, I was willing to camp out on the sidewalk for a spot at some early bird movie tickets to see Harry Potter, so who knows what would get me to want to spend a night outdoors. It's obvious that the things that we will and will not do are influenced by what we value, the things and/or causes that are near and dear to us and the matters we deem as important enough to "rough it" out in some way, shape or form.