By Odell B. Ruffin
Cast at the premier
The red carpet gala provided fans and family with the opportunity to view the premier of “Hard to Find” at the Cinema Arts theatre in Fairfax on May 17. Executive producers Olishia Johnson-Robinson and James Irving of Creative Two Films unveiled a story about one man’s journey to find love in D.C.
“I’m overwhelmed to see so many people. I’m usually in the background so I am very nervous,” said Johnson-Robinson. “My goal is that everybody smiles and realizes that somebody had an idea and a dream came true for them.”
The film captures Theodore (Marco Washington) a successful sports agent who finds himself in love with four different women who are close friends. His journey begins when his father pops (Antwon Temoney) notices Theodore’s constant stay at home on Friday nights. “You are not going to find a woman sitting here on your butt,” Pops tells him.
Long line went out the door in anticipation for Hard To Find.
Director Brian Nesbit captured the visuals and sounds of D.C culture unlike most Hollywood productions. The District’s homegrown Go Go music was prominent throughout the film.
“Often you don’t see a lot of films that can’t break the mainstream. When you find a crew and cast that can really break out of the mold it’s really exciting,” Nesbit said.
Theodore’s love interests were cast in professional roles: Lola the reporter (Lorna Kelley), Tanya the attorney (Ebony Richardson), Nina the art gallery owner (Lauren “Elle” Blackwell), and Sacha the salon owner (Saudade Stranger).
Seeing the name in lights is dream come for Olishia Johnson-Robinson, executive producer and writer.
“I was real nervous the first time I auditioned for the part of Tanya, but once things got going I knew I was a part of something good,” Richardson said.
Stealing the show with his comedic timing was Ge Ge (James Irving) a hair stylist and friend to the women. His most infamous line “where are all the men at” when surrounded by several women had audiences in an uproar.
Demetrius “D” Parker who plays Kevin, a music producer, also drew laughs with witty timing. “Although I play somewhat of player in the movie, I’m a true romantic at heart,” Parker said.
The cast and crew of Hard to Find are populated with Prince Georgians or those who have ties to the District. For instance, lead make-up artist Shana Swain was raised in the county, and hairstylist Kim Tobias lives in Fort Washington and is the owner of Kim’s Ultimate Touch salon, which is also located there.
Richardson was raised in Fort Washington and worked as a shampoo assistant for Expressions Hair salon in Temple Hills as a teen. Darren Speight, who plays Athlete, was raised in the county and attended Prince George's Community College. He is currently enrolled in the Bladensburg Barber School. Mayland Jones, who portrays a salon receptionist, was raised in the county, and Chanda Macias who portrays a hair stylist has two children enrolled in county public schools.
Nesbit said he plans to find a distribution deal for the film and put it on the film festival circuit.
For more information on the Creative Two Film production company, visit www.creativetwoproductions.com
Photos: Danett Crespo
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