PAPA PRESS KIT final

PRESENTS :
(USA)
www.papathemovie.com
IVO STAR PICTURES
5117 Buffalo Ave Suite #2
Sherman Oaks Ca 91401
[email protected]
© 2012 IvoStar Pictures
Running Time: 23 Minutes 10 Seconds
“PAPA”
A Short Film
Written and Directed
by
Bambadjan Bamba
Produced by
Bambadjan Bamba
Autumn Fawn
Souleyman Sy Savane
Darrell Lake
Executive Producers
Bambadjan Bamba
Mory Bamba
Ganohon Ansansame
Sadiq Abu
Djak Konate
Logline for Brochures and Programs: .
“The unlikely son rebels”
“The challenges of a young immigrant trying to assimilate into the
American culture in a home dominated by a stoic African father.”
Synopsis:
Papa is a coming of age drama based on real events. Papa
(Souleymane Sy Savane) is a unwavering African father who runs his
household with an iron fist; while Pepe (Matthew Elam) his youngest
rebellious son forces him to either reconsider his ways or risk losing
his entire family.
PRODUCTION STILLS
Writer and Director: Bambadjan Bamba
DIRECTORS STATEMENT:
The father/son relationship I believe is one of the greatest challenges
especially for black men in this generation. PAPA is dedicated to my father
because it marks the event that changed the relationship between us. We
went from General/Soldier to Father/Son and less than five years later he
passed away. I hope this film inspires people to restore relationships with
their fathers/parents/love ones before its too late. In so doing experience
the healing, liberation and wholeness that I was blessed with.
DIRECTORS BIO:
Bambadjan Bamba was born in Cote D’Ivoire and raised between Abidjan,
New York City and Richmond, VA. He the founder of IvoStar Pictures. He
attended The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. He speaks French,
English and Dioula. “PAPA” is Bambadjan’s Directorial debut. He has just
been announced as the 2013 winner of the Director’s competition for the
Corporate Short Film award by Richmond International Film Festival. As a
recipient of this award he is gearing up to direct his second film BEN &
KATE’S FIRST DATE in mid January 2013.
Bambadjan’s first love is acting. Since 2006 he has been consistent in
landing notable roles alongside seasoned actors and renowned directors.
His A-list television series credits include Grey’s Anatomy directed by
Chandra Wilson, Sopranos, Bones, Parenthood, Chaos directed by Brett
Ratner, NCIS: LA, ER, Cold Case, Law & Order to name a few. His film
credits include I Think I Love My Wife with Chris Rock, REALITY by award
winning french director Quentin Dupieux, the longest running SNICKERS
global commercial with Joe Pesci, Steven Soderbergh’s action-thriller
Contagion, The Beauty inside by Drake Dorimus and the oscar winning film
Beginners opposite Ewan McGregor. www.imdb.me/bambadjan
CAST BIOGRAPHIES
SOULEYMAN SY SAVANE( PAPA) was born in the Ivory Coast, West Africa, where he was one of the
continentʼs top models and a semi pro basketball player. In 2000, he gave up a thriving career to
move to the US. He studied British technique under Dr Ruth Kulerman in New York and has attended
the Film Actors Workshop under Eric Kline in Los Angeles.
In 2009, Souleymane landed his first lead role in ʻGoodbye Soloʼ, directed by the critically acclaimed
Ramin Bahrani. The film went on to win the International Criticsʼ Award at the Venice Film Festival.
Roger Ebert called his performance “a force of nature” and in the same year Souleymane was
nominated for Best Breakthrough Performance by the Gotham Awards as well as an Independant
Spirit Award for Best Male Lead alongside fellow actors Jeff Bridges and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Souleymane is back playing opposite Gerard Butler in Marc Forsterʼs “Machine Gun Preacher” which
co-stars Michelle Monaghan, Michael Shannon and Kathy Baker. Off screen, he lives with his wife
and daughter in Los Angeles and continues to look for ways to create peace in in his beloved Africa.
For more information go to http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2766807/
Matthew Elam (PEPE) was nominated for 2010 NAACP Award Directed by (Stephen Sachs).
He received his professional training at the Amazing Grace Conservatory, co-founded by actress
Wendy Raquel Robinson, with which he has performed in productions including The Wiz at the Nate
Holden Performing Arts Center and Sarafina! at the new LATC. Matthew appeared in the
independent film productions Reflections and The Chocolate Factory.
For more information go to ......http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5273863/
Ganohon A. Ansansame (MAMA) is originally from the Ivory Coast. Her acting credits include TEARS
OF THE SUN, MAFFE TIGGA, FAR FROM AN ANGELS GAZE. She is also an Executive Producer on
PAPA. Her producing credits include “Far From an Angels Gaze” and “Maison Blanche” Pilot
presentation, Ganohon is also a Dancer/ Choreographer and owns GOLDEN EXTENSIONS where
sheʼs been a Hair Stylist to the stars since 2006. As a storyteller she wants to pass on stories with a
focus on the African experience to future generations and to be voice for the voiceless.
For more information go to .http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1333052/
STACY LOVE Belizaire (BEBE) – Is an actress, singer and dancer who loves being on set. She is
charming, witty and bilingual . Stacy recently started her own online television show to help other kids
who have been bullied by others. The purpose of the show is to teach kids that have been bullied to
stand up and say ”ENOUGH IS ENOUGH”. She speaks French, English and Creole. She loves
gymnastics, jump rope, double dutch and playing with her two sisters who are also performers.
For more information go to -http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4398059/
Christopher Fisher was born and raised in Philadelphia Pa. One of six brothers and sisters, his family
drove three days in an SUV from Philadelphia to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams of acting. Since
moving to hollywood only two years ago, he has been on three television shows which include I Carly,
Cold Case, Melisa & Joey, and a feature film. He is also a stand up comic.
For more information go to - http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3641784/
ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS
DIRECTOR/ PRODUCER/ WRITER
Bambadjan Bamba was born in Cote DʼIvoire and raised between Abidjan, New York City and
Richmond, VA. He the founder of IvoStar Pictures. He attended The New York Conservatory for
Dramatic Arts.He speaks fluent French, English and Dioula. “PAPA” is Bambadjanʼs Directorial debut.
He also created and produced the Theater play “Far From an Angels Gaze” that was very well
received by critics in 2008 depicting the war in the Congo. He is currently working as the lead role and
producer on “Maison Blanche” Pilot presentation and “Love Struck” web series, When heʼs off
camera, you can find Bambadjan giving back to his community through programs like the Mercy
Ministries Outreach. He also participated in the 13th Annual Read Across America event for the
Compton Unified School District and is the official voice for build African Schools a non-profit
organization dedicated to building high tech schools in Africa. For more information go
to ......www.papathemovie.com
PRODUCER
Autumn Fawn began her career as a child actor, recruited into a professional theater company at age
8. Graduating with honors from The Trinity College of London, England, Autumn became performer/
director of the Kingston Jazz-Theater Company, performing annual productions at the Baby Grand
Theater and the National Arts Center in Canada. In 2004, establishing her own production company,
Autumn realized herself as a director, producer, writer and performer in “A Night at the Moulin Rouge,”
performing to sold-out audiences. In 2009 she produced the preview “Astra von Berlifitzing,” at the
Electric Lodge, while simultaneously directing and producing the multi-media variety show “Vintage,” at
Barnsdall Theater. Autumn is, herself, a champion ballroom dancer taking 12 1st place medals from
the 2010 Emerald Ball, USA DanceSport National competition in American Smooth. She continues to
train with instructor Sonny Perry.
PRODUCER
SOULEYMAN SY SAVANE was born in the Ivory Coast, West Africa, where he was one of the
continentʼs top models and a semi pro basketball player. In 2000, he gave up a thriving career to move
to the US. He studied British technique under Dr Ruth Kulerman in New York and has attended the
Film Actors Workshop under Eric Kline in Los Angeles. In 2009, Souleymane landed his first lead role
in ʻGoodbye Soloʼ, directed by the critically acclaimed Ramin Bahrani. The film went on to win the
International Criticsʼ Award at the Venice Film Festival. Roger Ebert called his performance “a force of
nature” and in the same year Souleymane was nominated for Best Breakthrough Performance by the
Gotham Awards as well as an Independant Spirit Award for Best Male Lead alongside fellow actors
Jeff Bridges and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Souleymane is back playing opposite Gerard Butler in Marc Forsterʼs “Machine Gun Preacher” .
His goal is to look for ways to create peace in in his beloved Africa.
For more information go to http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2766807/
PRODUCER
Darrell Lake, a Sierra Leone native was born abroad in England. Raised in SierraLeone, Guinea,
Gambia, Ghana and Eritrea. He finally moved to the united states to pursue his dreams as a
filmmaking. Since then heʼs been Acting/Directing/Writing and Producing films. His last short ( Dir/Wri/
Pro) “ A Silent Whisper was an official Selection at various reputable film festivals such as Hollywood
film festival, a semi-Finalist at the NBC- Shortcut Film Festival to name a few. Choices ( Produced)
(Pan african Film Festival Selection). As an actor ( Switched at Birth- Recurring, Touch, Lie To Me,
SouthLand). Heʼs currently working on two web-series projects Love Struck and Einstein. For more
informaiton, go to www.darrelllakepictures.com
TITLES & CREDITS
Opening :
Ivo Star Pictures
Producer - Autumn Fawn
Producer - Bambadjan Bamba
Producer - Souleyman Sy Savane
Producer - Darrell Lake
Executive Prouder- Bambadjan Bamba
Executive Producer-Mory Bamba
Executive Producer- Ganohon Ansansame
Executive Producer- Sadiq Abu
Executive Producer- Djak Konate
Director/Writer - Bambadjan Bamba
Director of Photography - Dru Mungai
Editor - Orin Goldman
Production Designer - Ipek Kemahlioglu
Composer- Matt Head
1st AD - Darrell Lake
CREW
Sound - Chris Calandro
Script Supervisor - Anna Starzyk
Colorist - Kevin Cannon
Sound Mixer- Elam Polushko
Additional Mixing- Kevin Moran
Promotional Graphics- Adetola Taylor
Casting Director- Ganohon Ansansame
Gaffer - $ Zack Donner
$ Josh Maas
$
$
Alex Sherman
Grip - Kelsey Pavella
Aaron Francesconi
1st AC - Jasper Granderath
Jason Huggins
2nd AC - Alexander M. Dunn
Make up & Hair - Constance Ejuma
Kehsa Batista
Wardrobe - Lauren Martini
Production Assistants - Jennifer Ayo- Akinyemi
Sandra Nduna
Porcha Evans