The UnLonely Film Festival: Best of Fest
I Have Something To Tell You
About the FIlmmaker
Dumaine Babcock and Ben Joyner found themselves at a unique advantage because of Babcock’s relationship with Chesser, who just so happens to be his godfather. With such a personal connection to a film’s subject, it’s no wonder that I Have Something To Tell You is so compelling to watch.
Joyner is a Los Angeles-based cinematographer and director. He is currently shooting two documentary feature films. In addition to working professionally as a director of photography, he also has a passion for directing narrative. His latest short film, ABDUCTED, was a 2018 SC Indie Grant recipient and is in post-production. Ben is currently in pre-production on his next short film, to be shot in the summer of 2019.
Babcock is working as an ICG Local 600 camera assistant in Atlanta, while also shooting smaller indie projects. He is currently assisting on an episodic television series.
Dive Even Deeper
Create a video self-portrait:
- Take a video self-portrait to support your own self-reflection around life-altering moments or issues that you’ve experienced.
- Make a list of events or issues that have been difficult for you and with which you may have some unresolved feelings.
- Set up your phone or camera with a stand, so that you appear in the frame, close-up, and so that you are happy with the overall composition.
- Press record, and do your best to forget about the camera. Then, look at the list of events and issues and allow yourself to re-experience and dwell on the event fully.
- Now, stop the video and watch the recording. What do you see? How would you describe your expressions? Do you see anything that is surprising? Do you think you’ve come to terms with the events? If not, do you have any ideas for how to approach a resolution?
22 Comments
Join in the conversation:
Here are a few thoughts about the film.
So sad
I’m fearful we have made little progress to resolve these challenges….acceptance is truly needed.
It’s important to take time for self reflection and come to your understanding of situations or circumstances in life. We have the power to live life on our own term.
I feel sad for him. I think the world needs to be more accepting of differences.
Yes. However I feel happy for him that he found a way to talk about a difficult thing through his art. And that is beautiful to see him overcome his issue in coming out
Being “who you are” deep within isn’t or shouldn’t be dependent on how others feel about it. Sharing your feelings is important. NEVER should a relationship break because of a illness. This makes me feel sad. People are judgmental of others and especially of themselves. Find what brings you peace and go with it.
The world needs to learn not to judge but to Love all people.
Be you regardless of what other people think, someone will always have something negative to say. Love yourself.
Accepting someone for who they are is very important but love yourself and try not to let what others think and say bring you down.
That was so moving! I remember when my brother came out to me. He was so filled with shame. It was heart breaking.
I would like to thank the person on this film for teaching us so well in this project. I support you. When I had a cancer diagnosis, I couldn’t believe the “helpful” things people would say to me–actually very unhelpful. I wait for the day when people are accepting of all others even if they don’t agree. Like it or not, we are all meant to help and love others every single day.
Thankful for the willingness to share this difficult and heartbreaking story. Reminds me that every time I go towards any kind of judgement to anyone to stop and connect to the humanity. I had a close coworker who died of Aids but I remember when he told us that I jumped up to hug him and he burst into tears because no one would touch him. I’ve never forgotten him and all that he taught everyone. I miss him still.
It is sad, but it is very real
I am a heterosexual, but I have had friends who are members of the LGBT community of the country I came from. Though they are different in their choice of sexual partners. I still treat them with respect. Their sexual orientation should never be a negative against them. After all, they are human beings too.
What an amazing story and images! I pray that his mom is able to come to terms and love her son. I hope and pray he gets support from all of his loved ones. I just love this and his creativity of catching peoples images- they tell a story all by themselves!
This was very hard, I do not understand why any one person’s love is different than another persons. To hear words from those closest to your heart that produce shame and guilt because of love must be intensely painful. His method of dealing with abandonment is love in itself.
That was a great story. Everyone deserves acceptance!
Great story! I hope one day the world accepts people for who they are, no one should have to feel shame for who they are.
And I have listened and will always listen
This story of the struggle to be accepted just as you are is powerful. The courage and creativity of the story teller to depict his relationships through photography will have a long-lasting impact!
I found his line towards the end of the film, “using the tools I have to deal with this” to be very powerful and insightful.
Excellent story about self acceptance leading to public acceptance and forgiveness. Thank you.