“The Bicycle,” Needs Your Help! (Brotha/Sistah Can You Spare A Dime?)
Writer/director and member of The Leagues, James Richards, needs your help… but instead of me typing it all out for you, I figured I’d let James tell you himself. So, watch the video below first, and then continue reading after that:
Alright, so what’s The Bicycle about? Here’s the plot lifted directly from the film’s website:
Bobbi can’t stand Teddy. Teddy isn’t exactly thrilled with Bobbi. Now that’s all right on the playground. But Teddy is 36 and Bobbi is 10. And they live in the same house. And Teddy is going to marry Bobbi’s mother Cheryl in a few months.
Cheryl has given up on them all coming together as one big, happy family. Now, all she wants is for Bobbi and Teddy to live in peace. Not a great way to begin your new life with the man you love.
Teddy isn’t helping. He’s engaging in a battle of wills with a 10 year old and losing, and his ego won’t let it go. He knows that between himself and Bobbi, Cheryl needs him to be the adult. But Teddy can’t help himself. He knows better. He knows something has to change for the sake of his upcoming marriage, his relationship to Cheryl and his sanity.
When Bobbi is jumped and her bicycle stolen, Teddy realizes this is the moment where he can repair his relationship with Bobbi. He volunteers to help find the bully and get the bicycle back but Bobbi resists, seeing this as ploy for Teddy to get in good with her mother. What they do discover as they travel through the many worlds that make up their community will both surprise them and connect them in a way neither could imagine.
The Bicycle is also an opportunity to tell a story in a world I know very well; the Black working class and middle class enclaves of Queens. Often stories about the African-American experience are tales mired in poverty and despair, or fabulous superstars living the high life. There is often nothing in between. Working people have lives also, and are often beautiful in the search for grace. Why not give some of those stories a chance to shine?
Alright… and now that you have some idea of what the film is about, here’s a sample of what it’ll look like, in the trailer below:
And so… you’ve heard James’ plea, and have some idea of what to expect from the project; are you just going to sit there and do nothing? Or will you help a brotha out, and ensure that he’s able to see the feature project through completion? To make a donation/contribution, or even just to send a note of encouragement, visit the film’s website HERE. There you’ll find a link labeled “How To Support Us” in the right-hand column menu, which will give you all the info you need!
I’ve already chipped in. I’ve seen James’ previous work – those who’ve seen 6 Things I Never Told You will also be familiar – and I can say that he’s efforts are well-worth your attention! So, give if you can. Again, visit the film’s website HERE.
via shadowandact.com