DIRECTORS BIO
James Spooner previous film, the award-winning feature documentary Afro-Punk, has screened at over 50 festivals in the U.S. and abroad. The Toronto International Film Festival, New York's Urban-world, the American Black Film Festival and Mar del Plata International Film Festival (Argentina) are among some of the many highlights. The film has been incorporated into a high school curriculum by the New Museum of New York, and has inspired the Afro-Punk Film Festival at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, now in its th 3rd year. "Afro-Punk" has most notably inspired a generation of alternative black thinkers to come together under a common banner. Just google it. There are kids everywhere claiming Afro-Punk as there chosen identity.
"White Lies" starts where "Afro-Punk" leaves off. Part truth, part fiction, "White Lies" will leaving you wondering which is which. "It's all the truth", Spooner says,"I needed to explore new ways of telling our story". James Spooner does just that, telling the "other black experience" in a way that only he could. This film marks James' sophomore effort. It is sure to be the beginning of a long career.
PERSONAL STATEMENT
I grew up all over the place. I have seen a lot of things. I have lived both comfortably and uncomfortably in black AND white America. Defining myself, for myself and loving myself for my decision, was no easy task. "White Lies" marks the end of that journey for me. It was the last thing I needed to say to my world before I could say to myself, what I always knew to be true. "Race doesn't matter, Race is a lie". That statement made, I also understand that RACISM does matter and that is the truth. I fully comprehend the difference and how it has effected and continues to effect my life. It is my hope that this film speaks to the audience the way, my first film, Afro-Punk did, helping them as they continue to define themselves.
James Spooner - director
If you would like to host a screening of "White Lies Black Sheep" or "Afro-Punk" at your University or social event email [email protected].
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