Recovery Phase, a short film Directed, Written & Produced by James Ken Blackmon is a showcase to the power of storytelling. Beyond its gripping narrative, it resonates with a powerful message of representation and diversity. In today’s world, where diversity often gets reduced to mere buzzwords, Blackmon ensures it remains at the forefront of his filmmaking.
In Blackmon’s words, “It’s very necessary for a wide range of diverse characters to be out there in the entertainment landscape.” And he’s right. For too long, so much of the global population have been underrepresented or misrepresented in cinema. By focusing on subjects such as disability and addiction, Recovery Phase underscores the need for authentic, holistic representation, moving beyond the simplistic binaries.
Premiering at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatres during the 2023 Silicon Beach Film Festival, this short film also showcases the power of independent cinema and its ability to champion pressing social issues.
Peter Greene, Festival Programmer and Producer at the Silicon Beach Film Festival, highlighted the importance of this project. “Recovery Phase is an exciting short film… James Ken Blackmon’s film tackles an important subject and tells a taut story with quality performances,” he stated.
The involvement of actor Cole Sydnor, brings positivity and advocacy, accentuating the film’s dedication to genuine representation. Together with his wife Charisma, Sydnor’s journey, both on-screen and off, illuminates the power of love, understanding, and perseverance. Their online endeavors, which candidly chronicle their life as an ‘interracial and interabled couple’, complements the ethos of Recovery Phase perfectly. They are not just telling stories—they’re redefining narratives. The couple have over 2 million subscribers and followers on social media. They started their Youtube channel ‘Roll with Cole and Charisma in 2018 to raise awareness around disability and accessibility.
Blackmon says, “As an African-American filmmaker, I feel that I have a social responsibility to not only share stories from my community but other marginalized communities as well. In keeping with that goal I wrote this project to be multitiered, but the two main themes focus on disability and addiction. Almost every representation of disabled characters I’ve seen on the screen have been shown in a negative light. With the character’s disability being a burden, something to triumph over. I wrote the second lead with Sydnor in mind, who plays “Emmett”. I wanted to flip the old overdone dynamics and have the disability just be a part of who the character is. So in a very subtle way we’re consistently saying diversity and inclusion means the disabled community as well. The character of “Isaiah” that I play, suffers from substance abuse. Growing up in the Tri-State area of the US, I saw many different forms of this common affliction, often masking a deeper trauma that goes unaddressed. I wrote his character seeking to understand what the people I cared about were going through, while hoping I could shed some light on a few of the misconceptions about addiction.”
For many, the TCL Chinese Theatres represent the zenith of cinematic achievement. It’s not just about the grandeur of the theatre or its storied history, but the sheer significance of having one’s work acknowledged on such a revered platform. For Recovery Phase, this serves as a launchpad.
The supporting crew, too, play a pivotal role in molding the movie’s spirit. Producer, Misha Zvagilskiy, Director of Photography, Artur Gubin, 1st AD, Brianna Ingemi and Production Manager, Anastasia Naumova ensure that Recovery Phase is not just a story well-told but also well-executed.
As the credits roll, viewers are not just left reminiscing about the plot or the performances—they’re left contemplating the world around them. It’s this introspective quality that distinguishes Recovery Phase from a myriad of other films.
Blackmon’s advice to emerging filmmakers reverberates with hope and determination, “You sharing your own beautifully unique energy through this incredibly fascinating medium of film could help someone out there. Whether it’s to enjoy a much needed laugh, have a good cry, or to simply see themselves represented on screen.” In a world filled with barriers, both seen and unseen, these words serve as a clear call. They remind us that storytelling is not just about talent—it’s about tenacity. It’s about recognizing obstacles as stepping stones, harnessing one’s unique experiences, and crafting narratives that can inspire change.
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