Director Michael Marantz’s newest film, A Sister’s Hope, introduces us to Jamira Burley, an individual who has turned adversity into inspiration and positive community change. Equally heartbreaking as it is hopeful, her story weaves a narrative of loss, belief, dedication and action.
Marantz, a SHOOT New Directors Showcase alum (2015), also served as executive producer, composer and editor on A Sister’s Hope which entailed his working in collaboration with Vital Voices and its honoree Burley.
Marantz teamed with DP Tim Sessler on the short which blends the arts of documentary and narrative filmmaking.
Credits
Production Michael Marantz, director, executive producer; Tim Sessler, DP; Noah Meisner, Tay McEvers, producers; Noah Meisner, executive producer; Carlee Briglia, production manager; Anthony Strong, 1st assistant director; Billy Gerard Frank, production designer; Lenore Romas, art director; Juie Mollo, stylist; Rashida Bolden, hair & makeup. Music Michael Marantz, composer; Daniel Boventer, co-composer. Postproduction Michael Marantz, editor; Zach Tidmore, Ellie Forman, DITs. Color Studio RCO Seth Ricart, color; Sheina Dao, color producer. Sound Mix Brandon Hickey. Audio Bill Hennessy, Jon Moore. Cast Andre Jatty Robinson, Jacob Qaasim Middleton, Littles Francis Manch, Jamial Solomon Ruff, Elizabeth Moody, Waheedah Shaheed, AU Hogan, Huston Pigford, Lamique Joseph, Mo’Quis Lawrence, Gregory Thomas, Toni Seawright
The Ad Council, partnering with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and AdoptUSKids, launched a public service campaign, created pro bono by Edelman, which aims to inspire prospective parents to consider adopting a teen from foster care.
This centerpiece PSA titled “The Rewards”--directed by The Hudson Dusters (Michael Kuhn and Niles Roth) via Greenpoint Pictures--spotlights real adoptive families who have personally experienced the mutual benefits of adoption. This longer form PSA (and cutdown versions) begins with a touching display of openness and vulnerability as adoptive parents reflect on their adoption journeys and their initial questions and hesitations about adopting a teen. Then, in a deeply emotional turn, the adoptive parents witness their children recounting the profound rewards of adoption in their lives. The teens speak of the love they share with their parents and how the decision to become a family is reciprocal. The campaign directs viewers to the AdoptUSKids website to learn more about adopting a teen from foster care.
