How ‘Hometown Hero’ Challenges Absentee Fatherhood Stereotypes
In Phoenix a photographer named Joshua Goode is on a mission to reshape a prevailing narrative through his powerful gallery showing titled ‘Omnipresent.’ The documentary, “Hometown Hero,” directed by Samantha Bringas, captures the essence of Goode’s work, shedding light on the stereotype that “black fathers are absent.”
Samantha Bringas stumbled upon this story through the digital realm of Instagram, where a friend’s post led her to an intriguing photography exhibit announcement. As she explored further, she discovered Joshua Goode selling tickets for his gallery showing, with the proceeds earmarked for two organizations supporting fatherhood. The concept lingered in her mind, prompting her to delve into the nuanced perspectives surrounding the narrative of absent black fathers.
“When you have a present father who is black, and also what it must feel like as a black father raising your children when this narrative is being echoed around you,” Bringas reflects on the thoughts that fueled her curiosity. Determined to contribute to the conversation, she decided to document Goode’s impactful initiative alongside the stories of two other fathers, Will Lewis and Jeremy Givins.
The documentary production journey, undertaken predominantly by Bringas herself, had its challenges and triumphs. Crafted from interviews with the three fathers, the film required meticulous question formulation and strategic placement of responses to weave a cohesive narrative. Reflecting on her favorite part of production, Bringas mentions the joy derived from crafting interview questions and witnessing the organic flow of conversations.
Making movies is hard! For Bringas the intricacies of sound editing posed a significant challenge. With a background in art production and cinematography, delving into the realm of sound proved to be a learning curve. Nevertheless the experience has been invaluable serving as a platform for personal growth and skill development.
As with any creative process hindsight often brings insights. When asked about things she would do differently if given a chance to go back, Bringas humorously mentions the importance of sound and the wisdom of hiring a skilled professional for the job. Learning from experience, she acknowledges the significance of a specialized skill set in sound production.
For aspiring filmmakers, Bringas offers practical advice based on her journey. “Just start filming something that you love or find important, because then you will have the perseverance to see it through,” she encourages. Networking and gaining experience on film sets of varying scales are essential steps in the learning process, according to Bringas, emphasizing the value of relationships and continuous learning.
For those eager to follow Samantha Bringas and the cast’s future projects, Instagram proves to be the best avenue @samm.bringas.
“Hometown Hero” is an official selection of the Utah International Film Festival.
