Amid pandemic, Miami filmmakers livestream their film about Pablo and his grandfather
It was just before the pandemic became a reality in Miami that Ismael Gomez III and Rabbit Hole Pictures hosted a February premiere of the new film “Death of a Fool” at Coral Gables Art Cinema.
Gomez, who co-wrote and directed the film, said that suddenly “COVID made it impossible to expand our theatrical release.”
“Our company, Rabbit Hole Pictures, is committed to the expansion of diverse voices within the entertainment industry, particularly Hispanic artists,” Gomez said. “Our mission is to create mystical stories that examine themes and characters underrepresented in modern cinema.”
The story behind “Death of a Fool,” a magical realism film, is that of Miami teenager Pablo and his dying grandfather Herman.
While Pablo tries to come to terms with his grandfather’s terminal illness, he begins investigating the afterlife. It is through a mysterious stranger that Pablo learns of an elixir that could grant immortality, and he sets out on an adventure to save his beloved grandfather.
“‘Death of a Fool’ was our first endeavor to produce a motion picture that would entertain, educate and depict a part of Miami that is rarely seen on the big screen,” Gomez said.
“Many clever producers have built sets that look like Miami, but the magic of the real thing cannot be duplicated. In service to that ideal, we hired mostly local cast and crew for this project, hoping to express their vision and tell this story in an inclusive, South Florida-centric manner.”
The film, with the hopeful message “a love for a grandparent lives on forever,” is available on Amazon Video in lieu of an in-person theater release.
“Death of a Fool” was produced by Jezabel Montero and stars Mario Ernesto Sanchez, Benji Leon, Zully Montero, Gene Gabriel, Isadora Leiva, Hugo Fuentes and Daniel Capote.
Gomez was born and raised in Havana, and immigrated to America at age 19. He received an Artist Fellowship grant to attend the New York Film Academy and followed that with a BFA in film at Lynn University in Boca Raton.
After working as lead editor on several motion pictures and commercials, Gomez co-founded Rabbit Hole Pictures in 2016 with Larry Santana. Its mission is to expand film production in Florida.
Gomez and fellow writer Joe Leone were the 2018 BlueCat feature screenplay contest winners for “Death of a Fool.” Bluecat provided grants to produce the film.
“How many movies have we seen entirely produced in Miami? How many of those belong to the fantasy genre? These two questions inspired me to make this mystical tale and show a part of Miami that is rarely depicted on the big screen,” Gomez said.
See a preview and learn more at www.rabbitholepictures.com.
Grove displays 100 poetry banners
Peacocks, sailboats, artists and the incredibly lush tree canopy make Coconut Grove, known for its rich artistic history, a one-of-a-kind community.
“Coconut Grove is naturally poetic,” said Abigael Mahony, director of the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District.
Now, in true Grove fashion, locals can safely enjoy public art in a scenic setting outdoors at a time when the pandemic has prohibited us from visiting art galleries, museums and performance venues.
Look up the next time you drive through Miami’s original art district. You will see some of the 100 poetic banners written by Grove residents that pay homage to the community and its bohemian culture.
Some of the poems were written by schoolchildren from Coconut Grove Elementary.
The Coconut Grove BID, in partnership with local arts organization O, Miami, is exhibiting the poetry.
Each poem follows a unique formula that is modeled after the Grove’s 33133 ZIP code and called a “Grove Ode.” The format was created by O, Miami and WLRN.
“We are thrilled to feature the voices of our community lovingly describing our beloved neighborhood,” Mahony said.
Friends of The Underline continues ‘Miami Voices’
In early July, a fast-paced virtual discussion series debuted as “Miami Voices.” The new project, created by Friends of The Underline, consists of 20-minute talks by community leaders who discuss topics ranging from exercising indoors during the pandemic to public health affordability, equity and mobility.
The next free talk,“Miami Voices Green, Together,” is at 1 p.m., Aug. 5 with guest hosts Phillip Thibeaux, VisualScape Inc. project manager, and Alissa Farina, resilience programs manager for the City of Miami. They will discuss how green spaces can make us more resilient.
Go to The Underline’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/theunderlinemia or www.theunderline.org to watch earlier events and register for free upcoming discussions.
Get free help with mental illness
Stress caused by the pandemic has had a negative mental health impact in communities everywhere, according to a recent survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Miami-Dade is helping by providing free therapy through Zoom Wellness Support Groups. The program has been extended until the end of summer and possibly beyond.
Sessions are for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, and their family members and caregivers. Meetings are facilitated by NAMI trained and certified family members and peers.
Sessions are in English, Spanish and Creole. For more information and to get the Meeting ID, visit www.NAMIMiami.org or email Programs@NAMIMiami.org. Or call 786-775-1980 or 305-665-2540.
If you have news for this column, write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com.
This story was originally published July 30, 2020 at 7:00 AM.