Honored film ‘I ELECT’ seeks to inspire everyone to get out and vote
By CHRISTINA MAYO
This still of actor Carey Brianna Hart as Bella is from the one-woman film ‘I ELECT: Power Every Four Years.’
In the 1960s, the mother of actor Carey Brianna Hart was jailed for registering voters.
“So many people have fought, struggled and died to have this right. It should never be taken for granted,” said Hart.
Born in Miami and a graduate of New World School of the Arts, Hart was awarded a Silver Palm Award for her local theater work.
Carey Brianna Hart as Bella in the one-woman film ‘I ELECT: Power Every Four Years.’
As the star of the voting rights film “I ELECT: Power Every Four Years,” she said she realized — and was inspired by — her mother’s brave civil rights work.
The 26-minute film was originally shown in 2020 as a livestream fundraiser for Engage Miami. Filming was at Locust Projects in Miami, an artist residency and art exhibition space.
Now, “I ELECT” can be seen in an encore viewing at the 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at 4:45 p.m. Nov. 10, at Paradigm Cinemas: Gateway Fort Lauderdale, 1820 E. Sunrise Blvd.
Dennise Perez and Carey Brianna Hart on the set of the film.
The one-act, one-woman film was written by Bill Spring, produced by Jose Lima and directed by Ricky J. Martinez, with Dennise Perez as director of photography. Spring, Lima and Hart will conduct a panel Q&A after the festival presentation.
“When we made this film to help get out the youth vote for the 2020 Presidential election, we could not have imagined the magnitude of how it would continue to resonate with voting and activism issues that threaten our fragile democracy today,” said Spring.
“Now more than ever, artists have no choice but to create. Storytelling is critical right now, offering viewers inspiration to ignite our collective spirit.”
The film’s award-winning director, Martinez, said it presents “a clear ring of authenticity and activism, for us to get back on point.”
Since 2020, “I ELECT” has won numerous awards including Official Selection at the New York Artists Forum Festival of the Moving Image; “Best Original Story” at the New York Film Awards; the “Liberation/Social Justice/Protest Award” at the IndieFEST 2021 Film Awards; “Best Actress in a Leading Role” at the Across the Globe Film Festival; Honorable Mention at Awareness Film Festival Los Angeles; and Official Selection at the Whistleblower Summit & Film Festival 2021 in Washington, D.C.
The film tells a powerful story about how voting activism saves a young woman named Bella from suicide and helps her turn her life around after tragedy and struggle during the pandemic.
“There is enormous power in artists working together, offering the viewer a passageway, inspiration. It doesn’t take much for evil to come crawling out of the woodwork, but the truth-seeking voice of Bella is not one to be silenced,” said Spring.
Ocaquatics Swim School mascots Sunny and Sol are helping children learn the importance of voting. Ocaquatics Swim School
SWIM SCHOOL HOSTS MASCOT ELECTION
It’s an important day on Nov. 5 with another election taking place at Ocaquatics Swim School. Beloved mascots Sunny and Sol will be vying for Swim School President in a unique way to introduce children to democracy.
“Our goal with this swim school president election is to encourage a culture of voting in our families and the community,” said Miren Oca, CEO and Founder of Ocaquatics.
“We hope the children feel excited about growing up and fulfilling their civic duty by casting their vote in future elections. At the same time, we want to remind parents that their vote is very important during the current election season.”
Sol’s campaign promotes the platform “Kindness is best,” while Sunny champions “Our differences make us special!”
Children and families are invited to cast their votes for their favorite mascot at all Ocaquatics locations on Nov. 5. Families and swimmers can also show support for Sunny and Sol by purchasing campaign yard signs. Donations fund scholarships for children who would otherwise be unable to afford swimming lessons.
Ocaquatics Swim School has been teaching swimming to all ages in indoor, warm-water pools since 1994. Five locations include West Kendall, Tropical Park, Hialeah Gardens, Eureka Drive, and Coral Gables. Visit www.ocaquatics.com
The U.S. Air Force Band’s ‘Airmen of Note’ will perform free Nov. 14 at Miami Senior High School. Courtesy of the U. S. Air Force Band
AIR FORCE JAZZ BAND TO PLAY
The United States Air Force Band’s “Airmen of Note” is a premier jazz ensemble that will be in concert for free at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at Miami Senior High School, 2450 SW First St.
The group will perform big band hits from the 1930s and 1940s and new compositions in varying genres on its nine-day tour throughout Florida. The events honor the service of Airmen past and present. Check out www.music.af.mil to learn more.
TOUR GABLES HOMES, GARDENS
In 2025, the City of Coral Gables will celebrate its centennial year. It will also be the 100th year of the Coral Gables Garden Club, organized in 1925 by women who wanted to share plant knowledge and were committed to civic beautification. George Merrick’s mother, Althea, and his wife, Eunice, were founding members.
The club has been at the heart of beautifying the community ever since by planting gardens and championing civic projects.
Its Centennial Home & Garden Tour is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 16 with the self-guided tour beginning at Granada Church, 950 University Dr. At check-in, or after your tour, you can also shop at the club’s pop-up boutique.
You won’t want to miss this special opportunity to explore six stunning homes and gardens. The price is $65 per person, and ticket proceeds benefit the garden club’s educational and community projects.
Carpooling between homes is encouraged. Note that the event is for adults and children 12 and older, and wheelchair access is not available at the private homes.
The Coral Gables Garden Club is a nonprofit organization with a mission to “educate youth and the broader public in various aspects of gardening, horticulture, environmental issues, civic beautification, and floral design.” Visit www.coralgablesgardenclub.org for tickets.
