Local Filmmakers to Release Hurricane Katrina-Inspired Short Drama Through Carolina Theatre

DURHAM, NC — (Aug. 12, 2020)  Blue Cup Productions and the Carolina Theatre of Durham are partnering to virtually release the short film drama “Camilla, Keep Your Word” on Saturday, August 29 at 7 p.m. on the venue’s Facebook page, facebook.com/CarolinaTheatreDurham. The film is a Hurricane Katrina evacuation love story directed by filmmaker Holland Randolph Gallagher, who created the Durham-based series “Hype.” The new short features cinematography by Bruce Francis Cole, whose recent film “Farewell Amor” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and was produced by Taylor Sharp, director and producer of “Hoops Africa: Ubuntu Matters.”

“The thing that brought me to North Carolina originally was Hurricane Katrina and it felt important to commemorate the event by releasing the film on its 15-year anniversary,” Randolph Gallagher said. “Camilla deals with the specific type of heartbreak related to not being able to be around the ones you care for the most in the most dire circumstance; an emotion that is strangely timely.”

The online premiere of this short film is an opportunity for the local arts community to come together virtually for a complimentary night of cinema. The Carolina Theatre has significantly increased its virtual cinema programming as it awaits authorization to re-open. This virtual screening is the first of many and begins a new commitment by the nonprofit organization that operates the city-owned venue to feature work of local artists both on film, online and on stage.

“It is said that necessity is the mother of invention,” Carolina Theatre Interim CEO & President Bethann James said.  “Well, during this time of forced closure, we are exploring ways to stay connected to our supporters and offer others the same opportunity. I am pleased to connect with local artists and move forward together.”

Carolina Theatre members, sponsors and supporters will be given an opportunity to screen “Camilla, Keep Your Word” in advance and ask questions of the filmmakers via a post-film Q&A that will be recorded.

“Camilla, Keep Your Word” is the narrative debut of Durham’s Blue Cup Productions, which was founded by Taylor Sharp and Holland Randolph Gallagher. The filmmakers met while students at the University of North Carolina Chapel at Chapel Hill. They aim to produce both scripted and documentary shorts and features. The pair was each awarded project funding through the 2020 Filmed in NC Fund, supported by the NC Film Office and Cucalorus Film Foundation, for their respective documentary projects “Momma” and “May The Lord Watch: The Little Brother Story.”

While shot in New Orleans, the film has strong North Carolina ties and has played in festivals across the state such as River Run International, Full Bloom, and Carrboro Film Festival.

“Our crew was largely comprised of a cohort of Durham creatives,” Sharp said, “so, we are pleased to partner locally with our friends at the Carolina Theatre to introduce this film to the world.”

Don’t miss the online premiere of the short film drama “Camilla, Keep Your Word” on Saturday, August 29 at 7 p.m. at the Carolina Theatre of Durham’s Facebook page, facebook.com/CarolinaTheatreDurham.