The documentary film, Leah Chase: Faith, Family and Food
Vincent T. Sylvain shared this exciting and important documentary film project about the beloved Leah Chase. Leah Chase is a mentor, civil rights activists, philanthropist, avid supporter of African-American artists and certainly one of the greatest cultural ambassadors for all things great about New Orleans. Her story is a pivotal piece of New Orleans’ and our nation’s cultural and culinary history and must be preserved.
The documentary film, Leah Chase: Faith, Family and Food, explores all facets of Leah’s life starting with the little known stories about her early years, moving into her Civil Rights work and concluding with the stories of her career that arcs from a woman of color becoming an entrepreneur during the segregated South to her current role of Creole Grande Dame and supporter of the arts. The uplifting ending of the film will include President Obama’s visit to her restaurant during his election, the NOMA portrait exhibition, her 90th birthday celebration and Leah going to the National Portrait Gallery in D.C., where she meets with the curators and walks through this museum where her portrait will one day be on exhibition. To view the trailer, go to http://www.level3dmg.com/clients/leah, and click on Trailer2_Cut8_WithFrog_640.mp4.
Bess Carrick, the director and executive producer of the film, is known for her award-winning documentary, Lindy Boggs: Steel and Velvet, and for her investigative film on David Duke’s controversial run for the United States Senate, Backlash: Race and the American Dream. The New York Times and the Hollywood Reporter favorably reviewed Carrick’s film Backlash. The Lindy Boggs film won a Telly award and still airs on PBS today, six years after its national release.
Plans to premiere the documentary film in summer/fall of 2014 include a statewide premiere on Louisiana Public Broadcast, a local launch celebration and a national airing on PBS. The film’s release will capitalize on the Smithsonian’s acquisition of Leah’s portrait. The launch will also take place in the same year as the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Lead underwriting of this project has significant beneftis, including lead recognition in the film’s opening credits, acknowledement in all marketing pieces, personalized DVD versions and more. Donation can be made through a tax deductible contribution may be made by credit card through a secure Google Checkoaut at http://southernfood.org/support-the-leah-chase-film/. If paying by check, please make check payable to SoFAB and note that it is for the Leah Chase film. The mailing address for your contribution is: Bess Carrick, Blackbird Media, 3625 Canal St – 3rd Floor, New Orleans, LA 70119.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact Bonnie Goldblum at either (504) 460-6182 or bgoldblum@cox.net.
I thank you for taking the time to read this letter and consider my request. Your contribution will ensure that the legacy of the magnificent Leah Chase will continue to inspire generations of chefs, civic leaders, and lovers of all things Creole and New Orleans!
Most sincerely,
Vincent T. Sylvain