Photo by Eric Campbell
The Angry Black Girl and her Monster, which starts its weeklong run at IPH June 9, is back where it began. The first feature film from writer/director Bomani J. Story was shot last year right here in Charlotte. Some of the local actors and crew members will come together June 9 and 10 for panel discussions following the 7:30 pm screenings at IPH. (See the list below)
One of the panelists sharing their experiences will be Tracie Frank, a Charlotte actor in a supporting role. She remembers trying to find the set on the first day, pulling into an old warehouse on North Tryon Street and wondering, is this the place? It turns out it was, and something special was happening inside.
The film tells the story of Vicaria (played by Laya DeLeon Hayes), a young girl traumatized by the murder of her brother and determined to bring him back to life. It’s a twist on the iconic tale of Frankenstein’s monster or, as one reviewer described it, “a righteous reinterpretation of the mad scientist.” Vicaria believes death is a disease that can be cured.
“She’s young and brilliant and able to turn this whole idea of, well, death is something that we all have to deal with, into a sort of challenge,” says Frank, who plays Secoiya, the mother of Vicaria’s best friend. “It’s a big deal, especially when you have a voice that a lot of people are not interested in listening to; you’re young, black and a woman. … So yeah, I just really loved that it brings a fresh perspective.”
Frank didn’t start acting until her late 30s. She was working as a communications director when she decided to make the leap. “It felt kind of crazy to try and do something like that in Charlotte,” she says. But she has pulled it off, building a busy acting career without having to leave home. Frank is in demand for voiceover work and acts on stage and screen, including episodes of Dopesick on Hulu and Outer Banks on Netflix. “I love being an actor here,” she says.
She is particularly happy to be a part of The Angry Black Girl and her Monster. “People should see it. It’s thought-provoking and a really good story,” Frank says. “Bomani is just getting started. I can’t wait to see what else he’s got. So get in on the ground floor, people!”
THE ANGRY BLACK GIRL AND HER MONSTER
SPECIAL SCREENING + TALKBACK JUNE 9 + 10
June 9
Tracie Frank — Actor (“Secoiya”)
Keith Holliday — Actor (“Jamaal”)
Dale Codice Jr. — Actor (“Freeman”)
Kevin Murray — Boom Operator
Megan Deputy — Makeup Department Head
Moderator: Taylor Montalto — (Charlotte Film Festival)
June 10
Beth Felice — Set Decorator / Actor (“Mrs. Kempe”)
Jeremiah Snyder — Second Assistant Director
Paul Barrett — Property Master
Monica Barrios-Smith — Second Assistant Camera
Gavin Harwell — Sound Mixer
Moderator: Juli Emmons — (Carolina Film Community)
Link to tickets: https://independentpicturehouse.org/movies/the-angry-black-girl-and-her-monster/