INDEPENDENT FILM PRODUCER MAKES BRAVE AND INSPIRING DEBUT

Iris Huey

Phoenix, AZ (BlackNews.com) - Arizona native and independent film director Iris Huey recently released her first feature film Second Chance on DVD. The film, which deals with matters such as single parenthood and absent fathers, found an immediate and growing urban audience.

The film tells the story of a young man who abandoned his girlfriend and child because he could not cope with the pressures of fatherhood. He returns five years later in search of a "second chance" at being a father and to reunite with the woman he's always loved.

Second Chance, which screened at the American Black Film Festival, Urbanworld Film Festival and the Arizona Black Film Showcase, has been well received.

The Write Up called the film "A hit!" and wrote, "Second Chance goes beyond pointing out the problem, but shows us how to do the work at creating solutions."

The Write Up was not alone in recognizing value in this film that goes beyond entertainment. While serving as the director for the Arizona Center for Responsible Fatherhood, Greg Johnson viewed Second Chance and was impressed by the issues tackled by the film. In June 2008, the organization featured the film in a forum about fatherhood.

City of Phoenix employee Clifford Sells also viewed the film and requested to feature it at the Winter In-Service Training, an annual conference held by the City of Phoenix Head Start division. The film will screen during a workshop called "Fatherhood: An 'Emotional Experience.'"

"It's great to know these organizations chose my film as a way to help achieve their mission," said Huey. "I want my films to have a positive impact on people and it looks like it's beginning to happen."

Huey, a Howard University film school graduate, multitasked as writer, producer, director and editor on this project. "I wore many hats since the budget was so low," said Huey who produced the film for $5,000. "I was lucky because I had an amazingly dedicated crew."

Second Chance is the first film to be produced under Huey's company, Big I Entertainment. "I created Big I Entertainment to bring quality films to the African American community that have strong, positive and influential messages," said Huey. "I try to develop films that encourage, motivate and inspire viewers by using stories about individuals who overcome tremendous obstacles."

Second Chance is available for purchased online at secondchancefilm.com. For those interested in screening Second Chance for an event, please contact Huey at secondchancefilm.com.