Filmmaker with Chillicothe roots wins big at film festivals
CHILLICOTHE — A filmmaker raised in Chillicothe recently returned to shoot parts of his short film in town. After debuting the movie has received much praise from critics.
The movie, "A Bad Bad Day," follows a man who must face the repercussions of his previous choices in his work life and relationships. The movie highlights self-discovery and accountability.
"It's a visual representation of Murphey's Law," said director Jalen Snowden. "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong unless you do something to change it."
A Bad Bad Day's cast and crew received praise at awards and festivals winning Best Short Film at the Mabig Film Festival, and Best Debut Filmmaker at the Silver Wings International Film Festival and the South Film and Arts Academy Festival. The crew also placed as a semi-finalist for Best Debut Filmmaker at the Chicago Filmmaker Awards, the New York Cinematography Awards and the Canadian Cinematography Awards.
The film was shot in Cincinnati, Chicago and Chillicothe. The Chillicothe locations include the local Giovanni's Pizza where the main character works and gets fired by Lesley Payne.
See more: Aces of Trades: Mike and Lesley Payne love the personal relationships around Giovanni’s Pizza
Though he lives in Chicago now, director Snowden grew up in Chillicothe. He has always loved filming and learning about creating videos. This is his first short film and it was inspired by his own life and his decision to take control of it and reach for his goals.
Snowden said he enjoyed working with his mother, Payne, who he said was great at delivering her lines in the movie. While he enjoys the recognition from the festivals he is most proud to be able to tell his parents what he achieved after years of saying he was a filmmaker.
"It feels good to have because it makes my parents happy," said Snowden of the awards. "It shows it wasn't a waste of time."
When thinking about his journey to becoming a director Snowden advises all other creators who are like him to never stop believing in themselves. Even when he had to work other jobs Snowden always said he was a filmmaker when people asked what he did. This motivated him to learn more about his passion and create something worth showing others.
Viewers can now watch "A Bad Bad Day" online.
Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Local movie and director win at film festivals
