‘Contention’: a movie by Cabrini students

By Eva Soler
March 29, 2019

Expected this spring, “Contention” is a movie created by Rahmere Griffin, senior digital communications and social media major, about a struggling student. The plot revolves around interracial relationships, friendships, police brutality and many more controversial issues occurring today.

Griffin created the concept of the movie in his script-writing class during the spring semester of 2018. There, they were taught to write for stage plays. Griffin wanted to do more with it though.

“I always had a vision to turn that script into a movie or short film of sorts,” Griffin said. “Cabrini’s script-writing class has taught me to develop a script, putting ideas down on paper. Also, now I’m in Usame’s short film production class and that has simultaneously taught me things while I’m creating my film, like we would have a lesson in class on Wednesday and then on Sunday night I would have to use what I learned in filming some of my scenes.”

Usame Tunagur is an assistant professor in the communications department, teaching classes like video production and short film production. Tunagur says that Griffin is a student who goes out of his way to fulfill his dreams, making him a go-getter and self-starter.

“He’s interested in writing and directing a short narrative film. So, he wrote on his own and now he is directing it. He’s not doing it to fulfill a class requirement; rather, he is doing it because he wants to experiment with a format he hasn’t worked on before,” Tunagur said.

This is Griffin’s first time directing. He has only done YouTube videos and skits in the past.

“This whole process has been a complete new experience for me, but it’s something that I’ve taken on with an eager attitude,” Griffin said.

Being his first time directing, he’s been challenged with some things. Griffin says he’s struggled to get out of his own head.

“I’d be lying if I said doubts about this whole project haven’t come up, especially with me being [a protectionist], but I had to learn to not overthink and over-analyze,” Griffin said. “Another difficult part has been scheduling, but this whole process has taught me to be way more organized.”

Griffin chose his coworkers easily. His assistant director is senior communications major Seneca White. His art director is communications and black studies major Xavier Taylor. Working with them before made it easy to find them, knowing their skills and how well they work together.

As of right now, the film is about half way done, and Griffin expects to be done filming by the end of the month. The final edit should be done by April.

“I want this film to be seen by anyone and everyone, and spark dialogue about the issues the film highlights,” Griffin said.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtZK8udhqWU/

Rahmere Griffin and Xavier Taylor behind the scenes of “Contention” filming.

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Eva Soler

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