The Power of Filmmaking Culture: A Beacon for Communities
1. A Collaborative Art Form
Filmmaking is indeed a powerful art form that transcends boundaries. It’s not just about the actors on screen; it’s a collaborative effort that involves hundreds of people—from the crew members to the caterers, artists, musicians, and location scouts. Each person contributes their unique skills and talents to create a cinematic masterpiece.
2. Anthony “Amp” Elmore’s Vision
Anthony “Amp” Elmore understood this power when he founded “Orange Mound Black Memphis Hollywood.” His mission went beyond entertainment; it was about inspiring a community. Through his film “Rock and Roll: A Black Legacy,” Elmore wove together the threads of Orange Mound’s history, echoing the cultural impact of legends like Elvis Presley.
1. A Collaborative Art Form
Filmmaking is indeed a powerful art form that transcends boundaries. It’s not just about the actors on screen; it’s a collaborative effort that involves hundreds of people—from the crew members to the caterers, artists, musicians, and location scouts. Each person contributes their unique skills and talents to create a cinematic masterpiece.
2. Anthony “Amp” Elmore’s Vision
Anthony “Amp” Elmore understood this power when he founded “Orange Mound Black Memphis Hollywood.” His mission went beyond entertainment; it was about inspiring a community. Through his film “Rock and Roll: A Black Legacy,” Elmore wove together the threads of Orange Mound’s history, echoing the cultural impact of legends like Elvis Presley.
3. Empowering Youth Through Film
Elmore recognized that expecting today’s youth to sit in libraries reading books might be a stretch. Instead, he offered them an exciting alternative: participating in filmmaking. Whether singing, dancing, acting, or learning the craft, youth could find inspiration and purpose. The film’s scenes, filmed in Kenya, also opened doors for cultural diplomacy, bridging continents and bringing people together.
4. The Contemporary Gladiator: A Global Journey
Elmore’s “The Contemporary Gladiator” wasn’t confined to Memphis—it played around the world under the title “Iron Thunder.” People from diverse backgrounds felt immense pride in being part of this groundbreaking 1987 movie. Elmore’s call to Memphis Mayor Paul Young and elected officials was clear: invest in our community and tell our stories.
5. The International Impact
Germany recognized the film’s value and purchased it. Bernie Williams, a young man from Germany, personally delivered a copy of “The Contemporary Gladiator” to Elmore. This film, as the world’s first kickboxing movie, left an indelible mark on global film history.
Elmore recognized that expecting today’s youth to sit in libraries reading books might be a stretch. Instead, he offered them an exciting alternative: participating in filmmaking. Whether singing, dancing, acting, or learning the craft, youth could find inspiration and purpose. The film’s scenes, filmed in Kenya, also opened doors for cultural diplomacy, bridging continents and bringing people together.
4. The Contemporary Gladiator: A Global Journey
Elmore’s “The Contemporary Gladiator” wasn’t confined to Memphis—it played around the world under the title “Iron Thunder.” People from diverse backgrounds felt immense pride in being part of this groundbreaking 1987 movie. Elmore’s call to Memphis Mayor Paul Young and elected officials was clear: invest in our community and tell our stories.
5. The International Impact
Germany recognized the film’s value and purchased it. Bernie Williams, a young man from Germany, personally delivered a copy of “The Contemporary Gladiator” to Elmore. This film, as the world’s first kickboxing movie, left an indelible mark on global film history.
6. Memphis: A Call to Action
Memphis, with its 70% Black population, has a rich cultural heritage. Just as Stax Records, WDIA Radio, and other institutions emerged, a thriving Black filmmaking culture can be a beacon. While Atlanta boasts Tyler Perry’s billion-dollar Black film industry, Memphis has untapped potential waiting to be harnessed.
7. Supporting Black Filmmakers
Memphis must recognize that supporting Black filmmakers isn’t just about making movies—it’s about preserving our community’s legacy. The failed NBC show “Bluff City Law” and the canceled “Young Rock” received millions of dollars in support, but what about our own stories?
8. The Library of Congress and Cultural Legacy
“The Contemporary Gladiator” deserves recognition. Memphis can benefit by supporting efforts to honor the film through the Library of Congress National Film Registry. Let’s celebrate our culture, inspire future generations, and create a legacy that transcends borders.
Memphis, with its 70% Black population, has a rich cultural heritage. Just as Stax Records, WDIA Radio, and other institutions emerged, a thriving Black filmmaking culture can be a beacon. While Atlanta boasts Tyler Perry’s billion-dollar Black film industry, Memphis has untapped potential waiting to be harnessed.
7. Supporting Black Filmmakers
Memphis must recognize that supporting Black filmmakers isn’t just about making movies—it’s about preserving our community’s legacy. The failed NBC show “Bluff City Law” and the canceled “Young Rock” received millions of dollars in support, but what about our own stories?
8. The Library of Congress and Cultural Legacy
“The Contemporary Gladiator” deserves recognition. Memphis can benefit by supporting efforts to honor the film through the Library of Congress National Film Registry. Let’s celebrate our culture, inspire future generations, and create a legacy that transcends borders.
9. Orange Mound Black Memphis Hollywood’s Role
This story will find its place on the Orange Mound Black Memphis Hollywood website, echoing the spirit of community, creativity, and resilience. Let’s write the narrative of how Memphis can thrive by embracing its Black film culture.
This story will find its place on the Orange Mound Black Memphis Hollywood website, echoing the spirit of community, creativity, and resilience. Let’s write the narrative of how Memphis can thrive by embracing its Black film culture.
Imagine a Black Film much of which was made in the Black Community of Orange Mound in South Memphis was "Uncut;" whereas German Mereceds Car repair shop owner "Mansford" told Elmore how much he enjoyed the movie. He said one had to be German to understand why Germans loved the movie.
Linn Sitler Memphis Shelby County Film Commissioner and Shelby County Historian Jim Rout III show an example of the pattern and practice of Memphis White Supremacy and Racism and White dominanice whereas the Memphis Shelby County Film Commission and the Shelby County Historical Commission installed a Historical marker at the G.E. Patterson and Main Street. The marker denies the Black Orange Mound Community of its rightful Heritage as "The Birthplace of Independent Filmmaking in Memphis. The sign represents "White Supremacy" whereas no Black Elected official in Memphis has had the courage to speak up.
It is easier for Black Leaders in Memphis to deny Black History than to challenge "White Racism."
