I used to think that the word ‘cancer’ was the most vile word in the world, after my mom had succumbed to it… but there is another word just as ugly, just as devastating, just as revolting, foul, repulsive and hateful… and that word is ‘racism’. It’s a manmade disease that doesn’t require a vaccine, it only requires love and respect for others, consideration and listening, as well as finding human connection. Black lives matter and the movement continues to grow, but we all need to ensure that change happens and policies and Bills get written, police forces reformed and harsher penalties for race related crimes. More police need to be held accountable when they use their badge as a license to commit abuse and too often – murder in the name of racism. Let’s call it what it is. When George Floyd was ‘murdered’ by a police officer and it was captured on camera… the rest of the country and the world spoke up against it. We all said ‘No More!’
Since George Floyd, there has been Brionna Taylor and before George, there was Trayvon Martin. There have been many others that could fill this entire page, as well as Indigenous victims of police abuse that go unmentioned and dismissed. We have a systemic racism problem in the police force that doesn’t seem to want to change… so how do you fix it – you call it out! You ensure that society is aware of police abuse in the form of a film. Afterall, films can act as a megaphone for social issues and for social change.
One budding filmmaker that has realized that right out of the gates, is Denzel Brooks. His first film is entitled, Speak Up! It addresses the issues of racism and taking a stand against it. It’s incredibly powerful and it resonates long after the credits are finished. This short film also addresses the fear of speaking up while risking ridicule or unemployment. You’re yelling like hell inside but on the outside, you contain it and keep up the façade, because there is too much to risk by speaking up… or is there?
Denzel Brooks is not just a writer/filmmaker, he’s also a very talented actor and his performance in this film is nothing short of spectacular! With his passion for filmmaking and acting, he has his sights set on a feature film in the near future. I spoke to him via Zoom about his film Speak Up! It was truly inspirational and very compelling.
HNM “What prompted you to make this film?”
DENZEL “Being a Black man who is also half Nova Scotian, some of my people from back home have ties to America and as a human being, seeing what was happening in America – I needed to do something/do my part and the best way to do that was through my art. I started writing a concept/piece to shed light on the current situation and how everyone can speak up and be a part of change.”
HNM “In this film, the main character seems to make a stand in the beginning of the story, but at the end of the film he’s wearing a business suit and unassuming. Can you explain the changes in him?”
DENZEL “He’s a white-collar guy with a good job and is more successful than most people. He’s looking in the mirror and having an inner conflict. He sees himself down at a rally preaching all the right things to his people that will resonate with them. He’s conflicted as a Black man that has come up in the hierarchy because if he speaks out, he stands to lose everything he has, to end up back over there. The film is about not having to compromise anymore, still being that guy that can say all the right things without jeopardizing his job or livelihood. At the end of the film, you’re seeing that it was all in his head and he’s rushing to go to work.”
HNM “Is this the first script you’ve written?
DENZEL “I wouldn’t say it’s the first script I’ve written, but it’s the first idea that I’ve brought to fruition and produced. I’ve got a few other scripts in development but this is my debut project as a writer/director.”
HNM “What types of films do you want to make, moving forward?”
DENZEL “For now, I want to continue to shed light on films that resonate with me/films that tap into the Black experience – showing the viewpoint of a Black male/female that otherwise wouldn’t be told. At the same time, I also believe in unity of all races. I would tell the story of an Asian man or Caucasian male/female, Asian female, Indigenous or any and all races… but I do want to provide more opportunities for African Americans/Canadians to be part of productions and I want those stories to be told. I also have my own stories to be told, that would provide more perspective and help you to understand – once they come out. As a writer/director, that’s where I’m at right now. My main thing is acting, so whatever lands on my desk, if it resonates with me – I’m open to doing that as well.”
HNM “You’re a terrific actor with great presence. Do you have a preference between acting and writing?”
DENZEL “I’m a performer that loves to perform but I don’t want to box myself in. Right now, my focus is as an actor but at the same time, I haven’t been doing it that long and it’s still early in my career. The writing and directing allows me to showcase my work to casting agents, directors and others, so that I can do the work and create my own opportunities. I’m going to continue to write, continue to direct my projects and hopefully it will translate into people seeing my films and wanting to work with me in conjunction.”
HNM “In your performance, you really stretched the limits of your character. Did you go to acting school?”
DENZEL “I’m somewhat self-taught, but… I’m originally from Toronto and have taken some classes in different film and TV studios – the Lewis Baumander Studios and Armstrong Acting Studios – I’ve also worked with a couple people out here (Vancouver) as well. I’m looking forward to working with people like Ben Ratner and others and also picking up books on acting by people I look up to and seeing what their process is, to help me become a better actor. As long as you put in the work, you’re still educating yourself – regardless of whether or not you went to acting school.”
HNM “How did you finance the film?”
DENZEL “I actually worked with the cinematographer, Robert Riendeau on an independent project, back in 2019 and we developed a bond – he’s a really great guy and like a mentor to me. For my project to come out that well… It was such a blessing to have him. He’s so experienced and has been in the game a long time. He brought along that experience but also gave me the space to direct. The film couldn’t have turned out the way it did without him, so he really put his imprint on it. Robert Riendeau also hooked me up with Robert Cuffly, who did the score and the edit. I was so fortunate and blessed. I used my own home for the location and wardrobe, it was very cost friendly for a first project.”
HNM “When did you shoot the film and what size crew did you use?”
DENZEL “The crew was literally me and Robert (DOP) and I believe we shot it in June. I had the concept and a rough script, so some of the dialogue was improvised. We took our time and got all the shots I wanted. Robert also came through with some shots of his own, that he’d indulge me with. We shot the scene with the Black Panther character first and then I flew back home to Toronto for a week to visit family. When I came back in June, we did one more shoot with the character in the suit. It was 8 hours, shot over 2 separate days.”
HNM “Has your film won any awards at the festivals?”
DENZEL “Unfortunately, we didn’t win any awards but I’m very happy that people had seen it and reached out because of the exposure. I had the idea and wanted to shoot it, so I could have a project that demonstrates what I can do, in the event I’m looking for financing. I had Robert come in and shoot it, and after it was all finished, he told me that I should be thinking of the festivals. It was in the Vancouver Short Film Festival and it’s going to be in the Toronto Black Film Festival next week – there’s a few others that I can’t announce yet. It’s great for exposure and opportunity, but it sucks that I can’t be there in person. This film is a great stepping-stone for what I want to continue doing, moving forward and collaborating on more projects with people out here.”
HNM “What’s next for you, in terms of productions?”
DENZEL “I’m working on a project related to mental health. It’s a fictional narrative story, based on real life experiences of different people in my neighbourhood, back home in Toronto. I’m from the inner-city of Toronto and there’s always been a stigma around mental health amongst men, especially in the Black community and talking about it. For some, they don’t choose good ways to cope with it and they’ll use alcohol or self-medicate. I’m working on a short film that I hope to be shooting at the end of April or May… it’s the next personal project that I have coming up. A fictional story that really taps into mental health and removes that stigma around anxiety, depression or any other mental health issue – you need to let people know, its ok. It doesn’t matter how big you are, how strong you are or how people perceive you. If you hurt your knee you go to the doctor, so if you’re not feeling right up there – it’s ok to see a doctor for that too.”
HNM “You want to make films that have a positive impact?”
DENZEL “Most definitely. I look up to Denzel Washington and he’s one of the founding fathers in this game; I love him and the way he tells stories. I also love the Matt Damon’s in the world and the way that he wrote himself into the game with his script. I want to do meaningful work and I love films/stories that inspire or move me. Filmmakers that don’t ask for permission and just do it – that’s the next step. I’m auditioning as much as possible and hoping to make something happen there as well.”
Denzel Brooks film Speak Up! should resonate well with the audience. The longer we keep the conversation going, the better chance for change. Films like this have an impact on society and we need more of them. We can never forget about atrocities against our basic human rights, racism and the police that are sworn to protect us all! Support our Canadian filmmakers and the messages they are spreading.