Randy Holloway
Award-winning filmmaker Randy Holloway has written, produced and directed a new movie filmed in Detroit, "Bianca: Who Did This To You," which will be shown Saturday night at the AMC Star Southfield.
The 108-minute film, produced by Holloway's Detroit production company, Arete Production, is based on a 2012 nonfiction book, "Bianca, Tell Us Who Did This to You," by E. Williams. Eric Rhymes, the executive producer, is a graduate of King High School in Detroit.
It's the story of a woman who was molested at a young age by members of her church and was physically and mentally abused by her parents and was later beaten by her husband, according to a press release.
Holloway, who was a camera operator for reality shows like "American Idol" and "Bar Rescue" is a graduate of Cass Tech and Siena Heights University in Adrian. He also attended Specs Howard School of Media.
He tells Deadline Detroit that he hopes the film triggers conversation about the these sensitive issues.
In fact, he said when word got out that he was making the film, he was bombarded by messages on social media from women who said the story line was about them.
"'I am Bianca, thank you for telling the story,'" he recalls many saying. "'Thank you for giving us a voice.'" He said he incorporated some of their stories into the film.
The actors are local and include some who've been on national shows and in movies -- including Robert Forte Shannon III, who was in a Spike Lee film and has appeared on the TV shows "Chicago Fire" and "Detroit 187." Actress Shawntay Dalon stars in an upcoming Comedy Central show titled "Detroiter."
Screening festivities for the film begin at 7:30 p.m. VIP festivities include food and drink and will be attended by the cast and crew. There will also be a live performance by American Idol alum Malaya Watson, 18, of Southfield, whose original songs are featured.
To buy $25 tickets for Saturday's event, click here. The film's Facebook page is here.
