Welcome, and thanks for signing up for the very first edition of the Culture newsletter! I hope to use this space to share news and stories from the arts scene, in addition to biweekly recommendations for performances, books, exhibitions, new music, and other items that fall under that exciting but nebulous “culture” umbrella. And what a week to start—between St. Louis International Film Festival, the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival, and Flyover Comedy Festival, the problem isn’t finding a great event to attend, it’s finding time to fit them all in one schedule. Those aren’t even the only games in town. In this inaugural newsletter, we also hear from film producer Ryan DeLaney, who’s returning to his roots this month (red carpet in tow) and provide a few recs outside the festival circuit—you know, just in case you need a break from the crowds and lineups. I hope you enjoy them. If you do, tell friends by sending this link, which features an introduction to the newsletter and a chance to sign up. Until next time!
The Kinloch Doc
Attendees of the 2018 St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase and St. Louis International Film Festival might remember the first iteration of The Kinloch Doc, which originally screened as a short documentary. Now the expanded version explores the past and present of Kinloch, the oldest all-Black city west of the Mississippi. Home to less than 200 people, “Missouri’s First Black City” was once a thriving hub of Black entrepreneurship that produced luminaries such as Maxine Waters and Jenifer Lewis. Today, it’s been left on the verge of collapse by political decisions and disinvestment. The Kinloch Doc, directed by former Kinloch resident Alana Marie, had its in-person screening at SLIFF on November 6, but virtual access is available in both Missouri and Illinois.
COCAwrites Workshop: Kaleidoscope Crown
In September, it was announced that COCA would be one of eight theaters across the country to develop new plays for young audiences by BIPOC artists as part of ReImagine: New Plays in TYA. COCA’s play, Kaleidoscope Crown by Ashleigh Akilah Rucker, is coming to the Catherine B. Berges Theatre November 13. Kaleidoscope Crown follows a young girl who discovers a new power that disrupts her peaceful life: Her emotions send vibrant colors running through her hair. Inspired by the art and traditions of the African diaspora, Rucker’s new work is a story for all ages.
The return of live music at The Dark Room
The Dark Room at The Grandel is welcoming back patrons and artists this weekend, starting with Moon Valley performing its 2021 release, Companion Songbook, for the first time as a full band. The reopened space has a strong lineup of local talent planned throughout the month, including Anita Jackson, Ptah Williams, and Janet Evra, and will also play host to Wednesday Night Jazz Jams, the free, family-friendly concert series previously held outdoors.
Green Chili and Other Imposters by Nina Mukerjee Furstenau
Food can sometimes feel simple—after all, everyone eats. How complicated can it be? But food history, the way ingredients find their way to new places and become ingrained in cultures and stories, can be dramatic, enlightening, and, above all, incredibly interesting. Award-winning food writer Nina Mukerjee Furstenau follows just some of these many stories in Green Chili and Other Imposters, released November 1. For those who crave even more information about the movement and impact of ingredients, as well as the research that went into the book, an extensive Q&A with author and St. Louis food writer Ann Lemons Pollack is available via Left Bank Books’ Facebook Live page.
Night Night rolls out the red carpet
Producer Ryan DeLaney brings his new psychological thriller home to St. Louis
Growing up, producer and actor Ryan DeLaney spent plenty of time at the Ronnie’s Cinema on South Lindbergh. Friday and Saturday nights were filled with friends, family, popcorn, and a long list of movies. But for DeLaney, who grew up in Fenton, there was always one nagging thought.
“I would always sit there and say, ‘Oh my gosh, how cool would it be if one day it’s my movie?’ because I've always wanted to work in the film industry, even in high school,” he recalls.
Once in a while, those high school daydreams come true. Later this month, the Rockwood Summit grad is bringing his first feature film, Night Night, home for a premiere event and theatrical release at Marcus Ronnie’s Cinema. Produced by DeLaney, directed by Niki Koss, and starring Disney’s Descendants actress Brenna D’Amico alongside Tony Todd (Candyman), Eric Roberts (Inherent Vice), and Nick Marini (Cobra Kai), Night Night finished filming just as the pandemic began to shut things down.
D’Amico stars as April Davis, a successful young woman who returns home to care for her younger brother, only to be involved in a tragic accident that kills a family and leaves her in a coma. When she awakes, the lines between reality and her imagination become more and more blurred.
The film’s writer, Robert Johnson, was inspired by his time as chief of police in Corsicana, Texas. “It's not really a true story, but it's based off his work in the field, bits and pieces put together,” DeLaney says. “So that's very unique. How often is the chief of police writing a screenplay that's making it to the theaters?”
Johnson will be on hand for the November 20 premiere of Night Night, which DeLaney is affectionately referring to as “A Night Night to Remember.” The evening will include a red carpet, screening of the film, and after party, all following a couple days of DeLaney and his team making stops at Rockwood Summit High School and several local landmarks.
“I want to bring [the team] to St. Louis, and I want to put on a huge production and show St.Louis how thankful I am for their support,” he says. “We're doing an assembly at my high school, talking with the news... We all fly in that Thursday, and we're going to do a big press thing and we're going to do different events, go to different famous landmarks in St. Louis like Ted Drewes and getting my people to try Imo’s pizza—stuff that’s only in St. Louis.”
Pre-sales for Night Night sold out in just 24 hours after the release of the film’s trailer, which offers a first look at the creepy, candy-colored thriller. It hit 30,000 views within a week of its premiere, which DeLaney attributes to support from the communities that he grew up in.
“It's really impressive to see the community come together and support me,” he says. “[The trailer] just blew up, and I really believe that’s the support of my hometown. And that's why I feel this opportunity is so special.”
(Continued after break)
A MESSAGE FROM GATEWAY ARCH PARK FOUNDATION
Winterfest brings holiday magic to downtown St. Louis
St. Louis' favorite holiday tradition is back this year from November 20–January 2, and it's bigger, brighter, and better than ever! Hosted by Gateway Arch Park Foundation, Winterfest features ice skating, a 5K, lights, igloos, markets, s'mores stations, fireworks, and more.
In return, DeLaney hopes to support the community while he’s in the neighborhood. He and D’Amico will speak about perseverance and the hard work it takes to pursue a passion at Rockwood Summit High School on November 19.
“At one point in time, I was sitting there,” DeLaney says of the students. “I was them, listening, and I had dreams. And we're going to discuss that and how, you know, even though I have a movie out and it's playing, that's not the end of it. I have to keep hustling and keep on top of my game to keep the momentum going. Even once you think you're there, you have to stay on top and keep it going; you’ve got to stay persistent. 'Perseverance' has been my favorite word through this whole journey.”
The Night Night producer has also reached out to business leaders, inviting them to walk on the red carpet and share the spotlight with the creatives and influencers attending the November 20 premiere. So far, Adolphus Busch and representatives from Coldwell Banker Premiere, Delmar Mortgage, Riley’s Flowers and Gifts, Seven & Central Boutique, Studio C Dance, and Second Chance Ranch STL Foundation have confirmed.
While the first auditorium has already sold out, there are still tickets available for a second screening the same evening. And for those who can’t make it to the glitzy opening night event, Night Night will have showtimes at Ronnie’s throughout the week and will soon be available for streaming on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google, and Hulu.
“I feel like a film is a baby,” DeLaney says. “And now that it's finished, now that we have distribution and a theatrical release, I can't wait to show it to everyone. That is what I'm excited for, for people to see how hard each and every single person has worked on this. Not every film, especially indie films, gets picked up for a theatrical release and video on demand. We made it, it's our baby, and I can't wait to show the world what it looks like.”
Check out Give Local, our guide to giving back to the St. Louis organizations that provide year-round programs in health, education, poverty assistance, and more.
The annual Braggin’ Rights game returns to St. Louis this December with all-new title sponsor McBride Homes! How much of a super fan are you? Take this quiz to find out.
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