Equinox: The Movement

Set in Oakland, CA, Equinox is the story of a boy’s tumultuous journey toward manhood. 18-year-old Malachi Cross embarks upon this journey as he joins a powerful ‘rites of passage’ program to teach him the lessons of true strength, courage, and power that his dysfunctional family and emasculated father can’t give him. The story is complicated as his high school peers plan to take over the local radio station “for the people,” his girlfriend hates the new Malachi, and things at home take a turn for the worse, putting him to the test. Baayan Bakari talks to the Post about the film.

1. How did you get interested in filmmaking?

I got interested in film when I realized the extraordinary power of the medium to move me. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. That’s not true. It’s worth a million.

2. What was your role in the film making process and what kind of production team do you work with?

I was the director, cinematographer, producer and editor. I was responsible for the creative side. But I have been blessed with a team of people that have stepped up to support the effort.

3. Describe the inspiration for your film?

I went down to Los Angeles with a script entitled Summer Reign a drama. I was told that black dramas don’t sell! I was determined to continue to make my own films, from my own spirit. This film is about the work that I’ve been doing within the community for years. I been apart rites of passage programs, I’ve taught young men in schools etc… Yet I had never scene my work depicted honestly on the screen. So I decided to create those images.

4. In what ways has Oakland influenced your filmmaking and artistic aesthetic?

Oakland is full of these types of programs. Oakland is the land of consciousness and grassroots organizations. It’s the home of the Black Panther Party.

5. How would you describe the indie film scene in Oakland/the Bay in general?

With the introduction of EQUINOX: The Movement on the cinematic landscape, I believe that the indie film scene is burgeoning. Specifically for Black Filmmakers? I hope that many more indie black filmmakers pick up their cameras and tell the honest stories about our community that are often never told.

6. Would you move towards major distribution and studio support or are you focused on indie work?

If a studio or major wants to support what I’m doing that’s great. But I’ve made a commitment to have the world see this film. So I don’t intend on it vanishing on some video store shelf.

7. Where can people see more of your work?

At www.equinoxmovie.com

8. What’s next?

I’m trying to produce a film about the hip hop fashion model industry.

Equinox: The Movement screens Saturday, June 14 at 4:45. For more information go to www.sfbg.com