What Happened in Jamestown?
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Logline:
Four people’s lives are interlaced in a catastrophic event; two struggling single mothers have started making progress for their families until an innocent exchange with their cousin and his nemesis, a local cop, turns tragic.
Naomi Nixon, a fifty year old mother of three, desired to protect her children from the many dangers Jersey City, New Jersey, so she takes her children to the quiet security of the small town of Jamestown, in South Carolina. Until she is able to secure a residence for herself and children, the family moves in with her mother, Sylvia Nixon and niece, Latoya Williams. Naomi’s only daughter Melissa, was delighted to have the company of her female cousin and was happy to hang out with her every chance she was allowed.
Latoya, a twenty four year old mother of two, has fallen on hard times so to redress herself, she and her two young boys move in with her grandmother, Sylvia. When Naomi and her children move in, it was a full house but they worked together to improve their situations. Latoya has just been approved for an apartment for her and the children when the event unfolded.
Nineteen year old Lorenzo Taylor is devoted to his ailing, single mother of five. Without her financial assistance, Lorenzo is forced to provide for the family. As a small-time drug dealer, he is no stranger to local law enforcement and has one officer whose vendetta runs deep. He also worked full time in construction to support his family. His neighbor and cousin, Sylvia, assists with caring for his family.
Constable Officer Albert Nole, a sixty eight year old man, had been servicing the small town of Jamestown for decades. Officer Nole was a familiar and comforting face around town to some; Lorenzo was unable to say the same. The two often had issues and their two egos collided. It seemed as if the ego of the officer had taken on a new life and he had it in for Lorenzo.
On November 28, 2003, Latoya has just received the keys to her new apartment and is preparing for the move. Lorenzo offered his truck to aid in the process so she and her younger cousin Melissa, walk to his house to retrieve the truck. Lorenzo’s house is the next house over, divided by a neighborhood street. The three cousins are laughing and talking when the sixty eight year old officer drives up. A verbal altercation ensues and he ends up aiming a .12 gauge rifle at Lorenzo. He instructs the female cousins to run away then one shot is fired, striking Lorenzo in the face. Latoya and Melissa attempt to run away but they are struck in the back of their heads by the spreading pellets, instantly killing Melissa and critically injuring Latoya. She succumbs to her injuries just after arriving to the hospital. Lorenzo, the target, survives.
The Nixon Family is now forced to come face to face with the murderer as well as endure the trial and sentencing. Will the Nixon family get the justice they deserve?
I was one of the many family members that witnessed this whole event unfold right before our very eyes. I'm moved by a desire to touch the audience and to tell the world who my cousins were. I want the world to know them and realize that they did not die for nothing, but to be a reminder to the world, that justice has to perpetually be pursued on behalf of those who have no voice, no platform or stage to obtain it for themselves!
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TRUE EVENTS are a tremendous source of material. Whether presented in documentary form or dramatized, true events have a natural resonance. Audiences seem drawn to true stories, which in turn provide excellent marketing opportunities. True stories cannot be owned by anyone. The first amendment grants the filmmaker (me) the right to tell a story using his own expression.
For the guerilla filmmaker, many true stories need to be told to promote ideas and impact society. Given these positive attributes, true stories are a natural source of material. A movie such as Boy's Don't Cry, which highlights rape and murder, is compelling because of the awful truth it reveals. As such, the filmmaker had a story she needed to tell and it gained world-wide recognition.
This excerpt was taken from The Independent Filmmakers Law & Business Guide by Jon Garon. Page 4.
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It is my dream to see this project through. Although I continue to face many challenges to get this film made, I am determined to see it through at all cost. I am still seeking help in many areas to help this story reach the big screen. Please ask me how you can help! Thank you!
Being fascinated with such movies as, A Time to Kill and Fruitvale Station, I decided to write a film that interlaces four citizens of a small town.
