Lu

The Teaser Trailer for the short film "LU" by up and coming producer/ writer/director Korstiaan Vandiver is a doozy and so is the film. You get caught up in the ride that somehow feels more like a feature than a ten minute short.

"LU" has an impressive cast that includes Nate Parker, Emayatzy Corinealdi and Omari Hardwick. The film will premiere in the faith based 168 Film Festival during the days of Thursday August 8th, Friday August 9th & Saturday August 10th is awards day. The film is very impressive and even more so when you consider that it was shot, edited and locked all within one hundred and sixty eight hour period. That's seven days for those who detest Math like me. It's a poetic dance of sorts that rises and falls like an orchestra of emotion and intensity. Nate Parker's performance is so captivating and so moving, dare I say if given the opportunity this young man without a doubt has a "Best Actor Oscar" in his future. Emayatzy is captivating as expected; her scene is carefully crafted to turn the page into a new act. Although I must say I found myself longing to see her one more time on the screen. Fortunately this film does exactly what it should by allowing Lu to be our guide through his world instead of detouring us with the unnecessary scenes or adding in too many characters; whether in his dingy motel room or seemingly claustrophobic therapist's office... Which leads me to Omari Hardwick, who is very convincing as Dr. Harden; in a great scene, Omari's Dr. Harden attempts to draw Nate Parker's silent Lu into conversation seemingly fearful it could be the last moment with his patient. The final scenes are very fitting as the film almost feels pregnant and ready to give birth to the inevitable meeting as Lu visits the home of the woman he shot; Mila played by Saye Yabandeh who starred opposite Shohreh Aghdashloo in the AFI Woman's Director Workshop standout "Silk".

The verdict go see Lu, it is fill of amazing moments as a film that speaks to faith and forgiveness with a very fresh voice from a talented director and cast.

This film is a portrait of the power of God's redeeming grace told in 10 short minutes! The film recently won 4 awards - including Best Actor - at the 168 Short Film Festival in Los Angeles, CA. After you see it, you'll understand why!

"LU" tells the story of a war veteran (Nate Parker) wrecked with guilt and shame over an ambush of a Middle-Eastern family during the Iraq War. He has all but lost his faith and is ready to take his own life. His plans take a turn when he decides to seek out the surviving family who was ambushed.

I won't go any further to avoid spoilers. But, as I said before, the film is a powerful story of what happens at the intersection of guilt/shame & the grace of God. Kudos to writer/director Korstiaan Vandiver and his crew for their brilliant work. It is a compelling and deeply spiritual film that must be seen by all!