For Your Consideration: Jamie Burton-Oare’s Breathe
Voting has begun this week (Dec 9th - 13th) for the shortlist for Best Live Action Short Film at the upcoming Academy Awards. Fifteen films will advance in the Live Action Short Film category for the 97th Academy Awards.
Among the films in contention is Breathe, written, produced, edited, and directed by Jamie Burton-Oare.
BREATHE is a short film narrative and short dramatic fantasy about the last day of Eric Garner’s life. For Eric, it’s a normal day in his life in his neighborhood, but for the rest of the world, it’s the day Eric faces the reality of taking his last breath. The film stars Stephen Hill (Magnum P.I.) as Eric Garner.
On July 17, 2014, Eric Garner, an African American man, was killed in the New York City borough of Staten Island by Daniel Pantaleo, a New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer, after the latter put him in a prohibited chokehold while arresting him.Video footage of the incident generated widespread national attention and raised questions about the use of force by law enforcement.
In an interview with Flintside.com, Burton-Oare stated that "she recognized that this story was not just about Eric Garner, but also about Ramsey Orta who filmed Garner's deadly arrest. By giving him a place in her project, Burton-Oare aimed to highlight the interconnectedness of their lives and experiences."
Executive produced by Shannon E. Riggs, the cast also includes Jason Galloza, Vince Fazio, Luke Leonard, Afrim Gjonbalaj, and Shanel Riley.
The featured song in the film comes from Grammy Award winner Ishmael Butler, best known for his work with Digable Planets and Shabazz Palaces.
Jamie's films are produced through her production company Jomaja Films, She is from Flint, Michigan, which provides the foundation for much of her work. Jamie’s most recent feature film script penned is African/American to be produced by Oscar-winner Ruth Carter.
