HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Walking along Hollywood Boulevard and seeing the names of so many famous people is something tourists travel from all over the world to experience.

For Derrick Perry the boulevard was where he went when he was homesick and wanted some human connection after moving to Los Angeles from New York City.

“When I first moved here from New York, one of the things that I had to get adjusted to was not a lot of foot traffic, not a lot of people in the street. And one of the things I used to do was to come to Hollywood Boulevard and just walk around to be around a lot of other folks and get that feeling,” Perry said.

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Eventually Hollywood Boulevard became a source of inspiration for him to pursue his dream to be a film writer and director.

“And during these long walks, I would think and observe and a lot of these ideas and things that I saw I distilled into a script which is a Pink Opaque,” said Perry.

Perry has just finished his first feature film, which he says is a story of love, family hardships, and life in Los Angeles.

 

 

 

The storyline centers around Travis Wolfe, who lives in a world all his own. He is roaming the streets of Hollywood, struggling to finish his thesis documentary project for film school before he can graduate and start the next phase of life. After reconnecting with his estranged Uncle Robin, a veteran television producer on the wrong side of his career, Travis attempts to unravel the mystery of his father’s suicide. A glimmer of hope is offered through his relationship with Kristen, a streetwise girl from Koreatown with big dreams of her own. As tensions begin to brew with her protective older brother Bobby and family secrets put his newly established connection with Robin to the test, Travis struggles to hold it all together long enough to figure out his future, as well as his past.

“Even though we are in Hollywood, we did not have a Hollywood size budget for this film. So it was a lot of friends coming together. Wanting to make this happen, you know, wanted to make a great film and share this with the world,” said Perry.

Perry meets up with his lead actor Elijah booth to discuss plans for the premiere of the film at the Pan African Film and Arts Festival.

“We found out we were selected for the Pan African Film Festival. I mean, we were ecstatic. It's one of the largest black film festivals in the country. They preview a lot of great films. So for us to get the chance to take part in that was just an amazing feeling,” said Perry.

This year, more than 150 films made by and about people of African descent from around the world will be shown at PAFF.

Elijah says, “What better honor than to be a part of a film festival that is celebrated people of color. So I'm super excited. I can't wait to see what everyone thinks. I mean, this one's, this one's for the people, you know.”

Perry and Elijah walk into a souvenir shop on Hollywood Blvd. The shelves of Oscar trophies catch their attention and Elijah grabs one.

Perry says “And the Oscar goes to…”

Elijah laughs and responds with “I want to thank mom, and Derrick Perry!”

 

 

Back on the sidewalk, Perry pulls out his phone to show Elijah the final trailer. They both look surprised at how good it looks. But they’re both excited and eager to share their work with the world.

The Pan African Film and Arts Festival runs from February 11 to February 23 at CINEMARK 15 BHC, 4020 Marlton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90008. You can find out more about the festival and order tickets here.

Pink Opaque will be playing at PAFF on February 17 and 18. To get more information about the film visit the website here.