Strange Fruit (film) explained
Strange Fruit is a 2004 film written and directed by Kyle Schickner and starring Kent Faulcon as William Boyals and Berlinda Tolbert as Emma Ayers. It was produced by FenceSitter Films.[1] The title comes from the 1939 Billie Holiday song.[2]
Premise
New York attorney William Boyals has escaped the Louisiana bayou of his childhood, but he must return to investigate the death of a childhood friend who, like Boyals himself, was both black and gay.
Cast
- Kent Faulcon as William Boyals
- Berlinda Tolbert as Emma Ayers
- David Raibon as Duane Ayers
- Christopher Warren as Cedric
- Sam Jones as Sheriff Jensey
- Vergil J. Smith as Jo-Jo
- Shane Woodson as Jordan Walker
- Ed Brigadier as Arnold West
- Charlie Schroeder as Tommy
- Jared Day as Deputy Conover
- Jon Finck as Deputy Adams
- Ron Bottitta as Dep. Curtis Butler
- Christopher May as Deputy Mathers
- Cecile M. Johnson as Martha Boyals
- Alex Boling as Paulie (voice)
- Emily Gorgen as Tanya
- Earl Thompson as Manny
- Harace Carpenter as Buddy Bleu
- Leon Morenzie as Walter Durant
- Ron Allen as Kelvin Ayers
- Walt Turner as Jerry West
- Wilbert Lewis as Preacher
- Gavin Lewis as André
- Carlo Daquin as Derrik
- Tommy Cole as Diesel
- Tory Andrews as Angry Gaytor Patron
- Arthur LeBlanc as Cyril
- Randy Maggiore as Lowell
- Lakesha Lenoir as Ruby
- Ted Duhon as Deputy Guidry
- Agnes DeRouen as Reporter
- Richard Pushkin as Doctor
- David L. Corrigan as Deputy Blaine
Production
When told by producers, who had offered the film a $6 million budget, that the lead character could not be both black and gay, Kyle Schickner left the studio to produce the film for only $250,000.[3]
External links
Notes and References
- News: A ripe discourse; Black arts festival includes gay films among offerings . Southern Voice . 2005-07-15 . Brian . Moylah.
- http://www.wsws.org/articles/2002/feb2002/frut-f08 The story of a song
- Web site: Rutgers Alumni Association . 1766 Magazine . 2008-06-26.
