June 18th 2024.
David Fortune's black-and-white film has finally made its debut at the renowned Tribeca Film Festival. The film captures the heartwarming story of a single father devotedly raising his son with Down Syndrome. Set in Fortune's hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, "Color Book" follows the duo as they embark on their first baseball game together, following the loss of their wife and mother. The film premiered on June 8, a year after Fortune won the top prize of $1 million at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival's AT&T Untold Stories Pitch Competition, as reported by The Atlanta Voice.
"Color Book" is a touching portrayal of a father-son relationship, as the two set off on a memorable journey across the bustling city of Atlanta. The film is captured in a beautiful black-and-white format, showcasing the intimate moments shared between a widowed father and his son with Down Syndrome. The son, who finds comfort in his color book, connects with his dad through their shared love for baseball.
Fortune, a Morehouse alum, shared his inspiration for the film with Ebony, stating, "It's a story about a Black father and son, highlighting the intimate bonds that we often don't get to see in mainstream media. I wanted to capture that human side of our community." He added, "I felt that this father's story of raising a son with Down Syndrome perfectly embodies that intimacy I've always been searching for."
The AT&T Untold Stories Pitch Competition aims to uplift and empower underrepresented filmmakers by providing them with resources and mentorship to bring their stories to life. Judged by a panel consisting of actors Michael Michele, Derek Luke, and actor/director Mo McRae, Fortune expresses his immense gratitude towards these individuals for the life-changing opportunity.
Fortune, who is also an accomplished photographer, shared his gratitude for being able to tell this heartwarming story through his lens. He said, "These opportunities don't come around often, and it was an absolute pleasure to make a film that sheds light on the beauty and struggles within the Black community." Using the $1 million prize, Fortune was able to bring his vision to life and showcase the intricate relationships within the Decatur community of Atlanta, and their role in shaping the young Mason's life.
As a child growing up in Decatur, Georgia, Fortune often heard the phrase, "It takes a village to raise a child." He beautifully incorporates this timeless African proverb into the film, highlighting how different communities come together to raise Mason. Speaking to Essence, Fortune shared his experience of working with mentors who guided him through the filmmaking process, helping him understand the resources needed to bring his story to the big screen. With his film now premiered, Fortune is excited to continue creating diverse and meaningful stories that reflect the true role of Black fathers in society.
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