Dear Melissa,

I just want to take this opportunity to congratulate you on an absolutely astounding achievement.
I have seen CHANGE three times now - twice in the last couple days during this years OUTFEST and once back in March during FUSION, and I still find it almost unbelievable how well and beautiful this is done. The acting, the pictures, the music - quite possibly the best Short I've ever seen. These faces - the father, the grandmother - amazing. Hard to watch without fighting back some tears. Coincidentally, I've seen a member of your cast - Carl Crudup - in an equally most remarkable piece of theater called BONDED back in April at the Theater Center here in L.A.
I wish you best of luck. If CHANGE is any indication, I have no worries about your artistic career whatsoever. This is an accomplishment that most people will not achieve during their lifetime, let alone at your young years.

Thank you very much.
All the best,
Michael

I loved Change - the film absorbed my attention completely while at the same time evoking really emotional, bittersweet memories of November 4, 2008. That day was such a mix of joy and elation and relief, with utter devastation and disbelief, anger and grief. I appreciated the interplay of the piano score and city street sounds. The use of the camera lingering on faces created just the right timing and intensity. As I focused on the story unfolding, feelings were swelling inside, to a perfect crescendo at the conclusion."

I kept thinking, "Oh, the kids, the kids." About all of them - all of the youth in the story...

Please thank the creators of the film; thank YOU for producing, and for sharing with me.

~ Christine
Christine ("CR") Allen
Member Board of Directors
Marriage Equality USA

Melissa,

I have to say that although the synopsis sounded interesting, I could not imagine what could be said or shown in only 24 minutes that could have generated the positive feedback that this short film has gotten. But by the end of the film, even this "cynical, middle-age, black gay man" was sold. You really hit a home run with this film. I only wish it could be shown in schools across the country.

Best regards,
Greg Pond

Hello!

My name is Akil DuPont, director & co-writer of a short film called "Underground". I have been to several film festivals where "Change" has played along with "Undeground". I was able to watch "Change" at the Texas Black Film Festival. WHAT A FANTASTIC FILM!!! :)

I thought that the film was well acted and well shot! The design, the casting, the energy in the camera, the moment at the end where his boys came around the corner made me sit on the edge of my seat! Really... Just a great job telling a powerful and dynamic story! :)

Akil DuPont, MFA
Director& Co-Writer, "Underground"

Hi Melissa,

I got your contact through David Small, director of Texas Black Film Festival. I directed a short called "A Love Supreme" that played there. Just wanted to let you know I thought your film was great: natural acting, beautiful cinematography and powerful moments. I would love to send you a copy of ALS and see what you think.

Thanks,

Evan Houston

Watched the film on DVD here in the UK and wanted to say "Congratulations" to all involved, both in front and behind the camera, in the creating of this "quietly powerful" movie.
We found it moving and thought provoking. The setting, the music, the moments of quiet and the exchanged glances between characters, were as effective and, equally as powerful as the actual dialogue.
This movie is an educational tool for both young and old alike!
You should all be proud of your achievements and we wish you well.
Rick and Pauline Whitehead.

Just wanted to reiterate (from one director to another!) how much I enjoyed watching your movie again.

It's such a powerful and effective film--to be able to convey that in such a short amount of time is a tribute to your filmmaking. A job really well done. Good luck with the festival process, I'm sure the film will find great success!

Best,
Andrew Weiner, Ithaka Entertainment

Melissa*
Your characters struck a chord deep within my soul. . .that I pray ripples out to others hearts after reading your script or seeing this film to cause harmony in the differences of human kind. I was just going to read my sides, and was unaware of the divine plan that unfolded. . .I experienced a brief glimpse of the excitement of Candace, the overwhelm & awe of Grandma, Ivan's gripping fear and the heart wrenching ache it felt to walk in Jamie's shoes. . .Thank you for taking me to a place that shook my senses. . .You are an extraordinary writer indeed!!! CTR*

Read the script and loved it. The story is very relevant and honest. Its wonderful to see talented Female artist trying to make a statement through one of the most powerful outlets ever MEDAI & Film. I wish Bridgettea and Melissa the best in all their endeavors. Keep on keeping it Real, ladies.

Love the script! From page one to eighteen you nailed down solid characters, storyline and premise. Solid work.
Truly,
Freddy Robinson

I just finished reading your short...WOW! Very well done! Perfectly executed. In 18 pages, you manage to create a dozen unique characters. Not only can I envision each one, but I can hear their unique voice.

Your story is stunning. I loved it. Good job on contrasting the two events, the bitter/sweet feel of that day. Your characters are real and three-dimensional, and I care about them. You have a real talent. I hope you are writing other things, and intend to continue.

I just finished reading your work. Aside from reigniting my anger at the bigotry, ignorance and hate behind this absurd proposition, I was surprised at how well you are able to write. I hope that’s not insulting, I certainly don’t mean it to be. It’s just that… well, I get a lot of these things. And most are not good. I wish you the very best, Melissa. And congratulate you. Nice job.

I'm so impressed by your writing. I think you really captured this moment in history and effectively showed not only the juxtaposition of the election results, but also how the victory of the principles represented by Obama made the passing of Prop 8 even sadder. You brought me into Jamie's world and I was genuinely moved. The characters were subtle, but very real. Well done.