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AUGUST THE FIRST

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  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
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Rated 3.8/5 stars (10 votes cast)

AUGUST THE FIRST

YEAR 6 | FILM 3
Drama | USA | English Language

Nominated - Best Film Not Playing at a Theatre Near You - 2007 Gotham Awards

"Smart and engaging… Olabisi is most definitely a talent to watch."

--Mark Rabinowitz, Indiewire

"Olabisi exhibits a sure hand with both story and ensemble… Emotional fireworks ring true."

--Eddie Cockrell, Variety

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Running Time: 81 Minutes

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Check Out This DVD's Short Film TELL US THE TRUTH JOSEPHINE AUGUST THE FIRST Film Credits AUGUST THE FIRST Editorial Reviews AUGUST THE FIRST Customer Reviews Write a Review for AUGUST THE FIRST
Synopsis
It is the morning of Tunde's graduation party and things have already begun to unravel. Tunde has managed to alienate his sister, Simisola. His older brother, Ade, persistently plagues him with criticism, and their mother has started drinking again. Unbeknownst to most, Tunde has orchestrated the return of his long estranged father, resurrecting unresolved family anguish against the backdrop of Tunde's celebration. As the day turns to night, old wounds are re-opened and bad habits are revived. Layer by layer, deception and half-truths are peeled away as secrets are uncovered in what will be become the most unforgettable day the family has ever experienced.
Technical Specifications
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Language: English
Subtitles: None
Format: DVD (NTSC)
Encoding: Region 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1, Letterboxed
Screen Format: 16x9 Widescreen (Anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
DVD Special Features
Biographies of Director and Actors
Short Film: TELL US THE TRUTH JOSEPHINE by Valerie Buhagiar
Cast and Crew
Starring: Ian Alsup as Tunde
Starring: D. Rubin Green as Dipo
Supporting: Joy Merriweather as Rhonda
Supporting: Kerisse Hutchinson as Simisola
Supporting: Sean Phillips as Ade
Director: Lanre Olabisi
Writer: Lanre Olabisi
Writer: Shawn Alexander
Producer: Lanre Olabisi
Producer: Gabriel Sedgwick
Producer: Nicky Arezu Akmal
Executive Producer: Dr. Gail Olabisi
Co-Producer: A. Tony Sterrett
Director of Photography: Larry Hillier
Editor: Alexander Kopit
Photos

To download: Click a image below for a full-sized image. Right click (or mac: ctrl + click) and select "Save this image as...", "Save picture as..." or "Download to disk".

Dipo (D. Rubin Green) and Tunde (Ian Alsup)
Tunde (Ian Alsup) and Elsa (A. Toni Sterrett)
Rhonda (Joy Merriweather) and Dipo (D. Rubin Green) talking
Director Lanre Olabisi
August the First (hi res)

By Eddie Cockrell

Olabisi exhibits a sure hand crosscutting among story threads and has a fine rapport with his ensemble cast. Standouts include newcomer Alsup as the well-meaning Tunde, Green's two-faced Dipo and Merriweather's volatile Rhonda.

 

--Eddie Cockrell/ Variety - Review

A smart and engaging debut, Olabisi's film is notable for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it portrays black middle-class Americans in a normal domestic crisis situation sans guns, drugs, dealers or pregnant teens....Olabisi is most definitely a talent to watch and his film shows an adept camera eye and feeling for his subject matter

--IndieWire - Review


Randy Buck - Customer Review
AUGUST THE FIRST is a real pleasure -- sharp writing, sure direction, and compelling acting. The dramatic territory -- a suburban clan's regrets and recriminations over a long day's celebration -- may be familiar, but freshness of observation and intelligence of execution make this picture a winner. Think of it as the perfect antidote to the Tyler Perry infestation at your local multiplex. I'll be eagerly awaiting more from writer/director Lanre Olabisi.

Jeff in Seattle - Customer Review
A nicely executed film with excellent performances and effort by all involved! This film shows the graduation party of one young man who invited his estranged Nigerian father without informing his friends and family of his decision. Apparently, this stirred some negative feelings in all involved. As the film progresses, you'll notice that the decisions were not at all altruistic. See this film and find out for yourself!

Funmi Tofowomo - Customer Review
"Olabisi is a true storyteller....August the First is a delightful film."
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