FCAD 2024 : Exhibiting Forgiveness Q&A with André Holland

Deauville, Deauville International Center, September 8 2024

At the 2024 Deauville American Film Festival, Exhibiting Forgiveness, directed by Titus Kaphar, took the spotlight in the official competition with its poignant exploration of forgiveness, trauma, and the complexity of family relationships. This marks Titus Kaphar’s directorial debut, and the film has already captivated audiences with its raw emotional depth and powerful performances, following its premiere at Sundance earlier this year.

The film tells the story of Tarrell, portrayed by André Holland, a successful Black artist whose life is upended by the unexpected arrival of his estranged father, La’Ron (John Earl Jelks), a recovering addict seeking reconciliation. As father and son struggle to navigate their fraught relationship, they are confronted with the painful realization that forgetting the past may be more challenging than forgiving it. The film also stars Andra Day as Aisha, Tarrell's wife, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as his mother, Joyce, rounding out an exceptional cast that brings depth and vulnerability to this emotionally charged narrative.

Set against the backdrop of Tarrell’s artistic journey, Exhibiting Forgiveness uses painting as a metaphor for the characters' emotional turmoil. Tarrell's art allows him to express the deep scars left by his fractured relationship with his father, but as La'Ron attempts to mend their bond, the lines between past pain and present healing blur. Kaphar’s decision to incorporate elements of visual art into the narrative adds a unique layer of introspection, symbolizing the ways in which art can both reflect and transform human suffering.

The film’s cinematography, by Lachlan Milne, enhances its emotional impact, blending intimate close-ups with broader, symbolic shots of Tarrell’s artwork. The use of color and light reflects the tension between hope and despair that permeates the father-son dynamic, offering visual metaphors for the film’s central themes of redemption and reconciliation.

During the festival, Exhibiting Forgiveness generated buzz not only for its subject matter but also for its nuanced portrayal of the struggles faced by families dealing with addiction, trauma, and long-standing emotional wounds. The film resonated deeply with audiences at Deauville, who praised its authenticity and emotional honesty. Following the screening Andre Holland joined the audience for a Q&A, where he had discussed his inspiration for the film.

Titus Kaphar’s directorial debut is a standout in the 2024 Deauville competition, not just for its emotional gravity but for its exploration of themes that resonate across cultures—parental reconciliation, the weight of the past, and the challenge of forgiveness. The film is set for a theatrical release in October 2024, but its early festival reception suggests it could leave a lasting impression on both audiences and critics alike.

With Exhibiting Forgiveness, Titus Kaphar has crafted a deeply personal and visually compelling film that tackles the complexity of family relationships with both grace and unflinching honesty, cementing it as one of the highlights of this year’s festival.

Synopsis:
A black artist who liberates himself from his past through his paintings finds his rise to success thwarted after an impromptu visit from his father, a former drug addict desperate to reconcile with his son. They will struggle together and learn that it's harder to forget than to forgive.

Exhibiting forgiveness
Directed by Titus Kaphar
Produced by Stephanie Allain, Derek Cianfrance, Jamie Patricof, Titus Kaphar & Sean Cotton
Written by Titus Kaphar
With André Holland, John Earl Jelks, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Andra Day
Music: Jherek Bischoff
Director of photography: Lachlan Milne
Editing: Ron Patane
Production companies: Homegrown Pictures, Shade Pictures, Hunting Lane Films
Distributed by Roadside Attractions (United States)
Release date: October 18, 2024 (United States)
Running time: 112 minutes

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Photos and video : Boris Colletier