by Clarence W. Thomas Jr.
MGI Contributor
thomasjr63@gmail.com
What began in 1996 as the difficulty of securing homes for a multitude of children in the Texas foster care system, eventually turned into the adoption of 77 of the hardest to place youngsters by members of the East Texas church Bennett Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.
The account of that journey for the youth and the community that showed them love can be seen onscreen beginning July 4 as the movie Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot.
Filmed mostly in Central Georgia including and Macon, Possum Trot is directed and produced by the husband-wife team of Joshua & Rebekah Weigel. Letitia Wright, better known as Shuri from the Black Panther movies, is the film’s Executive Producer.
Its primary stars are actors Demetrius Grosse as Bishop W.C. Martin – who headed the church that initiated the adoptions – and Nika King as First Lady Donna Martin, inspired to help foster care children on the heels of her mother’s death. Elizabeth Mitchell portrays Susan Ramsey, the social worker that facilitated the adoptions.
The historic Douglass Theatre was one of a few locations around the country the gave specially invited guests a sneak preview of Possum Trot on June 27. A near capacity crowd of moviegoers walked a red carpet, took photos, enjoyed refreshments and rubbing shoulders with the producers, cast, and crew, before the viewing.
Attendees included Middle Georgia Informer publisher Cornelia Walker; Somer Stafford, Field Representative for Congressman Sanford Bishop; former Bibb County School District Deputy Superintendent and Executive Director of the Ruth Hartley Mosley Memorial Womens’ Center Sylvia McGee; and former Macon City Council member and Douglass Theatre board chair Brenda Youmas.
Before the start of the advance showing, Rebekah Weigel was presented with a proclamation from the Office of the Mayor by Macon-Bibb County’s Executive Director of Community Affairs Henry C. Ficklin and mentioned that the First Lady of Bennet Chapel has Macon roots. “We searched all Georgia for the place that we were to suppose to film this. It kept feeling like it was Macon. It felt like God was calling us here,” she shared. “We’re excited for you to watch this labor of love.”
The Weigels made new stars out of some local ladies that proved quite impressive on film. Rena Canady-Laster, Della Golden, Sandra Jarrett, and Rose Person all reside in Macon and had prominent speaking roles. Local actress Laura Lamoree also appeared in the film. Golden’s moments as Murtha, the mother of Donna Martin on film, are memorable and she says the movie is well worth seeing. “Look at how many people we’re touching. I especially loved working with the children. It was a beautiful experience. I think this moving is going to change things.”
Canady-Laster and Person shared their thoughts as well following the screening amid a crowd buzzing with excitement. “This was a wonderful experience that deserves the support it received tonight. As a former worker in the foster care system, I’m grateful to have been a part of this effort,” Canady-Laster said. “Although I hadn’t acted in twelve years, when I processed the story, I committed to going to the casting call. I’m grateful for the opportunity,” added Person.
The event was sponsored by the Douglass Theatre under the leadership of Executive Director Shelton Land, who described hosting the event as an opportunity to profoundly showcase the theatre and further highlight Macon as a film making mecca. “For us it was a win-win. It raises the profile of the Douglass. It’s a full circle moment that allows us to continue to lift the theatre’s name and additionally solidify it as the Apollo Theatre of the south.”
To join the effort to encourage others to see Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot and get more youth adopted visit www.angel.com/sharehope.
