Masters of the Universe Filmmakers
by HYDRO 

 
Though it's been said, over and over, it's still true: We need to stick together. Petty beefs and wars keep us divided. We need to recognize that we are a targeted people. The strategy of our enemy is to let us destroy ourselves with drugs, gangs and pure hate. They sit back and laugh as we end up in "the system."Man, some of these prisons are set up like country clubs these days. They got cable, internet, and all the comforts of home. They want brothers to think it's not all that bad. but, it's still prison.................." -Rell on the prison system TRAIN RIDE

 > > Hydro: Tell us about your incredible experience working  with Esther Rolle. -most notably as Florida Evans on Good Times >
 > Rel: " The film is dedicated to the late, great, Emmy-award winning actress Ms. Esther Rolle for many

Rel Dowdell with Esther Rolle

 reasons. One is that she was in my short film version of "Train Ride" for free when I was in graduate film school at Boston University. By her being in my short film, it got a tremendous amount more visibility and got into and won many national and international festivals. When I finally was able to raise money for the feature, she was the first person I called. She told me that diabetes had ravaged her body and was on dialysis. Her agent, Jenny Delaney, told me that she could help me get someone else in the film, like Della Reese. I would've been happy with that, because I didn't want Ms. Rolle to risk her health to be in my film. However, Ms. Rolle literally rearranged her dialysis treatment to fly from LA to Philadelphia (we shot the film at Cheyney U.) so she could play the Dean of Students in my film. She said she knew how important the film was for me and my career, and that the message of speaking about the lack of morality of young people today was important. She said that she would not have done what she did for anyone but me. That is a God blessing. " "I remember literally having to help her by the arm to the marks where we were shooting. But when I said, "Action", she had the youthful vigor of a 20 year old and put 110% into the role. She passed away not long after shooting my film. I went to her funeral and that's clearly why the film is dedicated to her. African-Amercians desperatley need to follow legends like Ms. Rolle's lead and help deserving up-and coming talent who are trying to make films of worth, and not foolishness like "Soul Plane,", "The Cookout," "Juwanna Man," "Marci X,", "White Chicks," etc. Esther Rolle is the pinnacle of black artistic integrity. "
> > > > Hydro: How did MC Lyte get involved? 
> > Rel: "My good friend Colby Colb, who is a top radio personality in Philadelphia, got me MC Lyte (Lana Moorer) to be in the film. She was awesome. She put so much into the role and literally was an emotional wreck many days. She put more into the role than most seasoned actresses would have done. She deserves unequivocally to get more roles just based on her performance in my film alone. Straight up. I casted her completely against type because she plays a vulnerable freshman student, when in reality, she's a hip-hop legend whose lyrics and bravado were as fierce as any guys'." 
> > > > Hydro: How did Jazzy Jeff become attatched to the project? 
> > Rel: "Jazzy Jeff wasn't involved in the film, but he did see the film in every stage (from short to feature), and really liked it. In fact, his quote about the film is used on the DVD packaging. He is a hip-hop legend and flat-out good brother. His endorsement of the film and seeing his quote on the back of my DVD is awesome. The man who did the incredible musical scoring job on my film is named Jim Salamone, and he worked with LeVert, Teddy Pendergrass, Kriss Kross, and many other talented artists. He did as great of a job on my film with the music as any million-dollar composer would have.........."   Rell told us about how difficult it was to get financing for the film. One affleunt African American pulled a Dave Chappelle 'pdiddy' on him, sending him out to the store one night for some peanuts. Like, why it gotta be all that for the dough................................ The major studios wouldn't take a chance on the film because it wasn't a parody piece like "Soul Plane" or "Barbershop".   
>>Rel: "Flat out, more African-Americans with these millions and billions of dollars need to do more. There is not a black owned studio out here making films. Why is that? This could be done so easily if some of the more affluent African-Americans just got together and gave literally a fraction of their worth. That studio could function for years and years. We need to stick together more, right now. We could be like the "Harlem Renaissance," where talented black people were working together and putting out great, universally appreciated (and non-stereotypical) work that is still important decades later. That's what we need to strive for. It can, and desperately should, be done." 

The film was screened at the famously independent Belcourt Theatre in Nashville a few weeks ago. One of the attendees was the popular radio host, Sharon Kay........... Ms. Sharon Kay is a veteran talk show host who was awarded the Best Talk Show Host in Nashville for 2004 at the 8th Annual Radio AIR Awards. She was selected by the Atlanta, Georgia media, 
making her the first female and black to win this coveted award. After the screening, Ms. Kay invited Rel to be a guest on her Sunday radio show called "What's The 411?". During this broadcast, Congressman Ford called in to the show.............. 

Hydro gets the 411 on Mrs. 411 Sharon Kay's take on Rel's  movie "Train Ride"
>>>Sharon Kay: "I arranged for Congressman Harold Ford, Jr. to call my show and told him to make this happen for Rel." ( Ms. Kay is referring to an upcoming screening for Train Ride in Memphis, made possible through her contacts with Congressman Ford.) 
>>>>Sharon Kay: "I've spent close to 30-years in the media and don't play when it comes to handling the business in the community. The Congressman knows that and so does everybody else that I call and ask to get something done. 
That's why What's the 411? With Sharon Kay talk show on 92Q radio (Cumulus Media) continues to be #1 in the ratings during it's time period for 4-straight years."
 
Right on sista....................do your thizzle... 

>>>>>Sharon Kay: "I work for the people,  visit our website www.the411show.com  to see that we're about it, bout it on the 411 Show. 

Hydro will definitely be visiting Ms. Kay in the very near future, because she represents what Master of the Universe............ 

As of this printing, Rel's movie is receiving accolades across the country. The film "Train Ride" won BEST FEATURE at the prestigious American Theatre of Harlem Film Festival. For more information about the Harlem Film Festival, visit their website: www.americantheatreofharlem.org

     Hydro: So, where can I or anyone else, get the film?  

>>>>Rel: "The film is out right NOW, and can be bought anywhere and everywhere from Best Buy, Circuit City, Blockbuster Video, amazon.com, etc.
 
Go and get it and spread the word! You heard it people......Cats are out here doing BIG things......Contrary to popular belief, we don't have to be professional criminals and thugs always. Of course, sometimes we HAVE to (to back the haters up)..............but, the point is: we can make our mark in this world in many ways. Don't ever let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. Believe in yourself and continue to reach for the stars............. -Hydro, out..........