When it comes to Rattlers, they don’t come much more authentic than Akil DuPont. Educated in the FAMU family of schools since his kindergarten days, Akil stuck with the FAMU (Florida A&M University) system right through his graduation with a baccalaureate degree in economics.
Although he worked as a bank manager for several years, Akil couldn’t’ resist the pull of the artistic world. He was the CEO of Faces Modeling Troupe Inc. for several years, which allowed him to sharpen his natural skills. With his application to Florida State University’s Master of Fine Arts program, one of the most respected in the country, he began to fulfill a lifelong desire to become a filmmaker.
That desire proved itself to be the mark of true talent. DuPont won several awards and accolades while in school. His thesis project, a short film entitled “Underground,” has won an astonishing seventeen awards, loved by audiences at film festivals the world over. Just a few awards won include a student EMMY for best music, first place wins at the Palm Beach International Film Festival and the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, an Audience Award at the Beijing Film Academy’s ISFVF Festival, a Best Director – Short award at the Action on Film International Film Festival in Los Angeles, California and the Best of Brouhaha award at the Florida Film Festival in Orlando.
DuPont’s next project, a short film entitled “Silhouettes,” is currently in the casting process. Also in the casting process is “Underground,” the short which won DuPont so many awards – this talented and enterprising director hopes to bring his award-winning vision to the big screen!
Films and Projects
There are many small yet crucial steps involved in taking a film from concept to finished product. DuPont is currently accepting both applications and donations for work on both “Underground” and “Silhouettes.”
“Underground” is powerfully told and moving, combining the hauntingly beautiful sounds of traditional Negro Spiritual songs with the story of one man’s determination to save his daughter and reach the Underground Railroad via clues hidden within the songs themselves.
“Silhouettes” takes a lighter approach to storytelling, bringing a love story with a twist. A visually impaired artist, who sees the entire world in silhouettes, is the hero of this whimsical tale.
In addition to the obvious issue of casting actors for all rolls, DuPont is also faced with the many minute details of the film industry. He is currently accepting donations in order to get these films off the ground and deliver his unique and beautiful viewpoint to a much broader audience.
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