‘Harvey’ film nears completion with upcoming September release

The upcoming film “Harvey” is in post-production and is being produced by Street Corner Films, a production company based in Houston. The movie’s production is overseen by Nkem DenChukwu, who serves as the producer, casting director and story editor for the film.

Michael Sterling, who came up with the film’s idea and served as the writer for the film, directed “Harvey.” DenChukwu said that Sterling contacted her to produce the film.

“When he called me, he said he knew I was the producer to help bring his vision to life,” DenChukwu said. “I put on my creative cap, and now we are here.”

DenChukwu said the team is still working on where in Houston the film will be released, but said that the official trailer for the film would be released on the anniversary of Hurricane Harvey. The film is slated for a Sept. 22 release with tickets costing around $20.

DenChukwu gave some insight into the production crew’s goals while making the film.

“Many lives were lost while thousands lost their homes and properties,” DenChukwu said. “However, in the eye of this devastating storm; people came together from all over; strangers became friends; neighbors were no longer strangers, and hope was renewed.”

April Grant plays Carla in the film and is the central lead. Grant was offered the role by Sterling after having worked with the director on his film “Our Christmas Party.”

“I wanted to take part in the film because I was affected by Harvey just as everyone else in the cast and Houston,” Grant said. “I live near Memorial and while I didn’t get water damage to my home, we had no electricity for five days and was surrounded by water which left us stranded.”

DenChukwu said the purpose of the film was to be a reminder that we are all still human.

“Our goal for making this film is to show that in the midst of calamity, adversities, and in a world where hate and the color of our skin have blinded many, love still rules,” DenChukwu said.

DenChukwu also noted the level of support they received during the production of the film.

“Considering the level of support we received during production, calls and messages we received, we believe our goal has been accomplished,” DenChukwu said. “And for that, we are thankful. We also hope everyone that watches this film will be somewhat empowered, and take some life lessons with them.”

DenChukwu said serving as the producer, story editor and casting director for the film gave her the opportunity to meet new people, while also learning from their individual experiences.

“The best part for us as a team was the joy of working together towards a common goal,” DenChukwu said. “I feel proud of what we have accomplished with and in this film as a team, and we are grateful for all the support we received.”

DenChukwu also spoke on some things she wished she and her crew could have further done regarding the film.

“I wish we had the resources to capture more stories of others affected by this hurricane to include in the film,” DenChukwu said. “It would have been another way for those families who lost their loved ones to also immortalize them.”

DenChukwu said thank you to a number of individuals for their help and involvement in the film. These included Michael Sterling, Fox 26 News, Fox News Network, CBS 11 News, ABC 13 News, the Houston Chronicle, FEMA, Deborah Duncan, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and his office and many others.

“Life is short, but we can live it as long as we can by being and doing our best,” DenChukwu said. “Therefore, each day that we are blessed with this gracious gift of life, we should pause and count our blessings one-by-one.”