KEEPING THE BLUR IN FOCUS

I had the absolute pleasure of attending and volunteering at the National Premiere of the inaugural Branson Wright film documentary "The Blur" The Dwight Anderson Story: From Stardom to Streets to Survival in Dayton, Ohio last night. As a friend of the Producer Branson Wright (full disclosure here) I could not be prouder. As a fan of sports and proponent of documenting our history I am encouraged that we are capturing more of our stories to help shape, in this case, future athletes and the decisions they make as it affects their life choices.

Blur Producer Branson Wright with the Official Blur T-Shirt

Keeping the Blur in focus, and the many other documentaries and films that chronicle our truths is necessary to ensure preservation of our past. We've seen any number of stories hit the big and small screen and we're left wondering how you forgot this key element; why you didn't interview the friend or family member who knew the real back story. Yet we understand their end game was ratings or embellishment versus the truth. But with the Blur we have added another critical piece of cinematography straight from the community to the screen instead of the other way around.

A capacity crowd with overflow at the premiere in Dayton, Ohio

I remember this film's birth and the 6 year journey. I know how many times Branson wondered how do I get the next piece and parcel completed. His unwavering faith and inner-circle of support fueled by the need got him to this premiere and on to the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival September 19th. The outpouring of love and community pride was the ultimate confirmation of his work and the indication that it was worth the pursuit of truth.

With the launch and long running ESPN 30 for 30 series, the market has proven unequivocally that the interest in redemptive and survival stories are in demand. In truth funding is always the key driver as to whether these are ever brought to life and it takes true visionaries and philanthropic patrons to push the project across the finish line and into our view. The out and out truth is this one film and a few others typically find their way to the finish line with the former and rarely the latter. The cutting room floor is laden with nearly complete films buried under debt and deceit, false promises and vanishing investors who claimed to see the vision, proclaiming to be the missing link and/or champion of the cause. But GOD, as we say boldy, saw this to completion matching the blessing of recovery that accompanied Dwight Anderson's ability to not only be in the audience but to answer all questions with candor and concern.

Former NFL Running Back Keith Byars, Branson Wright and The Blur Dwight Anderson

I would venture to say in every urban community there are stories and mythical story lines that would capture our imaginations and pierce our hearts with compassion for the individual struggles of these folk heroes and sports martyrs. But who will tell the story? Who will document the truth? Who will fund and finance the film to the screen? As the African Proverb says "Until the lion tells his side of the story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter."  We have let the hunter tell our stories long enough and they forgot to mention what really matters most. The Blur used the community lens to show and share the truth. May this open the floodgates for more of our stories to hit the screen and more of us to support them. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.