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By Vince Robinson
Art of Me, an organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of young people through filmmaking, hosted a grand movie premiere at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History this past weekend, showcasing two compelling films.
One of the featured films, “Life on Track,” follows the journey of a young man coping with the loss of his closest friend and music collaborator, compounded by the theft of his cherished lyrics. As his stolen music gains viral fame, he embarks on a quest for justice, ultimately finding solace and creative inspiration within the legendary confines of a Cleveland music studio.
The second film, “Sa’Kyra’s Dance,” chronicles the aspirations of a young woman striving to join a prestigious dance company despite facing a debilitating illness that threatens to thwart her dreams.
Stephanie Wahome Lassiter, executive director of Art of Me, emphasized the organization’s commitment to storytelling as a means of addressing societal challenges, stating, “At Art of Me, we collaborate with both young people and adults to craft narratives that tackle pressing issues. We believe in taking proactive steps to bring these stories to life on screen.”
Director Kevin Taylor, whose work includes “Life on Track,” underscored the significance of the film in shedding light on the historic Boddie Recording Company, a pivotal institution in Cleveland’s musical heritage. Taylor expressed hope that the film’s portrayal of the studio’s legacy would contribute to efforts to preserve it as a museum, highlighting its role in shaping the city’s cultural landscape.
Elijah Payne, the lead actor in “Life on Track,” shared his mission of spreading joy drawing parallels between his character’s journey and his own aspirations. Payne, a recent graduate of Olentangy Orange High School, expressed his desire to inspire viewers through his performance, both on screen and in real life.
Art of Me engages in storytelling initiatives that involve contests designed to solicit narratives from young participants. Through collaborative efforts with industry professionals, these stories are transformed into cinematic works that offer messages of resilience and empowerment.
As Art of Me continues to foster the creative talents of young minds, it remains dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of film to inspire positive change within the community.
Actor Elijah Payne, protagonist of Life on Track
