Homeless in the City of Angels: Kathryn J. Taylor (left) as Destiny, with faux microphone in left hand during an "American Idol" moment, with her friend Seven (Tene Carter) in "Homeless Destiny", a short film playing at the Hollywood Black Film Festival in Beverly Hills from June 3 through June 9.

THE POPCORN REEL FILM REVIEW/"Homeless Destiny"

There But For The Grace Of God Go You

By Omar P.L. Moore/May 23, 2008

Kathryn J. Taylor's "Homeless Destiny" is a thought-provoking 16-minute short film, immediate in its power and resonant in its implications.  Miss Taylor, who appeared in the Sundance premiered film "A Good Day To Be Black And Sexy" in January, plays multiple roles in this 16-minute excerpt from the popular stage show "Out The Box: A 3 Woman 1 Woman Show".  She also wrote the film, which is directed by Trey Haley.  The main character in this short is Destiny, a homeless woman on the sunny streets of Los Angeles.  She has not allowed her despairing circumstances encumber or define her; for in her heart she reaches for the stars and encourages those financially better-off souls to do the same. 

Destiny is a mirror reflecting the good, bad and the ugly contradictions of humanity.  Destiny is the Lady Liberty of the street, the Bard of the Bereft -- modest, meek but strong.  Poor, energetic and vibrant fit her profile, as opposed to poor, tired and huddled.  Passers-by choose to ignore or reward Destiny for her singing efforts and her ability to break into different characters to capture attention and gain currency.  In a cheeky variation on a climactic line in the 2001 film "Training Day", Destiny says: "I've got 340 different characters -- Denzel ain't got nothing on me!"  Destiny, as her name suggests, clearly has a lot more going for her than the surface shows.  Her homeless compatriot Seven (Tene Carter) is an assistant to Destiny, an eyewitness to the concept that miracles (and tragedies) do happen.  Each passerby Destiny accosts makes the choice to give generously or walk on by.  Pursuant to their actions, a judgment bad or good is rendered in Destiny's red book, either in red crayon or in purple.  Destiny is a wise seer indeed and she takes time to address the contradictions of those who give generously for tsunami relief victims a world away to nameless and faceless people running charities but will walk hurriedly by her in a heartbeat on their local travels.

Shot with a digital video camera by T. Walker, "Homeless Destiny" has a somewhat gritty look, lending a realism that fits perfectly with the overall tone of the film.  And as the character Seven, Miss Carter is content to be an eager student next to Miss Taylor's confident professorial type.  They fit together on these mean streets called survival like a hand in a glove.

At the end of the day, "Homeless Destiny" is essentially a parable about what one chooses to do to the least of a higher power's children, and showcases the immense and impressive talents of Ms. Taylor, a remarkable actress.  She turns on a dime with her multi-faceted performance and her vitality and presence are so immediate that big screen seems too small for her.  The stage is where Ms. Taylor surely thrives abundantly, so it is no surprise to know that "Homeless Destiny" as earlier stated, comes from a theatre play.    

"Homeless Destiny" will be playing at the 9th Annual Hollywood Black Film Festival in Beverly Hills from June 3 through June 9.  It is definitely worth your time.

With Kevyn White, Riccarda Lacey, David Shore, Wade Bernard Young, Gloria Garayua and Mills Pierre.  

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