Hi, everyone! This is Ben Proudfoot, the co-director of the film. I would love to know what you enjoyed about Kris and his grandfather's story, and happy to answer any filmmaking questions you may have! If you have any questions for Kris, ask them here, too!

@samdablew

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Ben, this was so beautiful to watch! How did you as a filmmaker get to come across this story and what was your starting point production-wise?

@benproudfoot1409

3 жыл бұрын

@@samdablew Hey Sam! Well, Kris and I were friends to start. I was working with the LA Phil who was eager to support artist-forward films at the intersection of Los Angeles and music. Kris had been commissioned by the AYS for this concerto which was part of an LA Phil program at Disney Hall, and I called him to see if I could film his writing process (always been interested in film composers writing for concert). The day we met, he told me about his grandfather and it clicked - there was a much bigger story here. About America. The first thing we shot was the conversation between Kris and his grandfather in his grandparents’ living room. It was magic!

@samdablew

3 жыл бұрын

@@benproudfoot1409 Wow that's good to know! I've heard before that as a documentary filmmaker, stories are always just around you and now I believe it...thank you for sharing!

@djjohnyg

3 жыл бұрын

Such an amazing story

@Arabic4Beautiful

3 жыл бұрын

Wonderful directing and cinematography. I loved your camera placement for Kris and his grandfather's conversation. It's so intimate.

imagine living in a society where you address someone as sir while they address you as boy and society says that's okay.

"You cannot stop me!" - no, they can't Mr. Bowers.

And now, I’m a mess. This was beautiful and exactly what I needed.

@joannesepicadventures6533

3 жыл бұрын

That How Sweet Thou Are" ending though, Wow. bawling!

@clumsywithwords

3 жыл бұрын

🥺❤️❤️

I have never cried from seeing a documentary until seeing " A Concerto is a conversation" because seeing the chemistry between Mr. Bowers and his grandfather is so beautiful, pure and, genuine. This video was beautifully made, while watching the video I was reminiscing and reflecting on so many memories that I had with my grandparents.

The foot pedal transition did it for me. Just beautiful.

@meyou0071

Жыл бұрын

I was searching for this comment before posting it myself. I gasped.

The transition here 6:08 was beautifully done, from the pedals of one generation to the next. Idk why it elicited an emotional response just watching it. My grandfather passed when I was 2. I don't remember much but my parents always reminded me that he'd often taken me to musicals at the theatre. Again, I don't remember much. I won't claim to have vivid memories of him. Once he had given me some candy from on his hospital bed, that's about all I can recall. But there were tapes. And I'm glad those moments were captured so I feel connected to him. Bower's granddad carved his own path through discrimination and I was hanging on to his every word. I love how this was shot so intimately, their face in almost uncomfortable focus, it felt like they were speaking to me.

Ugh the shot that transitions from the grandfathers foot on the press to the grandsons foot on the piano pedal, absolutely beautiful.

PS - I was in a really bad space today, & this exquisitely filmed & beautiful story reminded me we all have a good long 10 years to go

I absolutely love this piece. His grandfather is an amazing man. Self taught & self motivited. He taught his grandson that same prespective in life. He was alwsys there for him. He took great measures to move himself out of where he knew he would not grow or prosper.

I shared this with members of the Southwest Florida Symphony Society and I heard back about their emotional reaction to watching it. They loved it.

No one can tell you where you do or don't belong and if someone tries then it's because of their own weakness and nothing to do with who you are.

@justforfun-jp2vc

3 жыл бұрын

💝

That’s a legacy Mr Bowers. God Bless you and your Family.

The most beautiful piece of work I've watched in what feels like forever. That's saying alot that I spent 4 months straight watching KZread alone in the last 12months. The sacrifices your ancestors made throughout all of time. I'm indigenous and I know what it feels like to be out of place...I've been inspired 100 ways in this short film. Elders are special. Beyond. They know that we wont believe or hear what they say unless they tell us. Directly. In this we are blessed to have captured a snippet of the big picture and the reason you're THERE. He went with intellect, determination, courage, and luck, your family gave you the courage and tools to thrive. That's resilience. Music is beautiful, your grandpa is a special man. One intelligent man so of course you belong there. He came out the deep south to bring you. I'm amazed. I will watch this when I need to be strong for my kids who need their mother back. I need my own self back. My family needs me. I could only dream of getting my kids to where you are but with the right lessons I still have hope to be strong. Look at what my ancestors went through i met Mario Mims and according to where he from, we dont exist in the south! Right now I'm in my place, being forced to stay in domestic abuse due to the fact I let my abuser "stop me". Our baby was new, I had finally got the courage to say "I'm going to go and you're not stopping me" and he finally stopped and claims it was a 5 year bluff to control me. . But there is nothing left to stop for except the virus!? and illness that hangs over my ability to GO! To see my kids. And even take care of myself let alone 3 kids. All these stories were never documented it's awesome he is able to do so unfortunately people who leave a tough situation do not pass it down or get it documented...usually not shared enough. I lost my grandpa this year to Cancer he couldn't tell his several daughters and 50 grandkids because he was terminal. He was always quiet. He shared some stories of old ceremonies my ancestors practiced illegally from birth til he 50 years old. I wish I had more documentation. Of his songs and dialect. That's what gave me and my sister the feeling that's what we are here for. To learn our language and practice what we have left. To share the importance of that knowledge to our kids. Planting that seed that seems endlessly droughted through the European practices of superiority. Not enough knowledge to practice ourselves. Only thing we can do is be what our ancestors dreamt of. At some point they all accepted the circumstances. This is exactly the moral of the story I think. It's a saying that's echoed throughout indian country "We are still here". They didn't stop our ancestors from going. Why would we now? That's what I'm asking myself this very moment at these crossroads. Idk If others relate so fully. Or if Its just my interpretation. Regardless, i doubt the reading of this but just to put it out in the universe.. Thank you for sharing your blessings with us all. I will show my children this. God bless you and yours 💞

@janohare916

3 жыл бұрын

God bless you. I hope for everything good for you.

This was the best 13 minutes I've spent watching anything online this year! Thanks so much!

A worthy legacy to replicate within mine. Mr.Bowers, what an honor to know your story and to see how in just 2 generations your determination shaped an Oscar winner and a brilliant composer! Thank you for sharing this with the world.

Wonderful story. I’m white and my parents named me after Nina Simone. They always told me someday I’d understand. I’m a music producer and activist now. Her legacy constantly reassures me to never give up.

Really enjoyed this. Such a beautiful relationship between Kris & his grandfather, I only wish it could have been a bit longer

Thank you for sharing your grandfather with us. That was absolutely beautiful and moving to watch. Such a beautiful relationship they have. Only a lucky few that can experience that in a life time. 💜💜

Their laughter together is a concerto. What a beautiful relationship.

The love, the pride, the determination that these two share is just warm and breathtaking simultaneously. What a beautiful conversation.

This was beautifully shot and such a touching depiction of love, respect and pride of grandfather and grandson, mutually. From the opening, I had a lump in my throat. Seeing their interaction reminded me a lot of the love my grandmother had for her grandchildren and how proud and encouraging she was of all of us. Thank you for sharing this with the world! Wishing them both health and happiness.

Simply beautiful...

This made me want to just play my piano. Miss my moms grand piano. The sound of your grandfather’s voice is long and pure. Great story 🤙✌️

I have shared this Documentary with Family & Friends. I watched it with my "96" year old Mother whom like Mr. Bowers was a presser at a cleaners she was in Georgia making $25 a week. The memories and strength that they have is amazing most importantly their Faith in God carried them and many others just like them thru the storms of dangers seen and unseen. Kris, Thank you for sharing your Grandfather and the history and legacy that you both share. I know winning an Oscar for this Documentary would be awesome. WIN or lose. YOU young man in my opinion have already WON in so many other ways Thank you for sharing ✩

Courage is the virtue on which all the other virtues depend.

@NCinNYC

3 жыл бұрын

That is beautiful, and true.

Mr Bowers - you're just amazing. I do hope you have written or recorded your life's journey, of which you should be proud of, and thankful for, your courage and resilience. Hats off to you, Sir!

This was a quick throwback of where I come from. It was amazing watching this. I actually felt as if I was there. I went back to Bascom Florida for a quick visit not too long ago and there was just something about the way the air smelled and the red dirt on the ground that swing me back to my childhood. I think I shed a tear on this. Thank you family

The love is boundless here, and it truly touched my soul. Such a wonderful and encouraging story of Mr. Bowers life. I wish him his hope of health and that he lives to see his grandson's continued success for years to come.

As I move around life I look for those who have gotten away, escaped. Here are two men that have gotten clear.

@SolaceEasy

3 жыл бұрын

Unchain my heart! Why won't you let me be free?

Thank you Ben for this beautiful story. This is how our ancestors kept going knowing that their work would bear fruit and it would not be in vain. Just don't stop. Their oral history is passed on to the next generation. I love how you had the camera so close looking directly toward them, capturing the eyes of their soul where the truth is. A Black Father and son, they made it, and their legacy goes on. We are privileged to see and hear this story from a Black Father and son so rare to hear, because there are many Black Fathers and families who's story we may never hear, but we know they exist. I salute them, their bond, their success, and love. To also see that music is transformational, and it will carry us through. The message I take with me; with determination, will power, and love of family, you will reach the top, just don't stop. Carry what you love with you, you will not fail. God is with you. Thank you. Amen. 🙏🏽

These kinds of stories are precisely why the National Museum of African American History and Culture is so valuable to society. Proposed national museums dedicated to the histories of Latino Americans and American women would tell stories like these, otherwise lost to future generations. Utah Sen. Mike Lee, who blocked bills for these museums, sees our beautiful stories as divisive. Rather, our stories are celebratory. Our stories are uplifting to all Americans. Our stories exemplify that division can be overcome with natural born perseverance, talent, perspicaciousness.

@klackeos

3 жыл бұрын

@Kolum Vime journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0212852 "By scraping the public online catalogs of 18 major U.S. museums, deploying a sample of 10,000 artist records comprising over 9,000 unique artists to crowdsourcing, and analyzing 45,000 responses, we infer artist genders, ethnicities, geographic origins, and birth decades. Our results are threefold. First, we provide estimates of gender and ethnic diversity at each museum, and overall, we find that 85% of artists are white and 87% are men" Maybe you don't visit too many museums. Museums have been a historically white affair, documenting, celebrating and investigating white experiences and lives for a long time now.

What a guy his grandfather is! Makes me miss mine. These types of guys are rare gems❤️

Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.

I literally can’t stop crying . I love this mans family and his story . God is the greatest

@vivianbowers5419

3 жыл бұрын

Of All

@jesusalejandrogutierrezsul9625

3 жыл бұрын

Amen! God knows our ways much better that ourselves!

This was the most beautiful 13:13 minutes I've ever experienced. Such a breathtaking story!

If the music tells a story, then it speaks for itself…you can have a full conversation with it… Thank you for sharing!🙏❤️

Thank you for this: what a beautiful tribute from grandson to grandfather! Horace Bowers' story is amazing and inspiring. Sad to know he was diagnosed with cancer at the time of the filming. It was beautiful to see grandfather and grandson together at the premiere of Kris' concerto, though I was hoping to see Kris actually conduct it!

Thank you very much for this beautiful film. I am moved by the humility of such a special man. I am touched by the love and respect Kris and his Grandad have for each other! I feel privileged to have shared some time with both Bowers men. I pray Granddad Horace is still doing well. I was not blessed with this kind of loving family. It makes my heart glad to share in theirs.

I liked that it was a concerto between them and when they looked at the camera they were looking at each other. Heard his story on NPR. This was great!

@Jay2JaisNona

3 жыл бұрын

I heard this on NPR also, on the way to work. Looked up Kris as soon as I got in and watched this. I’ve watched and shared it! Sooooo very touching!!!❤️❤️❤️

Please do more stories like this...we need them. Beautiful and poignant.

What a moving piece. The co-director's sister Keeland Bowers shared this with me. Just beautiful.

Stories like this must be shared so young black children can see what they can do. So inspiring!

What a beautiful story, really well filmed and directed. How lovely.

WoW!! I am in tears watching this amazing story of the Bowers family!! What a spectacular way to start Black History Month!! SALUTE KRIS for such a touching moment!! May you continue to shine!!

"in the south they tell you, in LA they show you". The Oscar is yours

I love people with stories to tell to their childs!!! And, this one, is so beautiful! I feel like I've met you, somewhere.. At least, from my heart 🍀🌺

Kris Bowers won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for The Snowy Day. He's married to Briana Henry. Briana Henry was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for playing Jordan Ashford in General Hospital.

Yes, that movement of the foot...at the press, at the piano...wonderful, just right, not overdone.

What a graceful film, it had me tearing up in some parts, emotional all the way. He reminds me so much of my grandfather, they have such a similar spirit. If your parents or foreparents are still alive, gain as much as you can from them before they pass away. They are the link to our pasts.

What I loved about this film was the honesty, the lover, the laughter, the pain, the hope expressed in their voices, their work and their eyes. Many thanks to them and to you.

What a wonderful piece: perseverance, hard work, talent and encouragement, honor, love, family. It made me really miss my grandparents, but happy to see their connection.

So pure and moving! A true story of how a good man’s steps can be ordered and guided to not just rise above adversity, but subsequently enable & bless the next generation.

6:12 so subtle, so powerful, so dope.

That was amazing. I’m so grateful to watch such a sincere and loving story. Thank you.

Loved this so much! I’m standing in the aisle at the grocery store just watching this video not able to fake my eyes off of it Their relationship and how it told a story of past and present touched my heart .

very happy this has been nominated for an oscar, extremely interesting subject matter and story telling style. hope this gets the win it deserves

You all should be so proud to bring this story to a world of pain and sorrow...there are so many hidden stories, like this that touch and remind us of the power and love in humanity...so much in such a short film...wish it could go on and on. Beautiful film making. Beautiful family. If an oscar can bring this to more people, may it be! Thank you Ben and Kris and Horace! Bless you!

So this is what kids that weren't beaten to death for years get to become. It's amazing how they just do the things they love without fear of getting beaten again.

Oh my goodness, this was absolutely beautiful!!! That concerto is amazing! I must find it to hear the entire piece! Kudos to all who made this happen and especially to the talented Kris Bowers and his precious grandfather! I loved how deeply engaged Kris was when listening to his grandfather and when listening to his concerto. I especially liked the scene where Kris pressed the piano pedal and his grandfather pressed the steamer pedal. His grandfather's story on how he pretended to be an employment agency and sent himself on a job was awesome! Very intelligent man! I found this video via a post on my beloved, dearly departed Soror Edith Houston's Facebook page.

Okay, I was not ready. This was simply beautiful and so incredibly moving. This is the kind of story that makes America great. As a Southerner, this really, really hit home.

Beautiful relationship between father and son. This masterpiece is Oscar outstanding.

I was aware of Kris Bowers the musician, I thought he had a lot of potential but boy was I was surprised by his amazing talent and vision as an artist exceeded my limited knowledge. I just finished watching this clip featured on GMA 4/19/21 and get this more than once again I expected. Kris is a blessed young man to have a Grandfather of this statue, an honorable man is blessed beyond measure by the grace of God is evident as he preserved through life by surpassing obstacles that most of us allow hindering and even stop us yet he overcame lives vile and abrasive challenges to become a WINNER,!! Therefore, he influenced his beloved family and community with faith, unconditional love, strength, and courage.

The journey from Florida to California in the 40s as a young black man must have been terrifying and exhilarating. He has lead an interesting life.

Inspiring. Loved it.

Wonderful

Congrats on the Nomination!

Just Beautiful, if this does not touch your soul, you probably not living🌺🌸❤️☘️✌️

Aside from the story itself being amazing, this piece is a masterclass in the craft of filmmaking. The cinematography and editing are sublime.

Beautiful and touching story. Horace Bowers is an inspiration. What a courageous and intelligent man. "... you cannot stop me."

Beautiful film. I'm a voting member of the Recording Academy, wishing I was a voting member for the Oscars, too! Much luck. I hope many, many people see this heartfelt work of art. Grandpa Bowers would be such a joy at any family's Thanksgiving table. What a treat to meet him through this film. I love that the family supported and encouraged the arts. I lobby in Washington DC & here in LA for music education in all schools. It's such an amazing blessing in so many ways. Thank you all for your craft and creativity.

I started watching this clip when waiting for an appointment and I decided to put it aside to watch when I had time to sit quietly with it - good decision! I loved everything about this film: Kris and his Dad, their relationship, the story that they told us together which spans the personal and much larger societal issues and Chris' love of music. The goodness and love of these two men shines through every moment of the film and affected me deeply, bringing me to tears of enjoyment, satisfaction and sorrow at times. I especially appreciated the powerful way in which Mr. Bowers, senior spoke so matter-of-factually of his life and the racial injustices he faced (and which remain). The deep love of these two men shines through as brilliantly as the music of Chris Bowers. Thank you for this beautiful film.

Love this documentary. I will show it to my students for Black History Month. I'm crying while I type this. ❤❤🥂

@tywanderbush2796

3 жыл бұрын

Yes indeed, Black History Month & all the other Month's in between Thank You for Your Service to our youth.

Horace is an inspiration to all, clearly to his grandson. Beautiful film, spare and elegant.

heartwarming, inspiring, revealing. Bravo to all involved.

Incredible! Deserves to win the Oscar for Best Documentary!

That is the kind of video that makes my day.

BRAVO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you

Good evening and thank you very much

congratulations for the Academy Award nomination!!! Very deserved!!!

What an inspirational video to watch in these challenging times.

What a lovely movie about a multigenerational black family. Worth watching. It will put a smile on your face and give you the feels.

I enjoyed the successful struggle of the grandfather. the nurturing of family and the ability to see it grow.

Faith, Hope and struggle.. Thanks, sir.. For the beautiful lessons of life.. May God bless and heal you Mr. Horace Bowers, Sr 🙏✝️❤️

Thank you both for sharing your stories of your journeys Mr Bowers and Mr Bowers, the love that passes between both of you in your looks, that shared twinkle in the eye, sheer magic. I'm smiling through my tears here and thinking once again that no matter what obstacles life throws in your way, a little wiliness, a heap of determination and a whole load of, yes courage, will see you achieving your goals. "Its not the size of the dog in the fight, its the size of the fight in the dog". Keep on keeping on Gentlemen!

Beautiful! So beautiful!

Been coming to their business since I could afford to go to a cleaners, will always support a local eastside business and even more after learning about their story

Thank you for this inspirational documentary !

So exquisitely moving, full of love and faith, and inspiring to boot. Made my day!

What a wonderful short documentary. Lovely!

Here because of the oscar nomination for best documentary, really enjoyed it

Thank you for sharing!

What the elders know: every step gets you further on your path. Trust the process, enjoy the journey, give out beauty to the world!

Oh, how beautiful! It brought tears to my eyes. thank you so much. So uplifting in these challenging times.

What a wonderful life story.

Beautiful conversation! I will always watch (and think of you) the well pressed tuxedos next time I attend a Concerto! 🥰👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

This is a wonderful short film. It touched my soul. Thank you.

I love this....all of this. Feeling inspired...thank you for sharing your story!

Beautiful. So much love there. And that man succeeded in spite of the impediments put in front of him.

Powerful stuff, men! I wish that some black/brown kid in some corner of the world is watching this and thinking big! Nobody can't stop you!