Labid Aziz’ People of Culture Studios (PoC Studios) is excited to announce the release of a new feature film, A Snowy Day in Oakland. The comedy, written and directed by Kim Bass, follows the story of an upscale psychologist from San Francisco who decides to end a stalled romance with her psychiatrist boyfriend/business partner. She takes a leap of faith and opens her own private practice in a predominantly African-American, psychologically ignored neighborhood of Oakland.
The film tackles a number of difficult issues that many neighborhoods face, such as gentrification and the lack of mental health resources. However, the story is ultimately about an individual’s journey toward self-discovery and finding love in unexpected places. As Bass explains, “We wanted to highlight both the beauty and struggles of Oakland, while also telling an engaging love story that audiences can relate to.”
The movie stars Nicole Ari Parker (Boogie Nights), Loretta Devine (Crash), Kimberly Elise (The Manchurian Candidate), Deon Cole (Black-ish), Michael Jai White (Black Dynamite), Evan Ross (The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt 2), Reno Wilson (Transformers; Dark Side of the Moon), Arden Myrin (Insatiable), Tony Plana (Bombshell), Jakée Harry (Sister, Sister), Claudia Zevallos (Day of Days), Sean Maguire (Once Upon A Time), Marla Gibbs (The Jeffersons, Madea’s Witness Protection), Donis Leonard Jr. (House of Lies) and Keith David (The Princess and the Frog). Bass believes that the diverse cast brings an extra layer of authenticity to the story, stating, “We wanted to make a film that represents the true heart of Oakland, which is a melting pot of cultures, races, and experiences.”
The picture also features music by The Staples Singers, The Isley Brothers, Buena Vista Social Club, Dinah Washington, Stephanie Mills, and Gil Scott-Heron.
John Cappetta (Marshall, Tyson’s Run) and his shingle Planet 9 Productions produced the film alongside Bass and Deanna Shapiro (Beautiful Lie Pictures).
Said Cappetta, “Getting to today with this project has been a true labor of love and purpose for me and for everyone involved in this very special, fun, and meaningful film; especially our stellar cast all of whom delivered incredible performances. On behalf of Planet 9, Kim Bass, and all of the producers on this film, I would like to thank Labid and Andy, and the whole team at POC Studios, for bringing this film out to the world as it is meant to be experienced.”
The film has been eagerly anticipated by audiences across the country and is set to have its theatrical premiere, today, on March 17th, 2023. PoC Studios is committed to supporting filmmakers and bringing diverse stories to audiences, and they believe that A Snowy Day in Oakland is an important addition to their catalog. Aziz said, “We are thrilled to be working with Kim Bass and to be part of bringing this important story to the world. We hope that audiences will be moved by the film’s message of hope and perseverance and laugh heartily along the way.”
Said Bass, “A Snowy Day in Oakland is a story about love—love of self—love of others—love of community—love of life. For me making A Snowy Day in Oakland was necessary. Partnering with Planet 9 Productions and PoC Studios for its production and release, is literally a dream come true.”
PoC Studios orchestrates theatrical release campaigns tailored and scoped individually for each film, ranging from limited releases in target markets and platformed rollouts to wide openings nationwide, depending on the film, and fully supported with marketing, advertising, and publicity.
For more information on A Snowy Day In Oakland, including trailers and screening information, visit the A Snowy Day In Oakland website.
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