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Modern day society celebrates having a strong cut off game, collectively, most humans contribute to gross negligence, while exclaiming that they must protect their boundaries and boundlessly abandoning loved ones. Consider the possibilities of absolution with director and screenwriter—Titus Kaphar and his latest strong debut at The Sundance Film Festival 2024, Exhibiting Forgiveness. 

Exhibiting Forgiveness is a vivid drama that explores the life of Tarrell, a young Melanated and masculine painter, played by actor André Holland, who also starred in the critically acclaimed films—Selma and Moonlight. Through his paintings, the artist is on a journey of healing past trauma, when an unforeseen visit from his estranged Father, portrayed by John Earl Jelks, shakes and stirs some things up. Ian Foreman, a budding young actor, plays the adolescent version of the films protagonist, Tarrell. The honor student coming straight outta Alabama, basked in the Sundance ambiance as he celebrated two screenings at this year’s festival, including the film—I Saw the TV Glow. Fun fact: Titus Kaphar is a gifted painter with several collections and the film features many of his actual paintings. He ensured that André truly exhibited being a painter, by giving him a masterclass while creating this masterpiece. 

Grammy and Golden Globe winning vocalist and actress, Andra Day is Tarrell’s partner—Aisha, coupled with Joyce, who is depicted by the iconic, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, comprise the feminine energy within this legendary cast. During the panel discussion presented by Chase Sapphire lounge in Park City, they discuss character development and their overall experience on the set. When asked if this film influenced forgiveness of a person and/or situation in their personal lives, Titus offered this method: “This may not look like forgiveness to you, but what needs to happen for my healing, is I need to approach it this way. I’m not going to carry this burden anymore, I’m leaving it right here—you’re free of it, I’m free of it.” However, “It doesn’t necessarily mean we are walking together in this future.”

Struggling with forgiveness is the theme and this story invokes one to decide upon having those laborious conversations that could lead to clarity and the ultimate release of relationship blockages, also known as generational healing. 

Stay tapped in with Titus Kaphar and his works via www.KapharStudio.com

For all things Sundance, visit www.Sundance.org