"It ain't where you're from...it's where you're at." - Rakim.
One of the most famous quotes in the Pre-Millennium Hip-Hop lexicon certainly applies to one of the films in the documentary section of the Atlanta Film Festival Where You From. The film tells the story of several Hip-Hop artists from perhaps surprising locales. However, many people could see this coming; in fact, they never doubted it for a moment, even when the burgeoning music was little more than a novelty on commercial radios and one or two seminal art films seen primarily on the underground.
 Hip-Hop artist Franco is featured in the film.
First time Director Sabrina Lee chronicles several authentic voices that represent Hip-Hop from their specific time and place. I was able to catch up with the director before she comes to town for her screening at the Atlanta Film Festival (Sat. April 18th 5:05PM, Wed. April 22nd 9:30PM, Speaking at Panel "Principled Photography" Mon., April 20 4:00PM, Official Where You From Party April 20th 10pm at Lenny's)
When did you begin production on this documentary?
We began filming three years ago, although I'd been thinking about the film for two years before we started shooting.
What attracted you to the subject matter, had you already been connected to Hip-Hop music prior to taking on this documentary?
I was driving down a country road in rural Northern California (in Fortuna, a small farming town of about 7,000 people) when I saw a hand-made sign in a cow pasture that read "Hip-Hop Show Tonight." I had always been a fan of hip-hop, and I found the idea of rap music penetrating a place so completely detached from urban America intriguing. So I went. What I witnessed was not just that these rap artists were incredibly talented and serious about their craft, but also, for them, it was completely about the music. In other words, they were not trying to co-opt the commercial rap "image" in any way, but rather were there to tell stories about their own experiences, through hip-hop, in an original way. I was so inspired-- I couldn't stop thinking about these guys, so I decided to make a film...
In fact, that was my first occasion to see Franco perform, who is one of the main characters in the film. From there, I went on to meet Tommy 2 Tone and Chris Murphy, who make hip-hop music in Montana and are also featured in the film.
What challenges were the most difficult in getting ‘Where You From' made?
This being my first film, I think navigating the whole process of post-production was most challenging (although raising money runs a close second!). The actual filming and following of the characters' stories, on the other hand, was more intuitive.... not unlike the process of choreographing narrative modern dances, which is something I did prior to creating this documentary.
 Chris Murphy hails from the hip hop mecca of Montana.
I was most surprised by how willing the characters were to share their stories and their lives with me. I feel so honored to know them and grateful to them for giving their time.
Do you have plans to make more documentaries?
Yes, I do!
What's next for the film after it screens at the Atlanta Film Festival?
We have just started applying to festivals for the fall, and look forward to showing the film in other parts of the country. And of course, the aim ultimately is to get distribution, so anything else I can be doing to that end in the coming months, I will be doing. (Any suggestions, Martin?)
Do you have any other projects on the horizon that you can talk about?
I am in discussion with my Director of Photography and Consulting Producer, Matthew Buzzell, about a prospective documentary in Georgia, actually, which we may begin shooting this summer. Matthew is an accomplished filmmaker himself (and Georgia native), having shot and directed a number of award-winning documentaries, including the Jimmy Scott Story, which screened at the Atlanta festival (and won) in 2002. I also am researching a documentary project in Africa.
Franco is a major player in the documentary, he seems to have made a mark from Humboldt, CA. What has he been up to since the filming of this movie?
Franco is almost finished with his new album, "Roll With The Punches," produced by Phillip Drummond and still performs regularly in Northern California. He is featured in the FreshCoast Battles DVD, and also recently collaborated with a French hip-hop record label for the forthcoming CD, Groove Sessions Vol.2. He is also collaborating with Soul Theory of Norway, and planning a tour in 2010. He will be attending the Atlanta Film Festival and performing at Lenny's in Atlanta on Monday night, April 20th. And I heard a rumor that festival pass-holders will be admitted free...
Martin Kelley is Editor-in-Chief of CinemATL.com. He's also a local screenwriter and filmmaker who co-founded the Atlanta Screenwriters Group, one of the largest screenwriting organizations in the Southeast.
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