Press Release
CONTACT: Augustine Charles, (240)491-1476, nfinitethreat@gmail.com
Former Performing and Visual Arts Student in Anne Arundel County premier’s first short film amid COVID restrictions and addresses the topic of stuttering and self confidence
Odenton, Maryland, December 6, 2020: A product of the Performing and Visual Arts Program in Anne Arundel County Augustine Charles will premiere his short film this coming weekend entitled “Speak King” as part of his final capstone project.
Like most Performing Arts Conservatory students across the country he has been forced to re-imagine how to create from a digital platform. A senior student in the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA he opted to take classes virtually this year due to the COVID.
Had the year gone as planned Augustine was to produce and direct a stage play as his final capstone project. With restrictions in place, a lack of access to a team of actors and a theatre production team, he had to come up with another plan that would allow him to engage virtually with his audience. Rather than recording a one man show from his house he took a unique approach and teamed up with his mother, Leenadria, to write and produce a screenplay which they ultimately filmed.
Neither of them have ever done anything of this nature but Augustine knew he did not want to post a video of himself performing. “I had a bigger vision for my final project and I didn’t want to just record a one-man show. I couldn’t envision any other way and decided I’d take a risk and try a short film. I think I have a better chance of connecting with an audience that way.”
As is typical of his art, Augustine pulls from his personal experiences in ‘Speak King’ and tackles the challenge of having a stutter and seeking the confidence to navigate the world and feel normal. “His character, Darian, is very much based on Augustine’s experiences. This was a difficult project both technically and emotionally,” says Leenadria. While stuttering is not a recognized disability it’s a challenge many face.
“As a black man I think it’s important to address it and to show the reality of what it’s like on a daily basis. I worry about being in a situation where I won’t be understood.” I also want people to understand that someone having a stutter doesn’t make them stupid,” Augustine says passionately. While the film addresses stuttering it also addresses the importance of self-belief.
Making this film has forced Augustine to deal with his insecurities and champions his mantra ‘Nfinite Threat: Be Your Own.’ “It’s very difficult to get people to co-sign to your dream. So I decided I was going to challenge myself and do all of the things I want to do. I don’t want to be a triple threat. The possibilities are endless and that’s how I intend to live my life.”