To the world, Louis Armstrong is iconic — a symbol of musical genius, unparalleled success, and unassailable character. To Sharon, he was simply Dad. Armstrong’s wholesome, non-threatening image preserved his singular career as a black performer with unfettered access to a white man's world. Yet he was more than a caricature. In private, he held tightly to the things he loved. Perhaps closest to his heart was a child whom he hid from the world: a daughter sworn to a life of secrecy until now.
Touring with the Film
John Alexander (Director) is an Emmy-winning director and editor whose work has been seen on PBS, Hulu, Epix, Sundance Channel, Amazon Prime, NFL Network, and Paramount+, in addition to on television and in cinemas worldwide. After graduating from Harvard University where he was awarded the McCord Arts Prize, Alexander and JC Guest’s feature debut, "Bender," a thriller on America's first serial killing family, won a Golden Strands award for Outstanding Cast before being distributed in North America, Asia, Africa and Europe to cult status. As an encore, their documentary, "This Is Love," winner of the Raindance Spirit Award and Best International Documentary in Rome, broke attendance records screening at 50 international film festivals, where it won numerous top prizes, including recognition of service from various cities, counties, states and countries around the world. Alexander’s commercial resume includes commercial work for Verizon, BioHaven Pharmaceuticals, Topshop/Zalando with Cara Delevigne, Bobbi Brown makeup with Kate Upton, Get Organized with Peter Walsh, and the city of Orlando FL. Alexander and Guest co-own and operates the production company and post-production house Crook & Nanny Productions, which offers full production and post-production services for narrative, documentary, commercial and industrial projects, both short form and feature length, specializing in seeing high-quality independent films to completion, with an emphasis on framing unique voices in a timely landscape.
JC Guest (Producer) is an Emmy-winning writer and producer whose work includes award winning features This Is Love and Bender. With John Alexander, she founded Crook & Nanny Productions, where she has recently supervised post-production of features including Open Field, The Sunshine Dreamer, Stoke and numerous commercial projects. She worked with veteran production advisor David Alper through post-production of Robert Redford’s A Walk In The Woods as well as pre-production of Equals, starring Kristen Stewart. In 2012, she coordinated the Venice Art Walk, a prominent Los Angeles art show benefiting Venice Family Clinic, the largest free medical clinic in the United States, and her non-profit work includes designing video and written curriculum for award-winning teen safe driving program In One Instant. In addition to helming the financing, production, and securing of distribution for multiple independent feature films, her background includes holding a Series 65 license and managing the day-to-day operations of private equity funds. JC graduated cum laude from Harvard in 2011 majoring in English with a minor in Visual Studies.
Schedule
Alabama - Louisiana - Mississippi Circuit
Sunday, November 5, 2023: Jackson, MS - Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Monday, November 6, 2023: Alexandria, LA - Arts Council of Central Louisiana
Tuesday, November 7, 2023: Cleveland, MS - Bologna Performing Arts Center, Delta State University
Wednesday, November 8, 2023: Birmingham, AL - Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema
Thursday, November 9, 2023: Hanceville, AL - Burrow Museum at Wallace State Community College