Simply put, I was completely blown away by (BMWK) Lamar and Ronnie’s latest film “Still Standing.” The Chicago screening took place over the weekend and there were several “aha” moments I experienced while viewing this amazing new documentary.
One of the major pieces that stood out for me was the number of people in attendance. If you haven’t already heard, the Chicago screening was completely sold out a day before the viewing. So witnessing a 200-seat theater filled with couples and singles who are actually concerned about the state of marriage was amazing. As I assisted at the check-in table there were unfortunately several people who hadn’t purchased tickets in advance and had to be turned away. Their look of disappointment made me even more aware of just how necessary this category of movie is to our communities and the significance of a film displaying such positive images.
Another key moment came as I watched all the couples check in with their tickets and the excitement on the faces of both men and women. It was evident they didn’t quite know what to expect, yet appeared as though they were looking forward to it and planned to enjoy the ride anyway.
Because I am already familiar with the powerful impact Tyler New Media films have on people and relationships, I anxiously awaited the opportunity to get into the theater and enjoy “Still Standing.” After helping at the check-in table I literally ran to the theater because I didn’t want to miss a single second. I was not disappointed. From the opening scene down to the credits I literally felt every type of emotion. It took me from sadness to tears and from laughter to joy. Each of the couples featured and the stories shared also spoke to the guests I invited.
We can’t stop discussing how honest and heartfelt this movie was. It seems as though every couple I was with was able to relate to one and in some cases a couple of the situations covered. Immediately after the movie, while still in the theater, me and the guests I invited gathered and shared the parts of the movie which spoke the loudest to us. Upon leaving the theater the conversations continued. Then again, after church, this same group gathered one more time to finish up where our conversations left off after the movie. You know something is compelling when it generates such healthy conversations and makes people want to create even better relationships.
It has all been amazing. Not only do these films display beautiful images of black marriage and the strength of our unions, they also increase the desire in other couples to fight for their marriage. Hearing other couples share their struggles reminds us we are not alone and if others can overcome so can we. “Still Standing” highlights our love in a way most of us have never seen before. I am so grateful for this movement at this time. It is needed more than ever.
If you have the opportunity to witness this movie don’t miss out. Get your tickets early. You want to be among those who can’t stop talking about “Still Standing.”
BMWK, what do you think of “Still Standing”?
CJ Belle says
We went to see the DC Advance Screening and were blown away! We had purchased their 1st DVD (Happily Ever After…”) and showed it to couples from our church at the home of one of our marriage ministry classmates (back in TN). Still Standing is sooooooo amazing, and spoke VOLUMES to my husband and I (married 7 years, still DINKs!); I was also excited to see in the audience, couples interviewed in the other documentaries (it was like seeing celebrities!), supoorting the new moive. Overall it was a wonderful time and we purchased 2 Still Standing DVDs (we’re gonna send one to our home church in TN) and we will certainly watch it again and again, share it, and talk about it!!