Ya’ Gotta Go Higher Soars this Weekend at LA Femme Film International Festival

By Dahveed Kolodny-Nagy

Los Angeles, CA(Hollywood Today)10/14/12/—The 8th Annual La Femme Film International Festival, four days of indie films, docs, commercials and music videos “by women, for everyone,” comes to a close Sunday, October 14th.  From the films I saw, the festival is full of risk-taking, provocative and uplifting stories.  Low-brow Hollywood blockbusters these are not, so be prepared to be shocked, challenged and changed. I respect Festival Director Leslie La Page’s vision and passion for the festival and encourage everyone to attend this festival while there is still time this Sunday and for all its years to come.

Although I saw several strong films at the festival, I have to bring attention to Yul Spencer in Ya’ Gotta Go Higher, directed by Larry B. Scott and written by Scott, Spencer and Danita Jones.   Ya’ Gotta Go Higher is a compilation of Yul’s live stage shows where he relives with both humor and sorrow his 15-year journey to survive the American dream as a black man, actor, husband, father and drug addict.   Spencer is a risk-taker, bravely revealing his personal life, from his lovely ex-wife with the pussy that smelled like Febreze to his dark life of drugs, hatred and desperation. 

I had the chance to talk to the filmmakers who explained the importance of honesty.  Danita Jones who helped shape the script didn’t let Spencer pull any punches when telling his story.  Attending recovery meetings, Spencer recalled his addiction in a manner that had to be both physically and emotionally exhausting but it was clear the stories had a strong impact on the recovering addicts and needed to be told.  “I didn’t figure anyone would believe me unless I did it from my own experience,” says Spencer.  Spencer’s performance can be appreciated as an introspective character study.  Spencer who is now 18-years sober explains, “I’m playing the old me, not who I am now. I am so far removed from that guy. But as an actor I love to do it as a performer.”

Yul Spencer feels everyone goes through some type of recovery.  It’s relatable and builds bridges of understanding.  Today was the first time Spencer’s two daughters saw the film, having reconnected with their father.  He had been wondering what they would say.  His daughters had wanted to hear what really happened to their father and mother during that difficult time.  The film helped them understand.   The film’s message could potentially help many people understand the mindset of people affected by drugs and alcohol.  It is about choices. The choice is between drugs, hatred and violence and tolerance, compassion and love.  In the process Spencer “died twice” but came back to tell this story and I’m certainly glad he did.

For more information on the festival visit http://www.lafemme.org

For more information on Yul Spencer and Ya’ Gotta Go Higher visit http://www.YaGottaGoHigher.com  Check on the site for upcoming developments on the project!

Photos  by Dahveed