Help Us Make This Film

An interview on the PBS show, "Living St. Louis" from May 1, 2023, discussing the origins of Pretty Boy and the background of its director, Kevin Coleman-Cohen.

An interview with Rene Knott of KSDK Channel 5 (NBC affiliate) in St. Louis on March 17, 2023, discussing the film and human trafficking in Pretty Boy.

An interview with FOX 2's Kim Hudson in St. Louis, MO on March 9, 2023, discussing the origins of our film, Pretty Boy and human trafficking with street youth in St. Louis, MO.

Hi supporters,

Update: August 1, 2023.

I am Kevin Coleman-Cohen, director, writer, and producer of this film. We're more than a movie, we're a moment too. We want to bring attention to young Black teen males who engage in survival sex on the streets. [email redacted] to request a link to the short version. We want to bring you the feature.

We've come a long way, and it's because of you. Backstory: I (Kevin Coleman-Cohen) originally wrote the screenplay after meeting a homeless youth in St. Louis, MO. One day while outreaching in the community for Youth In Need, Inc (former employer), I saw a young Black youth engaged in a sex act with an adult male. I made a U-turn in the agency's van, and the adult male took off after seeing me, and the youth simply pulled up his clothes but did not run away. I rolled down the window and asked if he needed any condoms. I seriously had no judgment; I just wanted the young person to be safe. The youth told me he was given more money not to use a condom. I didn't say anything out loud, but on the inside, I was screaming at the idea that someone could take advantage of that young man. I got out of the van, sat and spoke with the youth in a rough area in downtown St. Louis. I gave him hygiene supplies and something to eat. I also told him about our program. We made plans to meet up the next day. He was there, and once again, I told him about our program. He declined to go into our shelter program, but I simply reminded him we would be there for him 24 hours a day. We were to meet up again on the third day, and I was convinced I could get him into our program, but he did not show up. I looked for weeks and months and never saw him again. His story inspired me to write PRETTY BOY, the short film. The film was initially titled Elon.

A little bit about me: I graduated from the American Film Institute Conservatory with an MFA in Directing and a BA in Television and Film from Howard University. I have worked in a non-profit for many years focusing on youth advocacy. I am a filmmaker, a lover of films, and a fan of great storytelling. I have taught at Pepperdine University, Santa Monica College, and Columbia College Hollywood. I was born and raised in St. Louis, MO, specifically in the Walnut Park and Mark Twain neighborhoods of North St. Louis City (nickname, murderville), about 6 miles from the Michael Brown police shooting and riots in Ferguson. I am so grateful for the positive responses I have received regarding the film.

Kevin Coleman-Cohen

Director, Writer, Producer

We need to raise $100,000 to make the feature version in St. Louis, MO. We want to bring you Pretty Boy, the feature film. I appreciate to continuous support. It goes toward making Pretty Boy available to the world. While several festivals are pending notifications for the short, thus far we have been accepted into the following festivals from November 1, 2022 thru August 1, 2023:

Our first screening was Friday November 4th at the Laemmle Monica Film Center in Santa Monica, CA.

Below is the Official Trailer for Pretty Boy.

Still from the film

Still from the film

Still from the film

Kevin Coleman Cohen IMDB

Cory C. Warner, Cinematographer

A Graduate in Cinematography from the American Film Institute (2014). Growing up in the mountains of West Virginia, the landscape and continual changing seasons helped shape his filmmaking to have a diverse and natural style. Cory is a hardworking and collaborative cinematographer with a strong eye for lighting, composition, and camera movement. He hopes to use storytelling to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our world. Cory believes film has the potential to connect humans together in a profound way and illustrate the diversity of life. The AFI Thesis Film he lensed, "This Way Up", won a 2015 Student Academy Award. As well, his work on numerous projects have played at Cannes, AFI Fest, Palm Springs amongst other film festivals.

Cory C Warner IMDB

Jonathan Boyce is best-known for rubbing two pennies together to create high production value on intellectually and logistically challenging film projects. After graduating from the American Film Institute with an M.F.A. in Producing, his award-winning work as a writer-producer has been licensed by HBO and featured on prime-time cable television. Jonathan paid it forward as an avid lifelong learner by teaching producing at New York Film Academy and conducting video post-production workshops for Apple Inc. to the next generation of filmmakers. He also shares his unbridled enthusiasm for new media technology and its storytelling potential on a weekly live podcast on virtual reality that’s recorded within VR. Jonathan is currently writing and producing an interactive audio fiction project concerning the mass incarceration epidemic.

Jonathan Boyce IMDB

THE PERKS:

$7,000 and Above - the gifter will receive Co-Executive Producer credit on IMDB and an invitation to any private screenings. Percentage for ownership is possible too and is negotiable. But any and all donationas are welcomed and appreciated.

To those who took the time to read this post, I thank you so very much. Filmmaking is collaborative, and I could not have made this film without your support. I love and appreciate your support, and thank you for always encouraging me to live and be my best self.

---Kevin Coleman-Cohen

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                           Thank you so much!!!