..not every Annabelle has a Bear

by Kuba Ingram
photography by Benjamin Dell

This touching film warmed the hearts of all who attended by bringing awareness to an American culture of circumstance rarely seen on film.

Annabelle & Bear tells the story of a biker named Bear (Curt Massof), who finds himself suddenly thrust into fatherhood, and the unexpected journey that leads him to discover the life altering love in the heart of his little girl Annabelle (Olivia Lorrain Walby).
For Director Amy Weber, the story begins with the making of this tender drama. Amy envisioned a home grown production to showcase the local film community, and to spotlight Michigan talent during a time when the state was facing economic struggle.
When the project began, Amy announced that she would be offering Michigan residents the opportunity to be part of the film making experience.  Over 4,000 people responded to the cast and crew call, and many people with no experience in film were given the opportunity to work on a major motion picture.

Amy also elected to use local music talent for the film, and held a competition. The winners were selected to score the film, and to be featured on the soundtrack.  One band, Nervous But Excited, made a cameo appearance in the film performing Said and Done.
“There is so much talent here in Michigan, that it just made sense to keep all of the production here,” stated Amy.  “I am very proud of the fact that this film was made completely in Michigan, by Michigan talent. What a testament to what Michigan has to offer and what an opportunity we have to showcase what we can do together.”

Along with Curt Massof and three-year-old starlet Olivia Lorraine Walby, the cast was perfected with the talent of Ruby Harris who plays Annabelle’s drug addicted mother (Annie). Kimberly Cruchon Brooks plays Bear’s Mother (Grace).  Dal Bouey plays Bear’s girlfriend (Trisha), and the debut performance of Jason Myers as Bear’s best friend (Goldie).

Complimenting the touching performances of the cast and crew, was the production teams’ relationship with Starfish Family Services.

“The story of Annabelle and Bear is a perfect description of the challenges faced by the families we serve,” Ann Kalass, CEO of Starfish Family Services told MMM.  “Our families are living at or near the federal poverty line, and struggle to keep their families together.  They lack resources, experience and parenting knowledge to make the best environment for their children who, without intervention, are most likely to also live in poverty as adults.  At Starfish, we help them get the resources and education they need to strengthen their family relationships and provide basic needs, such as food and shelter.  We also focus on the development of the young child so they have every chance for school and life success.

Board member, Nancy Branstetter, recognized immediately that the story of Bear is the story of a Starfish family, and that Annabelle embodies the hope for the future that children bring.  It’s a perfect match for our mission of strengthening families to create brighter futures for children.

“This association with Starfish, and Annabelle & Bear has built awareness for families in need, and the work Starfish does.  We are so proud to be associated with this project.  In addition, Radish Creative donated all the net funds from the sneak preview on February 20th to Starfish.  It was a great boost to our staff and families.  We had quite a few Starfish people at this event, all at their own cost, and they felt so proud, not only to be part of such a great project, but that someone recognizes the needs of families like ours and has put it on film to tell others,” said Kalass.

Annabelle & Bear is not only a touching film, it represents the collaborative community building and strengthening that can be made possible in a commercial endeavor, during economic times when opportunities are plentiful but rarely taken –
“because not every Annabelle has a Bear.”

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