What Really Matters

Many have come from around the country to take advantage of the Michigan Film Incentive Program, and in the process have discovered the variety of locations Michigan has to offer. Sam Kadi, (a director from Michigan), grabbed his chance to benefit from the new state programs. SamK Production is the first Michigan based company to qualify for and take advantage of the “Michigan Incentives Program,” and was “the first recipient of the film-pack incentive checks,” Kadi adds.

Raised Alone was shot entirely in Michigan and provided over 100 jobs during the year it took to complete. Sam K. began as a theatrical actor during the early 90’s; he has directed & produced many plays of his own over the last two decades. The wide range of skills Kadi has acquired from years of experience in the entertainment industry, allow him to clearly convey his visions to the big screen.

In this beautiful film Raised Alone, Kadi intends to portray a reality of our everyday lives, he gives us an example of “how distractions of our fast paced world make us lose track of our priorities.” During the interview he stresses the importance of family, and the value of quality time spent with loved ones. Sam Kadi’s latest release is a film that depicts the struggles of the relationship of a father and son.

MMM: What is “Raised Alone” about?

Kadi: Well I don’t want to get deep into the story so we don’t give it away but it’s a touching story about a father and son’s unbalanced relationship. In our film we’re talking about a kid who has everything that any kid can dream of, except his dad. His dad doesn’t have the time to sit with him; the dad doesn’t have his son on his list of priorities.

MMM: Where was this film shot?

Kadi: The film Raised Alone is a 100% Michigan product; all the actors and film crew are from here.

MMM: What do you hope to relay in this film?

Kadi: Life is too short to be away from your beloved ones, that’s the main message. You need to dedicate quality time for your family and show your children affection. If you notice what you are doing, take time to correct it. It is never too late to finally set aside everything and take care of what really matters. Life is not about the materialistic stuff, the simple things are truly important. I intend to raise awareness not necessarily fix the problem.

MMM: What problem are you referring to?

Kadi: The father is a workaholic, like many of us, that’s why I made a film that displays a wide range of what is going on with us. Each one of us has a little bit of this story and what goes on in this story. We work crazy hours, we’re up early, we go home at night; we don’t belong to ourselves. We work and work, than we want to work harder and harder. Enough is enough, we don’t really know what enough means.

MMM: What does enough mean to you?

Kadi: It means you have to slow down, step back, look around, and take a look at what is going on within our own family. There are priorities in life more than just money, especially if you have a family and kids.

MMM: What is your message to the viewers?

Kadi: It’s a very universal message, you are affecting them and you don’t know you’re affecting them by what you are doing. We are not really here to find a solution, we are trying to display something that matters to people and that belongs to people. We lack meaning in films nowadays, we need these types of films.

MMM: Have you previously worked with Jazmen Brown (co-writer of Raised Alone)?

Kadi: I got to read some of his work and I really like his style, so I decided to work with him on this project. I gave him the rough draft of the script and he did an excellent job with it. I am impressed with his work and look forward to working with him in the future.

MMM: What do you think Michigan has to offer, other than the tax incentives?

Kadi: A variety of locations that can attract a lot of directors, nice settings, historical places, talent, culture, a diverse community of people, and great locations for winter films.

MMM: What advice do you give people who dream of getting in the film industry?

Kadi: Definitely for anyone who wants to be in this industry…passion, you have to have passion because in this industry there are times when you feel down and you get discouraged. It’s a very tough road; it is hard to get in, constantly looking for money to produce your film. Don’t let anything deter you, don’t compromise your vision, stretch your dollar, there is always a way to do it, and don’t settle for less. You really don’t need a million dollars to make a film, quality is better than quantity. In the digital world today anyone can make a film, you need to make a movie, so surround yourself with professionals and positive people. Ask for help; never ever be shy of asking for help. Always keep you head up and look forward. As Abraham Lincoln says ‘I’m a slow walker but I never go backwards.’

MMM: What makes this film special?

Kadi: In this film people can feel a connection, some 10% others 100%. This is a movie everyone can relate to and just maybe it’ll wake something up inside. I hope that someone will stop and take the time to try to change.

MMM: Any final thoughts you’d like to leave us with?

Kadi: “If there is will, there is a way! That’s what I keep telling myself, everyone I work with, and everyone I know.”

This film has caused quite a stir within Detroit and has received the much deserved attention of local media. The quality of this film is comparable to that of feature films on the silver screen. Kadi is an articulate director that conveys his ideas through expression, visualization, and communicating what is in his mind’s eye. His hard work and effort is evident in this film: the graphics, props, actors’ presentation, the message put forward, and the exceptional quality of Raised Alone.

Sam K.’s directing is brilliant and Brown did an outstanding job with the script. The dedication, hard work, and long 16 hour days of shooting exemplify the effort of everyone involved. The magnitude of emotion the actors put forward in the character development make this film parallel life in sits rawest form. Sam Kadi possesses the necessities needed to produce a film worth watching; Raised Alone is a film that you will remember.

Sam Kadi's Raised Alone won the Best Short Film Award at the Ferndale Film Festival- September, 2009.

This joins the other awards Raised Alone has received:

Best Michigan Short (Detroit-Windsor International Film Festival)

Best In State & Best Dramatic Screenplay (Riverside Saginaw Film Festival)

Congrats to cast, crew, and supporters.

MMM-Jaz H.

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