Titus Kaphar and Andra Day on the Power of Art and Generational Healing in ‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’

In Exhibiting Forgiveness, the deeply personal and emotional journey of artist Tarrell brings him head-on into the painful scars of his past while attempting to build a future. The film, written and directed by the renowned artist/filmmaker Titus Kaphar, is a raw examination of fatherhood, forgiveness, and emotional weight that has been transferred within generational trauma. Co-starring Andra Day, John Earl Jelks, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, this release promises to conjure meaningful conversations about family, art, and emotional healing.

In the middle of it all is Tarrell-a, a successful artist who has worked his way to finally put a name unto himself and carve some life out of the unstructured and unsystematic environment from his childhood product of not having a father figure, La’Ron, around. Now an addict and hopeless man, La’Ron’s intrusion into Tarrell’s life brings forth old painful injuries he is now forced to deal with and face. As Tarrell turns to his art in the search for coherence for his fractured identity, he reaches an important crossroads: a choice to forgive or not forgive his father ending a hurt-filled cycle that has consumed him.

In this exclusive interview, writer/director Titus Kaphar and star Andra Day sat down with our very own Kemberlie Spivey to discuss the film’s focus and their personal ties to the project.

Andra Day Shares Her Perspective on Self-Care

Day plays the role of Aisha, who has to find a balance between her support for Tarrell and her dreams. When asked what her character teaches us about self-care in relationships, Day reflected on keeping boundaries up. “Aisha reminds us that you can love someone deeply while still honoring your own needs and dreams,” she says. “It’s a delicate balance, but it’s vital not to lose yourself in the process of helping someone else heal.”

Day also spoke about her collaboration with Titus Kaphar, citing how a director who is also an extremely prominent artist brought a unique depth to the film. “The intersection of music and visual art is so rich in this film,” Day said. “There was one particular moment where we were blending music with a key painting scene, and it completely shifted my understanding of how these two mediums can communicate emotions beyond words.

Titus Kaphar on Generational Healing and Cultural Representation

For Kaphar, Exhibiting Forgiveness is a very personal film given life by his own experiences with family and reconciliation. When asked about the tension that exists in telling one’s story while making sure it would be universal to a wide audience, Kaphar explained, “At its core, this is a film about forgiveness-something that touches every human being, regardless of their background. But I also really wanted to make sure that Tarrell and La’Ron’s story felt authentic to their Black experience while speaking to some universal themes about healing and redemption.

Kaphar also delved into the aspect of cultural representation in the film and how he had to collaborate with different people to add richness to the story. “I got to collaborate with some remarkable voices from the beginning of filmmaking-process costume design, music supervision-who brought their unique point of view,” Kaphar said. “This film is as much a celebration of Black culture as it is a reflection on family.

A Powerhouse Cast and Creative Team

A star-studded cast and exceptional creative team power the film. Holland brings a quiet-hearted depth to Tarrell while John Earl Jelks will tug at your heartstrings in the form of La’Ron. Meanwhile, Andra Day’s Aisha exudes an emotional strength that helps to counterbalance the central conflict as Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor gives a powerhouse performance in support.

Co-produced by several visionaries, including Stephanie Allain, Derek Cianfrance, and Jamie Patricof, with music by Jherek Bischoff and an artistic eye provided by director of photography Lachlan Milne, Exhibiting Forgiveness is the film of art, emotion, and storytelling poised so genuinely between the intimate and the universally resonant.

Exhibiting Forgiveness is coming to the theaters on October 18, 2024. It is a Homegrown Pictures, Hunting Lane and Shade Pictures presentation, with association from Roycroft Camera Obscura Company-a Revolution Ready Film. May the strength of this effort that looks at love, healing, and the complexity of forgiveness not be missed.