WEST MONROE – Shiny white limousines stretched out along the curved driveway at First Baptist Church of West Monroe for the recent Red Carpet Premiere of Flag of my Father, and onlookers dressed in their finest craned their necks to see which dignitaries might step out.One U.S. Senator, two mayors and three state representatives were among the 900 people – women mostly in ball gowns and some men in tuxedos, even – at the church known informally as First West, for the April 16 premiere of the half-million dollar film directed by First West member Rodney Ray and shot entirely in Ouachita Parish.
Director Rodney Ray, GiGi Emeta, William Devane , and Andrew Sensenig at the Red Carpet Premiere of Flag of my Father
Also on hand: Hollywood mainstay William Devane and lesser-known stars of the film that included battle scenes from “Iraq,” post-traumatic stress syndrome and family conflict, in a plot that stressed ‘Flag’ rallies viewers patriotism and the importance of family.
About 8,000 people have seen the film in its debut week,Director Rodney Ray said tohis staff at the faith-based film company R-Squared Productions. Once the film completes its short run in Oak Grove, where one of the actors is from, Flag of my Father will be unavailable for a time.
“We’ve been getting interest from some national distributors,” Ray said. “That’s the next step.”
Plan now to see this film when it reaches your city. It depicts the humanity of war without belaboring the point. It reminds its viewers that freedom isn’t free. It celebrates faith, flag and family.
Check the credits. The last name on the list of cast and crew was for the “prayer oordinator.”
R-Squared Productions is serious about being a faith-based film company. And the last words on the screen: “For you, Dad.” They’re also serious about family.