




NOT FOR RENT!
Because Everybody Deserves a Place to Live
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Acquiring housing is a challenge that most individuals face soon after leaving prison. With over 95% of the prison population today will be released at some point in the future, millions of ex-inmates face housing legal barriers, discrimination, and strict eligibility requirements for federally subsidized housing. The documentary film, NOT FOR RENT! takes a look at the challenges ex-inmates face everyday as they attempt to find appropriate housing and to reintegrate back into society.
The Director highlights Utah’s Good Landlord Program. Ogden, the first Utah city to enact the program in 2004, says it, “addresses aspects of property management that may encourage the elimination of code violations and public nuisances while controlling and preventing illegal activity on rental properties that affect the quality of life within our neighborhoods.” The opposition says the program does not give ex-inmates a fair chance and causes more harm than good. You’ll meet several former inmates in the film that have personally faced the program head on, most with anger, frustration and disgruntlement.
NOT FOR RENT! is a powerful film that must be watched. It addresses communities “not in our town” mentality while educating the lay person on American’s recidivism crisis and the prison revolving door. Directed by Matt Duhamel, an ex-inmate himself, the film will open eyes to the millions of men and women who combat housing restrictions while attempting to move on from a past that the community does not want them to forget. The feature length film, due out spring, 2017, begs the question, “Who deserves a second chance?”
Best Documentary Film, Red Finch Festival, 2017
Official Selection, Utah's Family Film Festival, 2017
Official Selection, Docs Without Borders Festival, 2017
Life Under The Horseshoe
Small Town Stage Radio!
Life Under the Horseshoe is a fun, entertaining and historical look at Spring City, Utah’s only live FM stage radio show. The film teaches us a little about history while taking us back to the golden age of radio.
The documentary interviews Mark and Vicki Allen, the show hosts while learning more about their interesting, but opposite family history. The film also highlights the historical Victory Hall, a one-hundred-year-old restored vaudeville theater on Main Street, and “Spit & Whittle” Avenue, where Charlie (1885-1936), son of Simon Beck, had a bench the women of the town called the “Bummer’s Bench.” The men claimed it was where important community events were discussed and decisions made. Simon’s son Charlie, paralyzed at an early age, presided at the bench providing advice and wisdom to all comers.
Official Selection, Utah's Family Film Festival, 2017
Official Selection, 15th Annual LDS Film Festival
6th Annual Utah Film Award Nominee
The Forgiveness Journey
Forgiveness, Compassion and Second Chances
The Forgiveness Journey is a 73-minute documentary exploring the issues of forgiveness, compassion and second chances. In the film, you’ll meet people who are struggling through their own personal forgiveness journey. Film Director/Producer, Matt Duhamel includes his own story about his 2006 arrest and conviction of a sex offense and his ongoing struggle to reconnect with is estranged daughter, Maddie.
You’ll also meet Vicky, a newspaper editor living near Portland, Oregon who suffered a devastating childhood. She is currently on a forgiveness journey in hopes to forgive her mother, grandfather, and step-father.
In addition to personal stories of forgiveness, psychologists, authors, and professionals are interviewed to discuss the process of forgiveness and the differences between forgiving ourselves versus others. Their interviews create a more informed understanding of the difficult, yet healing process of forgiving in our lives.
Official Selection, 2016 Film Festival, Cultural Unplugged
Official Selection, 6th Annual Awareness Film Festival, 2015 (Los Angeles, CA)
Last Day With Lizzy
Loss, Grief and the Power of Letting Go
Last Day With Lizzy tells the story of Mark, a troubled father who longs to rebuild a relationship with his distant daughter Elizabeth. While spending one last day together, Mark slowly comes to terms with a devastating past and the realization that something is not quite right with his teenage daughter.
Through powerful performances and a script that touches on loss, grief and the power of letting go, this dramatic short film from first time writer/director, Matt Duhamel, is a must see for the family.
Official Selection, 2014 Logan, Utah Film Festival
Official Selection, 2014 Shorts Showcase
Official Screening, 2014 Park City, Utah Showcase
What Makes Me Tic?
A Message of Hope and Determination
The documentary film, “What Makes Me Tic?” is a powerful look into four average Americans living with the often misunderstood disorder, Tourette’s Syndrome.
Natasha was diagnosed with Tourette’s when she was seven years old. Today at age twelve, she’s organizing a Tourette’s Syndrome Awareness Walk not allowing herself to be defined by her facial and vocal “tics”. Josh has been living with Tourette’s since he was a child. Damaged teeth, bruises and scars are only a few examples of the damage he’s caused himself because of his uncontrollable tics. Today, his ambitious personality helped him succeed in his career and to write a memoir titled “The World’s Strongest Librarian”. Calvert was diagnosed with Tourette’s while in his fifties. His recent PhD from University of Utah and his position as Chairman of the Tourette Syndrome Association, Utah Chapter gives him an outlet to talk and help others better understand the disorder. Peter has an extremely emotional story. Once diagnosed with one of the worst cases of Tourette’s Syndrome in the United States, Peter has beaten the odds. He underwent experimental brain surgery to help reduce his severe tics which previously caused him to shake and sweat. Peter looks ahead with his message of hope and determination.
Best Director, Matt Duhamel (Shorts Showcase)
Best Male Actor, Clinton Coltrin (Shorts Showcase)
Official Selection, 2014, Culture Unplugged
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