John Forte - Russian Winter documentary video clip
Ex-Fugee and Okayplayer-for-life John Forté is screening his post-prison documentary The Russian Winter tonight at BAM cinemas here in Brooklyn. If you haven't followed the story so far, John found himself on the wrong side of federal time, picked up at Newark Airport back in the year 2000 on a charge of smuggling liquid cocaine. Spending the subsequent years behind the bars of Fort Dix Federal Correction Center, John's sentence was commuted by George W. Bush in November 2008, in one of his last acts as President of The United States--the result of an extensive campaign on the part of John's mentor and supporter Carly Simon. John embarked on creating a whole new chapter of his work as music and activist--including new music releases, his non-profit venture LeCastle--and a documentary. As John told the Huffington Post, however:
"...the knee-jerk reaction of coming home was to make a documentary about my life preceding prison, and what took place in prison, leading up to me coming home. But something about it just didn’t feel right. It felt exploitative."
The film instead centers on an unexpected opportunity to take a trip to Moscow--an experience which inspired him to branch out in new directions--hence the title of the doc, The Russian Winter.Watch the trailer here, for more backstory. And then enjoy this exclusive Pass The Popcorn sneak preview (below) in the form of a clip wherein John speaks about how prison--quite literally--changed forever the way he hears his own voice as a singer. The main takeaway for aspiring rappers and other vocalists could not be more poetic: don't cuff the mic. Watch below and Brooklynites, scroll down to find info and ticket links for tonight's screening.
The Russian Winter
BAM Rose Cinemas
Jun 7, 2013
Running Time: 94min
Directed By Petter Ringbom
Starring Petra Nemcova, Natasha Bedingfield, Raekwon, John Forté, Brian Satz
A producer for the legendary 1990s hip-hop outfit The Fugees, John Forté reflects on music, his time in prison for a drug conviction, and second chances during a unique tour through Russia.
Screenings today: 7pm
