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Written LadyKay Davies:

“Somewhere in Baltimore”



Produced By Aletha G Jones- Campbell (Liberia’s #1 Female Producer…First Female to Win the Liberia Entertainment Award for Best Movie….first female Co-founded of a Production Film Company called Smooth Vision….Wow. This Lady is a force to be reckoning with….Superstar, Super Producer. Super Women!!!!

”I want to start out with the l...ine that you say to your parents. You tel...l them, "I'm the voice of my generation," and then you immediately walk it back to, "Well I'm a voice of a generation." There is always a danger in shows declaring “I am about this universal experience and everyone will watch me and they will say 'This is me.'” How universal do you feel this story actually is, or is it specific?

Well it’s funny because I've gotten a few tweets from people that were like, “Do you really think you’re the voice of your generation?” Or am I grasping at straws there, but in terms of the universality was something I learned through seeing “Somewhere in Baltimore” That thing that feel super personal at the same time feels really universal. It’s sort of the more you really identify something specific within yourself the more people connect to it because ultimately we are all connected.

OKAY…When I first sat down with The Campbell’s back in December 2012 to watch the screening of “Somewhere in Baltimore" at their Home, I didn't know what to expect. I hadn't at that point seen any clips of the movie .The actors were mostly unknown to me. I was a little taken aback to see this beautiful Liberian Film Producer. I was surprised simply because I have never in my life heard of other Liberians making movie with the exception of Gerald Barclay. Wow I said to myself. Although, I interviewed Mrs. Campbell and some of the cast on the Radio, the reality of that vision still didn't registered. Working in the Media Field for over ten years, I was familiar with facts when it came to females in the films industrial.
 

Chalk this up as being barely a surprise. A study recently found that, of the 250 top-grossing films in America, only 9% of the directors were women in 2012. Aletha G. Jones-Campbell, of Monrovia, Liberia falls into this category as a Producer. That didn't stop her from giving BIRTH to her DREAM. Let me begin with a brief background of Mrs. Campbell's exciting and impressive life. Prior to immigrating to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the civil war, Mrs. Jones achieved a Degree in Computer Science in 2002 and later studied Behavior Analysis at Wilmington University. As a child, Aletha enjoyed movies as her preferred source of entertainment. She wanted to pursue a career in the field that she has enjoyed her entire life. Though married to Andrew Campbell for a couple of years and friends with Joseph Mitchell for several years, it was not until the summer of 2011 that she was approached by both Andrew and Joseph with an opportunity to do what she truly loves, making films. With the desire and skills she possessed, achieving her dream was NOW a reality. Aletha co-founded the film production company called Smooth Fusion Films. Aletha had the Education to sustain a life in America as a working women putting in a 9 to 5. This was not the case. She had this burning desire that something was missing. It was her duty to seek out that missing link…And SHE DID JUST THAT! The “something” that was burning in her was “Somewhere in Baltimore” Aletha G Jones- Campbell became the First Liberia Female Producer…First Female to Win the Liberia Entertainment Award for Best Movie. This is a very serious woman. Aletha has now turned her passion and energy onto her other great talent, promotion. I truly believe that she will be just as magnificent on this journey as she is in making film. Thank you sister for creating a shoulders and a ground breaking platform that some day some young lady will stand on and be proud to be call a Liberian film producer. God Blessing is bestowed upon you. Good Luck!

​The Anonymous Critic

“Somewhere In Baltimore”  

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This is the first film I have viewed from Smooth Fusion Films.  Never seeing a film from Smooth Fusion had me feeling a touch of skepticism while on my drive to the venue.  That skepticism soon vanished once I arrived to an overfilled parking lot (resulting in me parking two blocks away). Upon entering the venue I was pleasantly surprised to see the elegance and quality of the setting.  Beneath my feet ran a red carpet with a fairly large backdrop erected at the far end.  I have to admit, at this point I became impressed.  I was further impressed when I saw several photographers and two elegantly dressed journalists interviewing people on what appeared to be a live internet feed.  After searching for a moment I finally found an unoccupied seat.

The quality of “Somewhere In Baltimore” is evident in every aspect of the film.  The picture quality is much greater than I expected.  The story flows very evenly and at a good pace.  Summer Angel provides a wonderful performance as Ellie, a popular woman in the community living the American Dream.  Her husband in the film Marshall, played by Renaldo Tilley, gives a phenomenal performance as a pillar of the community.  At the center of the story there is Linus, played by Bobby Valentino Zoe.  The creepiness and awkwardness of Linus is shown through every word and movement of the actor.  I was amazed that the sheer size of the cast in general.  I have never seen a film at this level with such an enormous cast.  The size of the cast along with the diversity in ethnicity, age and culture really grabbed me and pulled me deeper into the film.  The diversity really made me feel as though I was actually part of the movie, giving it a real world feel.  There were times I was laughing during this film.  There were several points that literally brought tears to my eyes.  This film hits and it hits hard.  The only complaint I have with this film is that it had to end.  My only recommendation, if you are planning on seeing this film is: Get there early!  When the lights came on, I noticed that not only was every seat still filled, but the walls were lined with people standing.  This is when I knew there was something special happening in this room.  I have scoured my brain trying to think of something, anything, in this film that I could say needs to be fixed.  I can't think of a single thing that I would have done differently.  In all this an amazing film that pulled me in from the start and kept me in my seat until the lights came on. This would get a third “Thumbs up” if I had a third thumb to give.  I rate this at the top of my scale: Very Highly Recommended.“ - THE Anonymous Critic

Reviews of "Somewhere In Baltimore"



“I, myself, was speechless from the production quality”

“The quality of “Somewhere In Baltimore” is evident in every aspect of the film”

“This film hits and it hits hard”

“The only complaint I have with this film is that it had to end”

“One of the best productions of the year”

“The performances were brilliant!”

“A jumpy, cutting-edge thriller”

“I have been to a lot of African movie premiers but this one is one I will forever remember”

“(Somewhere In Baltimore) was watertight to say the least”

“This was an overwhelming experience”



"An engrossing and powerful movie"

Written By Kwame Oldpa Weeks

‘Somewhere In Baltimore’ Finally Premieres

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It was in December of 2011 when MN Web reported on a promising Liberian female producer from Grand Gedeh County who shattered the movie ceiling and took African movies to another level. Aletha Jones-Campbell latest production titled, ‘Somewhere in Baltimore’ a suspenseful drama; starring Liberia’s Bobby Valantino using the name ‘Linus’ in the leading role has finally come to fruition, placing her name among some of the finest in the business.

The movie ‘Somewhere in Baltimore’ co-starred Jamaican natural-born actress Summer Angel as Ellie and Renaldo Tilley as Marshall in major roles. Liberia’s Mary Jones plays an overprotective-grandmother of her distraught grandson (Linus) who witnessed his parents murdered before his eyes. Kenya’s Emily Oluoch and Nigeria’s own Sunday Joshua co-starred in the film also.

After months of painstaking editing, the long awaited cinematic edition of ‘Somewhere in Baltimore’ was finally premiered in Philadelphia over the weekend. As it was being screened on the 29th of June at a star-studded premiere screening at the Darby Borough Community Center, so was it streaming live on the internet around the globe.

The program started at around 8:45 pm as host Kwame Weeks and co-host Josephine Marshall welcomed and interviewed the casts and guests on the red carpet. They were greeted along with journalists and others present there. The producer Joseph Mitchell who made it earlier to the venue started off with a small chat on the red carpet.  He thanked all those associated with the movie, and expressed his hope for the success of the movie. He also expressed optimism that the movie will have a positive impression on society and bring awareness to bullying. “I didn’t expect this kind of numbers and this was an overwhelming experience”, Mitchell told our reporter.



The evening was marked by the presence of the noted writer Andy Campbell himself. The chief guest, Hon. Emmanuel Smith of the United Bassa Organization in America was not present but was fully represented by members of his organization. Some of the lead actors of the movie were also present, including newcomers Theo Sonpon III, Danielle Reaves, Frank Mahoney, Kendall Sirleaf, Brenas P. Cooper, Jewel Jones and Charles DeLong.

The director of the movie Carlton Whyte told MN Web that premiere traditions calls for the director to give a detailed explanation of the movie before viewing but decided to remain silent for the entire night. On the red carpet, Carlton told Josephine Marshall the movie had been a great experience for him and his entire crew and recalled shooting days in blistering summer and frosty winter during the making of the movie. He added that the movie had been shot in different locations on the east coast.

Debutant actress Ven Dela who played Sarah was seen very excited to make her onscreen appearance. With a little over 3 movies to her credit, she looked flawless on the red carpet. Another newcomer Danielle Reaves was equally thrilled as well. For her part she laid emphasis on bully and why this is an American virus that’s eating up the fabric of modern civilization. “People should not be bullied and this is just simple,” telling MN Web that a bully should place himself/herself in the shoes of the bullied and see how it feels.

Writer and producer Andy Campbell who initially refused to give a synopsis of the movie told MN Web that he was overcome by this great experience. However, he further revealed his thoughts on the film and thanked the entire casts for their roles. Regarding the theme of the movie, he said it is a story with a valuable moral message.

The audience was eager and thrilled to witness a different style of African movies that has been introduced by Smooth Fusion Films. This is how one movie critic whom I spoke with put it: “I have been to a lot of African movie premieres but this one is one I will forever remember” adding the movie was just watertight to say the least.

The movie is about a tragic event witnessed by a young boy which changes his life forever. As he grows into adulthood several events lead him to a life of isolation and fear. Misunderstood by almost everyone around him, he lived a secluded life that created a cutting-edge suspense to want to know more about him.

After viewing the entire film, it was dubbed, “a jumpy cutting-edge thriller” by the MN Web.

Smooth Fusion Films is a fully independent film company founded by Aletha and Andrew Campbell with divisions devoted to production, marketing and script writings. Its objective is to recruit actors and actresses from diverse continents without focusing solely on Liberian talents though it offers a wide range of services to facilitate an affordable production of the many Liberian writers without finances.

Second premiere of ‘Somewhere in Baltimore’ goes to Wilmington, Delaware and Minnesota. Look for it on dvds in stores and theatres near you in the fall.

Written By Kwame Oldpa Weeks

LIBERIAN WOMAN SHATTERS THE MOVIE GLASS CEILING

When Aletha Jones fled the civil war in Liberia and hit the shores of North America, little did she dream of being a movie producer. A proud daughter of Grand Gedeh County Aletha moved to the US with one goal in mind; to escape the bloodshed and search for a peace of mind.

In Minnesota she met Andrew Campbell a prolific movie script writer who married Aletha and introduced her to the movie business. Privately Aletha became to study the profession and knew that in order for her to be successful in this business; she needed to develop creativity, drive and the ability to put up with stress.

Along with her husband they financed and produced a few projects from selected scripts written by Andrew to overseeing idea development and hiring stars and crews to meet their goal.

Aletha’s latest production is titled, ‘Somewhere in Baltimore’ a suspenseful drama; starring Liberia’s own Bobby Valentino using the name ‘Linus’ in the leading role. The movie co-stars Liberia’s Mary Jones who plays an overprotective role of her disturbed grandson. Kenya’s Emily Oluoch and Nigeria’s own Sunday Joshua co-starred in this film. Joseph Mitchell is the executive producer.

The movie is about a tragic event witnessed by a young boy which changes his life forever. As he grows into adulthood several events lead him to a life of isolation and fear. Misunderstood by almost everyone around him, he lived a secluded life that created a cutting-edge suspense to want to know more about him. See if this kid truly deserves such heinous allegations or if he was what his entire neighborhood labeled him to be.

After viewing excerpts of the film the MN Web dubbed it: “independent and nervously awe-inspiring.”

According to Aletha the final phase of shooting is being completed and the movie is expected to premiere in early spring of 2012.

She told MN Web that all her projects were previously financed by she and her spouse until God sent Joseph Mitchell who financed and oversees as executive producer of the Baltimore project.

“We take these financial risks by putting our own funds in pre-production period pending the arrival of an executive producer but this is a risk that we are willing to take,” adding, “it is about the passion which eventually pays off.”

Since the debut of the sneak-peek version of ‘Somewhere in Baltimore’ on December 9 in Philadelphia, Aletha said there has been overwhelming pouring out of support which she credits to the quality of the film and its entire cast.

Smooth Fusion Films is a fully independent film company founded by Aletha and Andrew Campbell with divisions devoted to production, marketing and script writings. Its objective is to recruit actors and actresses from diverse continents without focusing solely on Liberian talents though it offers a wide range of services to facilitate an affordable production of the many Liberian writers without finances.

For now it has a dedicated script writer, a film directress and a location manager. For sponsorship or acting roles, you can visit www.smoothfusionfilms.com or call 215-668-9578 to hear about their full package of services-from research to coordination, filming, and post production.

Video by Carlton P Whyte

Liberian Entertainment Award Presentations

Saturday January 19th 2013

On Saturday January 19th 2013 Smooth Fusion Films founders Aletha Jones-Campbell and Andrew Campbell made their way to Silver Springs, MD, a suburb of Washington DC with several actors from 'Somewhere In Baltimore'.  Actor Bobby Valantino Zoe, Actor Moses Thompson, Actor Romeo Varfley, Actress Ven Dela Bonner, along with Actress and Fashion Designer Modello Rose and Award Winning Gospal Recording Artist and Actor Abraham Siafa Gibson Jr (Bob Q) were also there to accept the "Film of the Year" award.  Award winning Director and Director of 'Somewhere In Baltimore' Carlton P Whyte also was in attendance.  At the 13:28 mark, the award for "Film of the Year" is announced.  (Video below)

New Liberia FM - Gerald Barclay Award

"Little did she (Aletha Campbell) know that one day she would have been catapulted to fame and her name would sit on the lips of many when it comes to movie production. Today, she... has produced one of the finest movies out of the many we have seen. "Somewhere In Baltimore" is definitely packed and seasoned with the right ingredients a movie should be made of. With its extraordinary film cast & great camera crew , Aletha Campbell leads the pack with a sterling production worth emulating. On May 18th, 2013 at the NewLiberia FM HONORS AWARDS, Aletha Campbell will be presented with the Gerald Barclay Award for an Enterprising Female Movie Producuer!! Please join us in congratulating her" 

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