Little Gem Magnolia (2021)

AWARDS:
Winner, Best Experimental Film, Oregon Short Film Festival (Oregon)
Honorable Mention, International Poetry Film Festival (Hollywood)
Official Selection, Newark International Film Festival (Newark, NJ)
Semi-Finalist, Best Short Festival (Ontario, Canada)

Little Gem Magnolia (2021) is an experimental poetry film that tells the story of a relationship between an artist and his muse, Ayva (Little Gem Magnolia), a new immigrant to New Orleans. With her visa soon to expire, she has to make a choice to return to her country that is turning authoritarian, remain in New Orleans illegally or seek an arrangement with the artist, a married man, who she inspires.

Once the inspiration for great art, The Mississippi River and its relationship to the city of New Orleans now face great challenges, as does Little Gem Magnolia. The story draws parallels between the black slave experience in New Orleans in the 1820’s, and the opportunity given to Madame Rose Nicaud - the namesake of the cafe featured in the opening scene.

Little Gem Magnolia explores risk and consequence in an ever changing world.

Written and performed by
Paul Rabinowitz
Director and Cinematographer
Kathleen Kelley
Original Score by
Tom Mariano and Jordan Rabinowitz

Shot on location at Pete’s Candy Store, Brooklyn, NY and Keyport, NJ
Little Gem Magnolia appears in The Metaworker Magazine, 2020