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Youngstown woman brings her tearful story to the screen
By GUY D’ASTOLFO
NILES
The locally made film “Angry Tears” will get a red-carpet premiere for the cast and crew at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Encore Cinema in Great East Plaza.
“Angry Tears” is based on the true story of Youngstown evangelist Earlina Gilford-Weaver’s childhood and is adapted from her 2010 novel, “Who Will Wipe My Tears Away.” Weaver had earlier turned her novel into a stage play that was performed at Powers Auditorium in Youngstown in 2011.
Weaver made “Angry Tears” with a cast of local actors, including some who were also in the stage version. It was shot in the spring in the Youngstown area.
Tickets are $10 ($5 for children under 12) and can be purchased in advance at Shekinah Glory Outreach, 3314 South Ave., or by calling 330-423-9353. Tickets also will be available at the door.
After the premiere, the film will be submitted to film festivals in hopes of obtaining a distribution deal. Weaver has a contract with Royal TV, a Hollywood-based production company, to market the film.
“Angry Tears” is the latest effort by Weaver to share her story with others who also lived through a childhood of mental, physical and sexual abuse in the foster-care system.
Skyrocketing production costs almost derailed the film before it was finished. But the project got back on track one day when an acquaintance introduced Weaver to David L. Walker, a Niles-based filmmaker. After reading the story, Walker was determined to make the film. He stepped in and co-wrote the script, provided some financing and directed the film.
Weaver attributed the chance introduction to the intervention of God.
“This is an inspiring account of how you can triumph over tragedy,” she said. “As I prayed one day, God sent Minister David L. Walker into my life. After he read my story, he said, ‘This is a powerful story that needs to be told all over the world.’”
Walker is a minister at Harvest Time Apolostic Temple in Hartville, but he also works at Clark Dietrich in Warren and owns and operates Walk-Star Inc., a wedding and event videography company.
He knew instantly that Weaver’s story was special.
“The reason it captivated me is because most people aren’t that honest,” he said. “When tragedy happens, we aren’t quick to share it. The problem we have is that everyone going through it thinks they are alone, and, in fact, so many others have also been through it, and knowing that helps people.
“Sharing a story this deep and involved is staggering,” he continued. “That [Weaver] feels so free to share it without fear and consequences is amazing. The lives she has changed just by saying, ‘I know what you are going through’ ...”
Walker also has recently completed a film about domestc violence titled “Running.” He said “Angry Tears” is exactly the kind of movie he wants to make.
The cast of “Angry Tears” includes Angela Duckett as the main character, Earlina; Theresa Gilford, Arcale Peace, James Carter, Lanesha Williams, Ka’Shaydeea Williams, Tommy Reviere, Aquilla Haynes, Snetha Stanford, Brian Brown, Danny Rios, Sam Jones, Jennifer Jhonson, Dorian Thomas, Olivia Queener, Micheal Cox, Dane Crosby, Rose Pixley, Kristen McCale, Tim Stoutamire and Kathy Hodgkinson.