POC: Imperial Dreamin’ with Bobby Yay Yay Jones

In case you weren’t aware, there’s a really great film on Netflix starring John Boyega. Winner of the 2014 Audience Award for the Sundance Film Festival, Imperial Dreams follows the story of Bambi (John Boyega), an ex-felon trying to get back on his feet to make a better life for him and his son.

It had some deep metaphorical imagery which I talked about on some tweets (https://twitter.com/thaahum/status/869370139116011520?s=09 & https://twitter.com/thaahum/status/869370481031475200?s=09)

Directed and co-written by Malik Vitthal, this story takes the street drama genre to a higher level of realism and heart that it’s predecessors like “Boyz N The Hood,” “Menace to Society,” and “South Central” set a foundation for. Vitthal’s cinematic storytelling really shows the audience that sometimes you cannot change a system, all you can do is persevere through it to make yourself stronger.

That is exactly what co-executive producer Bobby “Yay Yay” Jones did, who’s own life story is the foundation for this film. The main character John Boyega plays, “Bambi” is actually based on Jones personal story of overcoming society’s challenges. During pre-production, Boyega shadowed Jones and was shown the ins and outs of living in Imperial Courts and the surrounding area.

I had the chance to talk with Jones about his experience on the film, as well as his continuing service to better his community, and enlighten through entertainment. The sincerity he shows in his work is magnetizing. It was really great to be able to talk with someone who not only wants to make changes through their filmmaking, but also by physically being in the community and taking action that changes lives. I think his audience will be just as inspired by his work,
and eager to see what he accomplishes next.

[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/pVXnoyhvYcg”]

He’s always looking to collaborate with others, and can be contacted by the following:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/bobbyyay.yayjones
Instagram: http://instagram.com/bobbyyayyayjones
Email: Bobbyyayyayjones@yahoo.com

Imperial Dreams is currently streaming now on Netflix.

About Author

Thaahum

He has over ten years of journalistic writing experience. He started his writing career with XPOZ Magazine out of Phoenix, Arizona. Additionally, he wrote for Film Writer and Director Kevin Smith’s Quick Stop Entertainment, an online entertainment website. Additionally, Thaahum is a polished Hip Hop MC. Many of his songs and projects appeared on several television and direct-to-DVD releases. His experience as an artist expanded his network. It granted him personal access to the music and film industry. This resulted in an in-depth knowledge of pop culture.

Thaahum’s column on Occhi Magazine is called “Peripheral On Center.” It will focus on showcasing projects of emerging and rising talent. This unique and fascinating column will access the heart of the business side of entertainment, to provide an insider’s view.

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