Black Magic
We have all heard the names, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy and BB. King, but few and far apart remember the name Magic Sam. Though now he's known in tight blues circles and record collectors alike, his name and history still goes under represented.
Born in Grenada Mississippi to a farm working family. Sam was more musically inclined and he decided to move to Chicago at age 15 with his aunt, where he quickly learned blues guitar by hanging around the legends of his time such as Lowell Fulson and Muddy Waters. He soon began playing opening gigs and school dances for as low as 2 dollars a night. Sam just wanted to play. Soon his name started to rise, his fierce style and strong vocal ability set him apart from the others. Just as he was looking for a deal with Columbia records, he was drafted into Vietnam. Sam despised his luck and ran out on his duty and was sentenced to six months in jail. By the time he returned his competition had advanced and Sam was left behind. He continued to play the club scene but was pushed around by poor management and union dues. His health began to fail and caused him to collapse while on a small tour. He came back home and continued to play relentlessly. Sam wasn't alone he had his girlfriend Leola who was his rock and ever supportive partner, and their children whom he loved and cared for very much. Sam's fame came back to prominence after he was invited to play at the 1969 Ann Arbor Blues Festival and was sure to strike a big deal with ABC but only two months later he died of a heart attack at age 32.
He left behind an unfinished legacy, and a sound that has yet to be replicated.
Logline
Our story will follow Sam in the final weeks of his life, as he juggles his family, health, and his relentless passion for playing the blues.
Synopsis
Our highly stylized piece will push you through the pivotal moments in Sam's life and lead us into the examination of his passion for the music he played and where it came from. We will meet devoted girlfriend Leola whom Sam had an immense love for and their children. We will also meet a famed figure of blues music at the time, Dick Waterman. A blues producer from California who made the careers of bluesman looking for a break in the late 1960's. Finally we will share with you Sam's private moments as he prepares for what he will consider the most important performance of his life, while battling his failing heart.
Funding
Our funding will go directly to our production team such as our Producer, Cinematographer, Production Designer, Hair and Make up, Costume Designers, Editor, Equipment Rentals, Grip, Gaff, Actors and food to keep our crew happy and ready to work. The funds will also be used for our distribution to make sure we are able to submit to festivals and get our film and Sam recognized.
Additional Information
This story is especially close to my heart because its' musical history that I care for deeply since I was able to understand music. I am a deeply passionate listener. A BB. King blues CD was the first I heard when I was five and played it out until it was unusable. After that I began my journey into my obsession with the blues and other styles alike, but after I heard Magic Sam while in a YouTube rabbit hole my sophomore year of high school, I now firmly believe he would have been named amongst the greatest blues musicians of all time. If not The best.
The Nitty-Gritty
One of our biggest challenges will come at the expense that this piece will be shot in El Paso Texas while the film takes place in October 1969 West Side Chicago. We have a dedicated plan for an immense art department and costume design, but your help will make this so much easier.
Thank You
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support of our vision but more so for helping us bring Magic Sam to the forefront of the art world at large
Jon Erik Castro is a professional actor, drone pilot, and producer. He's worked on many short films, features, and TV series throughout the Texas and New Mexico. Most notably his performances in, A River Runs On Cliff Street (2022) ,Sunset Roses (2023), and Oldies (2023). Which all have made official U.S. Premieres at noteworthy festivals in Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Recently Jon Erik has collaborated with Diego Munoz Holguin to create their production company; Lost Cable Productions. and they hope to flourish and also help their community.
Jon Erik is excited to be playing the role of the famed blues music producer “Dick Waterman” He looks forward to the rehearsal process and working with such a talented crew and director.
Diego Davila, Born and raised in the borderland between Mexico and the United States, since early childhood he was interested in the power of cinema and how it can create bridges among communities and generations. Since he studied at the University of Texas at El Paso Diego has been deeply involved with the local film community. Diego has a diverse background in advertisement, independent documentaries, short films, features, commercials and corporate advertisement.
His latest Director of Photography credits include;
-Dolos (2022, TV, Episodic premiered on the CW)
- Sunset Roses (Short Film, Official Selection for “A Night of Misfits Films”, 2023 Phoenix, Arizona)
- A River Runs On Cliff Street (Short Film, Official U.S. Premiere at Houston Latino Film Festival’s Cine De Muertos, 2023)
- “Experiencing the Bosque” (2023, Experimental Doc), produced by Somos Agua collective. This project shed a light on the history and importance of the Rio Bosque region.
He’s also done work for local and national music scenes, doing photography and camera operation for music videos such as;
-Amalia Mondragon’s “Que Calor” (2021)
-Frontera Bugalu’s “Humanidad” (2023)
-The Sloppy Boys’ “Running with the Bulls” (2023).
Diego recently shot and produced a conceptual visualizer for New York composer Neil Rodnick’s piece “En La Frontera” (2023), which was shot over the course of the 2023 summer and projected with music from the Onix Ensemble at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, in Mexico City.
In conclusion, "Ever since I discovered the blues and its many forms as an angsty teenager, I’ve always wanted to be involved in a production centered around the legends and realities of giving your life to the Blues. It’s my way of thanking the folks who gave me one more way to navigate the world and reflect my role in it”
-Diego Davila
Diego Munoz Holguin is an award winning writer/director from El Paso, Texas. His most recent films have been accepted into film festivals across the United States and Canada. Most notably his film A River Runs On Cliff Street made its U.S. premiere at Houston Latino Film Festival's Cine De Muertos 2023. Among his other notable works Diego has been recognized as an immensely introspective writer and his moving image is described as raw, and a naturalistic approach to directing. Along with film Diego is an active theatre arts director and performer.
Black Magic will be Diego's third short film, he and his team will strive to make this their crowning gem of accomplishment, not only for them but for the memory and legacy of Magic Sam.
Jamiah Dancil is an actress, writer, director & producer born and raised in Saint Petersburg, Florida and currently based in El Paso, Texas.
Intersected, a short film written, produced and directed by Jamiah premiered at the El Paso Film Festivalin 2023.
Most recently she starred in and produced her first feature film titled Clutch, a Makerick Entertainment Film set to be released on Peacock in 2024.
She has been acting for many years and has a recurring role as Yanza in the El Paso/ Las Cruces local CW’s television series “Dolos”.
She has appeared in several film, television and theater productions. You may have seen her in Dopesick on Hulu, Wanted Man, The Colored Museum & Viva El Paso, just to name a few.
Jamiah studied at Heidi Marshall studios and continues to train to sharpen her skills.
Hello Black Magic family!!!
The time to make the magic happen is upon us!! We‘re in need of actors of all types and just like before you can participate and help us make it happen!
Reply to the email and I will send you a flyer that you can share with anyone and everyone!
Thank you all so so much and please be patient on the remaining perks that I owe you all!
Have a great day!!
Hello everyone!!
Another thank you goes out to everyone who contributed and believes in this project!
A quick reminder that I’m working on sending out incentives soon! Just I’m currently working on pre-production for the film and some work for my job. Please be patient and I’ll also soon be sharing the information for the official Black Magic instagram and Facebook Page!
Have a great day!!
-Diego Muñoz Holguin
Hello awesome supporters!
I just wanted to let you all know that the Incentives for those of you that selected will be turned into you once the campaign has concluded!!
thank you for your support and participation!
best,
-Diego Muñoz Holguin
THANK YOU ALL FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!!
Today we reached our target goal, and it's all because of YOU!
You all believe in the story and to preserve Magic Sam's legacy and that is beautiful.
I ask that you share this wonderful news with at least 3 people in your life and let them know you're a part of an amazing project! I will continue to ask for donations so that our further funds can go towards:
- Paying our extras
- Paying for expanded distribution
- and for A LOCAL SCREENING EVENT!!!
Again, Thank you. You've all made my wildest dream come true.
Have a beautiful day, and know you're appreciated.
-Diego Munoz Holguin.
THANK YOU! We have officially reached our minimum goal and its all due to the fact that YOU believe in our story! From the bottom of our hearts we sincerely thank you for your contributions to make our film a reality! We still have a ways to go to reach our target goal! We will keep pushing and doing our best to tell Magic Sam's story!
WOW!! What an exhilarating first 24hrs of campaign!! Thank you to all the current supporters! Keep a lookout for updates and more on my socials
@diegomunozholguin on Instagram and Facebook
