Gulf Coast filmmaker works to start life-saving conversations through cinema

The Gulf Coast has been featured in multiple films, including a documentary showcasing several spots around Fort Myers. Filmmaker Antwon Lindsey uses cinema to inspire change in the community and beyond.

Lindsey said, "We don't want to just cover one aspect of Southwest Florida. We want to cover everything to show people that you can create great cinema here."

A38 Films

For Lindsey, cinema in Southwest Florida is about more than just entertainment. "When people look at me as a filmmaker, I tell them I'm a storyteller," he said. I met him outside McCollum Hall in Fort Myers, where he shared his experiences. "I think that being here in Southwest Florida, one of the things that has taught me, it has taught me is that, I can do anything," Lindsey said. This includes creating a documentary featuring McCollum Hall, a historical building along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. "Because it's one of the most historic buildings here in the Dunbar community," he said.

A38 Films

Lindsey's film, "HUSH," focuses on history, specifically the history of generational trauma and mental health within the Black community. Lindsey said, "It was about 3 a.m. in the morning. Like 2016, I believe it was. And literally I woke up and I wrote down and I've just written down hush, hush, hush, coming up with some acronyms, and then it stuck to me. Help us say help." The 76-minute documentary dives into these topics, with inspiration drawn from Lindsey's personal experiences. "It is derived from a cousin of mine that passed away. He died by suicide in 2012," Lindsey said.

Kirk Erwin

With this film, Lindsey aims to start life-saving conversations. The documentary incorporates locations along the Gulf Coast, including McCollum Hall and Lover’s Key State Park. Dylan Thomas, the film’s executive producer, said, "It is showing people that they're not alone."

The project resonated with Thomas due to her personal connections. "Because of the friends and the family that I have and the stories that I've been able to hear and be a part of, and seeing what prioritizing your mental health looks like," she said.

Kirk Erwin

The film made its debut in 2023, overcoming challenges posed by the pandemic. Lindsey said, "It took us about roughly two years to get HUSH completed, primarily because of the pandemic." Despite these obstacles, Lindsey is determined to share important stories. "My grandmother always told me nothing beats a failure but a try. And so, when we try, we win," he said.

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"HUSH" has been featured in several film festivals around the country. Lindsey is developing other projects right now.

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