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“The Highwaymen” Movie stories and take responsibility for getting them out there on a level that exposes
the world to Black history in our home state,” said Adderley and Wilson in the
Prepares for Production in Florida press release. “We see similarities between the Highwaymen and ourselves as a
team of artists who once traveled from town to town sharing our poetry.”
“The Highwaymen” has been a long-time passion project for Thompson.
Orlando, FL— A new movie called “The Highwaymen” will be one of the “While our film’s story takes place during segregated times, it transcends
first Florida-based films to begin production once the COVID-19 ban is lifted, racial divide and embodies the great, American dream,” said Thompson in the
according to a press release. press release. “In the face of extreme
The film tells the true story of how obstacles, these artists captured
a group of 25 young African-American Florida’s raw, natural beauty and created
men and one African-American woman inspiration, meaning and purpose. I
overcame discrimination in segregated want the audience to experience their
1960s Florida by teaching themselves struggle but walk away feeling uplifted,
how to paint and creating more than enlightened and empowered. The
200,000 paintings that would later Highwaymen’s experience shows us that
be identified as the “last great art when we want to make a difference,
movement of the 20th century.” there’s nothing greater than hard work,
Led by 19-year-old Alfred Hair, this dedication and the power of the human
group sought to escape hard labor in spirit.”
citrus groves fields and packinghouses Pre-production and casting are
by creating paintings of Florida’s natural Painting by Harold Newton - Antique Shoppe Stock Photo currently underway, and filming will
landscape with left-over construction commence once coronavirus safety
material and house paint. measures are in place. Among the filming locations in Central Florida are the
They traveled Central Florida highways to sell their wares. During their time, Orlando Museum of Art, Central Florida Reception Center and downtown
they were never recognized as artists, but in the 1990s, Florida art historian Jim Orlando districts, such as Washington Shores, Parramore and Holden Heights.
Fitch discovered their artwork and dubbed them “The Highwaymen.” Today, “The creative initiatives that make up The Highwaymen Project provide a
you can find their art in museums and the White House. strategic, global advantage for Florida, not only preserving an important part
Produced by Orlando-based motion picture production company Stars of our state’s history and heritage but by also expanding awareness for the arts
North, the movie is directed by award-winning director Todd Thompson with and providing both short- and long-term economic growth through the creation
the screenplay written by South Florida natives Lucien Christian Adderley of jobs and an increase in incremental visitation and consumer spending in
and Richard ‘Byrd’ Wilson — the duo met at Florida State University and are Florida,” said Thompson.
currently writers on the OWN series “David Makes Man,” a coming-of-age story To watch a teaser for the film, go to vimeo.com/392035127. For updates on
set in South Florida. the movie, follow @thehighwaymenmovie on Facebook and Instagram or @
“We’re excited to be part of this project because of our desire to tell Florida thehighwaymenfilm on Twitter.

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