Page 10 - Florida Sentinel 7-8-22

Local
Gospel Singers, The Jones Sisters, Return After COVID Absence
Local Couple Are Winning Awards For Their New Film, I Need, I Want
The Jones Sisters in an earlier performance.
For the past 2+ years, COVID has interrupted the lives of all, from the school- house to the church house. Local gospel singers, the Jones Singers brought old school church songs to Life- Point Church (5111 N. 22nd St.), pastored by Major Jones, a few months ago, with their first gospel pro- gram service after the COVID breakdown.
The church enjoyed the rendition of ‘Try Jesus, He’s Alright,’ by Sadie Douglas (lead singer). Ms. Willie Nealy graced the congrega- tion with the next selection, ‘Put Your Time In, Payday Is Coming After A While,’ which brought the audience to its feet.
Mrs. Annie Ray gave the history of the sisters singing and how God had blessed the ‘old school’ group. “We are old in age, and going to sing old songs,” Mrs. Ray said through laughter.
From Greenville, Missi-
ssippi, the Jones Sisters moved to Tampa in the late 1950s. They organized as a group in 2010. The group was started when Mrs. Douglas’ husband, Rev. Robert Douglas, at the time pastor of Full Gospel Church of God in Christ, held a First Ladies Day. Mrs. Douglas was the speaker. The sisters marched in singing and surprised Mrs. Douglas. She joined them and they rocked the en- tire church. Thus, the group was born, and Rev. Douglas named them, the Jones Sis- ters. They are birth sisters and also include Mytis Thurman and Catherine Stevens. They range in age from 75 to 91.
The Jones Sisters began receiving invitations to sing at other churches and func- tions throughout Florida. The spread of COVID shut them down for 2 years. They’re now glad to return to the church atmosphere and praise God in song.
I Need, I Want movie poster featuring Milly Figuereo and Bernie Rodriguez.
Filmmakers, Bill and Yolanda Liggins.
BY MONIQUE STAMPS Sentinel Staff Writer
Bill Liggins and Yolanda Cabrera- Liggins have been married for thirty-two years, living and working in Tampa. After Yo- landa retired in 2020, the couple decided to put their considerable talents to work by tur- ning one of Bill’s screenplays into a movie.
Their new movie, I Need, I Want, was ins- pired by an acting workshop exercise where the actor makes statements starting with “I want.....” or “I need...” This exercise is desig- ned to elicit strong emotional responses to deepen the actor’s range.
The movie follows a young couple who met in college and move to Tampa. They are ma- king the journey through these exercises as they learn about themselves and each other. Bill says the movie has a ‘bittersweet’ ending.
The film hasn’t had an easy road. One day after shooting began in 2020, COVID shut eve- rything down. The Liggins began submitting the screenplay and a short reel to film festivals around the world. The film premiered at the Tokyo Film Festival on January 17, 2022, to rave reviews.
Since then, the film has received numerous film awards and nominations from local, na- tional, and international venues. From Mum- bai, India to Athens, Toronto, and Beverly Hills, the Liggins’ movie is being lauded as one of the most interesting experimental mo- vies of 2022.
Yolanda states that “We didn’t wait for so- meone to make room at the table for us, we made our own table. That would also be my
advice for young people. Don’t wait for a green light. Green light yourself.”
Bill says “I would advise young people or people in the arts to not wait. Don’t wait to fol- low your dreams. The field is so wide open and there are more and more opportunities for people.”
Yolanda was born and raised in Tampa. She is the daughter of Marion and Elouise Cabrera, educators in the Hillsborough County Schools. Yolanda followed in their footsteps and worked for the Hillsborough County School system as a Technologist.
Bill originally hails from Cleveland, OH, and was a TV News and Sports Reporter for many years, including a high-profile assign- ment in NYC.
Choosing to avoid the inevitable burn out, Bill moved to Tampa to explore his creative side and enjoy the warmer weather. He met Yolanda and they fell in love.
Yolanda Cabrera-Liggins is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. The couple have one son.
I NEED; I WANT will be at the Or- lando International Film Festival. In Person Screening: Thursday evening, July 14th at 8pm.
Location: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando FL, South Concourse, S-220-- Rooms ABC.
Pre-order your tickets through the link below. Large gathering expected. https://2022oiffjuly.eventive.org/films/ 61edf8ae6cf6b600ac275628?fbclid=Iw AR28bjhz-QYvrglPfZr4I29cmrIqS- vCBzuvfDrnvNvqcnjtnQ4LWQ8mIpos.
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