Filmmaker Turns Passion into Protest

ATLANTA - Dec. 4, 2014 - PRLog -- Years ago, Filmmaker David Martyn Conley, made history with Tapestry of Shadows. At that time a stageplay, Tapestry was the first student written, student directed play ever produced at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri.  According to Conley, the piece was inspired by the chronic issue of inner city violence, plaguing many communities accross the country.

Recently, Conley produced an Award- Winning motion picture version of Tapestry of Shadows, releasing it under St. Louis based distribution company, Pirate Media Group. In an effort to give back directly to the audience, Conley will use a portion of the proceeds to create and fund scholarships for his alma mater, Lincoln University.

"I paid my way through school, and it was a struggle." says Conley. "One semester, I had difficulty paying my tuition.  I found out on a Friday, that if I couldn't pay my tuition by the following Monday, I would have to leave school." Conley says he met with the Alumni Association and through a scholarship, they paid his tuition for that semester.  "That intervention, at that moment, had a profound impact on my life" says Conley. "I don't know what I would have done had it not been for that act of kindness."

That incident inspired Conley's latest philantropic act, but it is not his first. Under his production company, Munirah Entertainment, Conley likes to use his productions to raise awareness and money for various causes. Another production, DNR, is currently available online (http://munirahent.com/cinema) in an effort to help soldiers suffering with PTSD. "I believe art should not only entertain, but also directly impact those who enjoy it." says Conley. "The way technology has evolved, cinematic artists like me can share profits with our audiences online. I just choose to share profits in a way that can make a real difference. With Tapestry of Shadows, my hope is that I can give some students that extra push they may need to continue their education."

Tapestry of Shadows is the story of an inner city minister who witnesses the death of a little girl, caught in a drive by shooting. The incident inspires him to try and make a difference in the level of violence happening around him. When he is unable to get support from his congregation and community, he takes to the streets alone. Confronting the issue by himself, Vincent ultimately faces his destiny and brings an apathetic community together.

With inner city violence consistently on the rise, Conley feels the movie mirrors reality. "I think the film is a great metaphor for what's happening around us everyday. There are so many complex challenges in our community these days. It seems we focus on things that divide and destroy us. The issues surrounding Ferguson Missouri, only punctuate the underlying division and tensions.  In Tapestry of Shadows, it is only when the community comes together that change is possible. I believe it is the same in life. If we find ways where we can all work together for a common goal of improvement, of a greater legacy for our young people, we really can make things better."

Tapestry of Shadows is available for rent or purchace a the following links:

http://munirahent.com/tapestry-of-shadows or www.vimeo.com/ondemand/tapestryofshadows