Trace the Line, part verité, part direct cinema, depicts the lives of two American artists during the tumultuous year of 2020.
Asa, an African American Poet, wrestles with the purpose of his life as a young Black man in a contentious nation. Eva, a visual Artist, is confronted with her privilege in a society she no longer understands. Both Artists struggle with the onset of the pandemic, political upheaval, and social unrest.
With the nation becoming increasingly polarized, Asa and Eva independently confront who they are. As the tension in the nation increases, their art deepens in the midst of the uncertainty.
Through art, Trace the Line draws attention to our common connections and how these connections can forge a new path for us all.
Director Alex Miranda has extensive experience working in the entertainment industry. He first started as a professional actor and transitioned into creative development after film school. It wasn't until Alex accepted a position as a creative director at an Ad firm when he started writing and directing for commercial projects. In 2018, Alex transitioned into Bravebird full time where he and Noel are working to transform how communities of color are depicted on screen and to build diversity throughout all stages of production. Alex is collaborating with Cinematographer, Greg Hatton to bring the film to life. Greg has extensive experience working in Hollywood productions like Lady Bird, Dear White People, and the upcoming reboot of Space Jam.
Producer Noel Miranda originally worked for a Fortune 500 company in Los Angeles, CA, before moving to Madison, WI to work in the non-profit sphere for a top research institution. Noel also has experience working in development for humanitarian efforts that sought to bring more equity for the Latino community in Dane County. Noel and her husband Alex Miranda co-own Bravebird. They have been featured in several publications including: Tone Madison, Wisconsin Inno, Madison Magazine, The Isthmus and the Cap Times. Noel is the 2020 winner of a $5K grant from the Doyenne 5x5x5 competition for her presentation on Bravebird and its methodology, Cinema Dignité.
- IMDB page: Trace the Line
- Production website: Bravebird
- Trace the Line page: Trace the Line
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This film is being produced using Bravebird’s methodology, Cinema Dignite, with a mostly local crew comprised of 55% people of color and 50% women. The Cinema Dignite model focuses on impeccable creative quality and ethical story-telling, all with the goal of empowering diverse communities.
The lead roles are portrayed by two native Wisconsinites, Matthew Charles Bogart who is a spoken word poet and Brooke Leland, a visual artist who recently graduated from UW Madison. Matthew and Brooke will be playing fictionalized versions of themselves.
The film is seriously taking into account COVID-19 restrictions and safety procedures. While filming, the cast members will never touch each other, remaining six feet apart, with most scenes being filmed outdoors. The filming happened with a small crew size, practicing physical distancing, and wearing masks. All members have taken COVID tests and will be wearing protective gear as well as having daily temperature checks.
The production is receiving fiscal sponsorship through Arts Wisconsin. All donations are tax-deductible through our Fiscal Page: Film Independent. The support we raise goes directly to our cast and crew who have lost most of their work for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are incredibly thankful for both local and national support of this film. Here are the partners who are helping us bring this story to life.
