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Actress Ella Thomas stars and produces “Know Mercy,” an ambitious sci-fi drama that is basically the indie picture that could. Armed with a limited budget, Thomas, director Perdell Richardson, and cast/crew crafted a resonant tale about facing one’s mortality. Thomas talked to Deepest Dream about the Pasadena, Ca. shot feature, which is now available on Digital and On Demand.
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“Know Mercy” centers on Hanokh (Xavier Avila), an immortal being who observes humanity over the years from a relative distance. Aniyah Williams is Alicia, a woman who enters Hanokh’s orbit in the present day and may have been linked to Hanokh in another life (if one believes in reincarnation). Paul L. Davis is Arnold, Hanokh’s best friend who is strugling to make ends meet. Donald Fullilove plays the narrative’s antagonist, a dying man who attempts to harness Hanokh’s immortality. Thomas’ role I want to keep under wraps since that is a bit of a spoiler!
“Hanokh is on a human journey,” said Ella Thomas, whose storytelling passions are partlly influenced by the work of ‘Star Trek’s’ Gene Rodenberry. “The journey is about him understanding himself. We’re all trying to figure out who we are and what our purpose is. That is what I wanted to lean into (with ‘Know Mercy’).”
Faced with a shoestring budget and tasked with crafting an ambitious narrative with filmmaker Perdell Richardson, Thomas was not intimidated. “I’m the daughter of an immigrant,” said Thomas, whose acting credits include ‘Desperation Road’ and ‘Nightbitch.’ “We came on a hope, on dreams, (and) on prayer. So I’m never daunted by attempting something new or the task of learning. I’m a film buff.”
“This was an opportunity, and at the time I didn’t even realize what it would be,” added Thomas. “But for me it was boot camp film school – the things that they can’t teach you. In hindsight, I think a lot of actors and writers would benefit to be on set in different capacities. Because it’s humbling and moving forward as an actor I have a deeper understanding, and I’ve always respected what everybody brought to the film. But understanding the mental load of what they are actually carrying, will make me more aware of also how I move in that space.”
Check out my full interview with producer/writer/actress Ella Thomas on YouTube or via the Deepest Dream podcast below:
Know Mercy is now available on Digital and DVD. Let us know your thoughts on the movie!
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