John Earl Jelks Talks ‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’ And Connection To “Living Art” of Theater

First time director/screenwriter Titus Kaphar brings his own life and personal artwork into “Exhibiting Forgiveness.” The narrative, inspired by Kaphar’s own meeting with his estranged father, is critically acclaimed and should be remembered come awards time. John Earl Jelks is La’Ron, a man who is trying to seek forgiveness from his son Tarrell (André Holland). Jelks, who delivers an unforgettable performance, talked to Deepest Dream about how “Exhibiting Forgiveness” reminds him of the “living art” of theater.

“Exhibiting Forgiveness” is a personal work for filmmaker Titus Kaphar, and John Earl Jelks also added that Kaphar basically hand picked the cast members (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Andra Day are also part of the ensemble). This intimate touch, coupled with Kaphar’s own works of art, gives the movie an immersion that Jelks likens to the theater experience.

“Theater has always been a place where people can come and see what we call living art,” said Jelks. “In a different way, because it tells stories that you would not necessarily see on on screen. You’d be surprised how many times people may say, “I recognize that character because that character was my grandmother or that was my grandfather, that was my cousin.’ And they thank you so much for showing them another way or another side to them. I believe that’s what Titus did in (‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’) as well.”

You can catch “Exhibiting Forgiveness” in theaters. Let us know your thoughts on the movie! Interview with John Earl Jelks is below: