By Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 6/10/24 – Haunted by whispers and ghosts from his past, former All-Star Tony Greene struggles to navigate a new reality in the heartwarming feature film Finding Tony. Talented writer and director Raven Magwood Goodson offers audiences an intimate glimpse into the depths of all-too-common human devastation while beautifully illuminating the potential for renewal and hope on the other side. Audiences are reminded through this work that perseverance is innate, and that our realities can and will improve through will and determination!
Finding Tony delves into Tony’s profound mental anguish following his wife’s tragic death. Throughout the film, his struggles with mental health cast a long shadow over his journey until he reaches its defining conclusion. Esteemed director Raven Magwood Goodson describes, “I wrote the first version of Finding Tony when I was 15 years old. At the time, I just kind of wanted a female version of Remember the Titans- that is my favorite movie; I’m a huge Denzel Washington fan. It turned into Tony’s story really evolving. I interviewed different athletes and really took the time to understand how mental health plays an important role not only in athletics, but in all of our lives. So, Tony’s story continues to develop, and the audience finds Tony as he is finding himself. Athletes to non-athlete, old or young, everyone has been able to pull something from the film, so it’s been really cool to have that experience.”
Overcoming adversity is a pivotal part of the human experience, which audiences will find is a valuable theme in Finding Tony. Goodson declares, “I know we all face adversity, while we may not all be on basketball teams or have lost spouses, we are all going through something; personal, professional or otherwise. I think sometimes we lose sight of if there is light at the end of the tunnel.” The writer/director offers, “I want this film to serve as an inspiration that even though it seems hard right now, we will get through it. I always feel like things work out in the end, so if things haven’t worked out yet, it’s not the end. I always say a bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to make the turn; this film is an inspiration that there is something bigger and better at the end.”
https://youtu.be/w8_JXkszjBs?feature=shared
Through Raven Magwood Goodson’s adept and eclectic storytelling, the film provides a touching exploration of mental health and the profound impact of personal loss. Tony Greene’s struggles resonate deeply, offering viewers a powerful reminder of the strength within us all to overcome misfortune. As audiences watch Tony navigate his way back from despair, they are encouraged to believe in their own capacity for renewal and hope, underscoring the film’s message that, no matter how difficult the journey, there is always a path forward.
