3 men. 3 demons. 1 set of values.

Family Values (Love Above All Productions’ first full-length feature film) takes you into the lives of the Hill family. One year ago, Ares Hill (Derek Dow) and his older brother, Théoden “Theo” Hill (Ramon Anthony), were made orphans when their mother died. To prevent them from becoming wards of the state, their cousin, Achilles (Roderick Haygood), agrees to move in and take on the role of guardian. The only problem is Achilles isn’t necessarily equipped to handle the issues that the Hill brothers are facing, and in many ways they actually parent and protect him from his own crises – a responsibility the Hill brothers often resent, especially Ares. Violent streaks, addiction, and doubts of self-identity dwell within as they each try to move on from their losses and find their place in the world. Throughout all the chaos of the Hill family, one thing remains true…what happens in the Hill house stays in the Hill house. See what happens as 3 young men grow into true manhood…

I made this movie being very optimistic. I made this movie because I feel much of its core content needs to be shown – not exclusively in the black community, but in all
communities. Family Values addresses alcoholism, low self-esteem, teen pregnancy,
drug abuse and homosexuality – all things that are indeed prevalent in society, though
often turned a blind eye to. This movie was not necessarily made to be a blockbluster
hit, though I certainly am not opposed to that outcome. Rather, it was made to do two
things:
1. To show my partner, myself and people around me that all things can be
achieved, even the great things people say are impossible. When you are told you lack the finances, the creativity, the productivity, the
capability, the talent, the etc., know it can be accomplished as long as you have determination & focus.
2. To really showcase a few of the stereotypes and uncover some serious issues that we don’t want to admit, but definitely are present in our
communities, such as down-low brothers, violence and dysfunctionalfamilies.
I am out to prove that great filmmaking can and does happen in Chicago.