Russ Parr talks Hollywood and backlash against his film "The Undershepherd"

Russ Parr syndicates his morning show from 93.9 WKYS in Washington, D.C. to several markets throughout the country. He is also an accomplished film producer, writer, and director. Each of his films have become increasingly better and his latest is the most controversial of his career. In the past, many of his films have gone straight to DVD, however this time he's taken on the task of bringing his movie to film festivals. In the interview below he talks about the critical acclaim it's receiving, the opposition he is meeting from the religious community for 'The Undershepherd," and the perseverance it takes to get African American stories told in Hollywood. Parr gained notoriety as a radio DJ in the late 80s as the morning host on the original 1580 KDAY in Los Angeles. From there he moved onto Dallas and eventually D.C. radio. Now he's come full circle as he makes his mark in the movie industry. The following is from the article "Russ Parr- Unplugged At ABFF" by Myrdith Leon Mccormack at the Huffington Post.

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Russ Parr. The name alone may not mean anything to you, YET. I guarantee that after seeing his movie, The Undershepherd, you won't be able to forget it. I wouldn't call this movie entertaining, but it has many elements of it that will keep you entertained. The words I would use to describe this film are dramatic, controversial, truthful, daring, and definitely a conversation piece. The folks at ABFF (American Black Film Festival) were all abuzz about this bold film.

Russ Parr is a Southern gentleman with Northern swagger. When he speaks, you can hear the passion in his voice. A lover of film from the start, he is not afraid to give you his opinion. Parr is a self-made man, committed to telling his story, and encouraging us to tell our story. Prior to seeing the movie, The Undershepherd, when he described to me the plot of the movie, I was a bit hesitant and taken aback for a moment. It is considered taboo in any community to touch upon spiritual leaders, faith, and religious beliefs. And it's even worse to air out dirty laundry in public. Naturally my first question to Parr was, "Don't you think you will get heat for presenting the church in such a bad light?" He replied, "Yes, I did get push back. I expected it. I was warned." "I made adjustments to the script after some friends screened it at my home. The ministers were upset, but their wives were applauding it," he adds. ...

Read more of this article at the Huffington Post website



Continue on and check out trailers from some of Russ Parr's films and his early work at KDAY below