DEDICATION

Logline:

Joseph, a high school athletic prodigy and football tight end, postpones accepting one of several college football scholarships, and elects to remain in his small town. Academically gifted, rumors have it, Joseph lacks focus.

Opening Scene:

Similar to the opening credits in the 2005 film "Sahara," the camera pans across Joseph's bedroom walls, revealing numerous NFL player posters. As Billy Preston's "Nothing From Nothing" plays, the camera rests on a poster of Antonio Gates, the ex-Los Angeles Chargers tight end. The music fades, replaced by the sounds of a high school football game. A sports reporter's voice cuts through: "They say he is kind of a homebody, goes home for lunch each day. The rap is he is not disciplined."

More About the Film:

As the story unfolds, Joseph watches his friends and girlfriend depart for college. A profound truth emerges: Joseph has remained behind because his mother is terminally ill. Their bond becomes the heart of the narrative. Each night, Joseph carries his mother to their small kitchen table—a ritual she playfully calls being "forklift[ed]" by her son's strong arms. Their evenings are filled with shared wine and poetry, creating moments of intimate connection against the backdrop of impending loss.

The film captures Joseph's days of quiet dedication—late nights working at his desk, illuminated only by computer screen glow, interrupted by his mother's witty banter. While caring for his mother, Joseph is secretly transforming his life—pursuing ambitious goals that will only be revealed in the film's stunning final act.

When she ultimately passes, Joseph honors her memory with a deeply personal journey, taking her urn on a pilgrimage to significant places, accompanied by the soulful sounds of 70s music. The story builds to a revelatory conclusion that challenges everything viewers thought they understood about Joseph's seemingly simple choice to stay home. His dedication extends far beyond his mother's care, revealing a meticulously planned journey of personal and professional transformation that will leave audiences stunned.

Social Impact Entertainment:

DEDICATION challenges the stereotypes associated with young Black athletes. More than a sports story, it's a profound love letter between a mother and son. The film celebrates the soul, funk, and R&B sounds of the late 1960s and 70s, using music to underscore themes of sacrifice, love, and personal choice.

At its core, DEDICATION asks: What does true success look like? What does it mean to choose family over fame? What sacrifices are worth making?