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Filmmakers take 'Mr. Okra' to Austin
New Orleans natives know his voice, his truck that resembles a rolling grocery list — apples, oranges, watermelon, collard greens, bell peppers and his namesake vegetable. Mr. Okra, aka Arthur Robinson, has reached iconic status in the city through his signature pitchman's cry and his trademark pickup, which has been described as a folk art piece on wheels. Two New Orleans filmmakers have taken Robinson's story on the road in a new documentary, "Mr. Okra." Executive producer Andre Jones and director T.G. Herrington follows Robinson follow around town as he sells his food and bears his soul along the route.
The next stop for the documentary: the Austin Film Festival in Texas. "This is an intimate look at one of New Orleans' most colorful characters, one of the characters that makes New Orleans such a special place. Mr. Okra is a glimpse into the soul of an American city,” Herrington said. “We are thrilled to share his story with audiences, who are sure to fall in love with his wide-mouthed grin and down home personality.” "Mr. Okra" has been selected to compete in the Short Film category at the Austin festival, which runs Friday through Oct. 29. In June, "Mr. Okra" won the 2009 Peroni Italy Audience Choice award at the New York City Food Film Festival.
Listen to Mr. Okra in action: VIDEO.
Robinson, 65, has driven the streets of the Bywater, 9th Ward and Treme neighborhoods for decades selling fruit and vegetables. Musician Dave Matthews recorded his fresh sales pitch and used it in a song on his latest album.
Link: http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/UpToTheMinute.cfm?recID=27464
by CityBusiness staff reports
