Rachel Anderson, a 35-year-old who works in real estate in Phoenix, always had to deal with racism in her family. In July 2010, she went public about her interracial relationship with Akil Williams. Engaged to Williams, Anderson felt she had to hide it from her racist father, and for three months, she did. But before her father even had a chance to meet her fiancée, Williams passed away because of a heart attack.
Today, Anderson wishes to bring her story to the world by making a film, using local actors and filming in the East Valley. The film is titled, "Tainted Love," which she calls a "modern day Romeo and Juliet."
The idea of turning their story into a film started before Williams' passing. The two planned to write the story while Williams was in jail for driving under the influence, but he later suffered a heart attack while playing basketball. Anderson continued writing the story and eventually finished the screenplay.
Anderson created a website to attract attention to auditions. The actors, all local, are now cast and will portray characters based on real people involved in their story.
"I am so blessed to be part of this film, because I too have a dad that was, and still is to some degree, not accepting of interracial dating," said Mindy Jackson, the actress who will play the character representing Anderson.
Everyone involved in the filmmaking process is focusing on keeping the film close to Anderson’s true story.
“The main struggle I see is the way people think of these relationships,” Jeff Grunow, the film’s director, said. “I am finding that there is still a lot of hesitations to understand people and feelings; it’s still about skin color.”
Anderson said they should start filming by the end of December, but the crew is waiting on some financing for the film. "Tainted Love" has a donation page set up where Anderson explains her story and urges viewers to help by donating.
"I think people like to relate to movies," Anderson said. "Reality is huge and people like a movie based on a true story."
Her mother loves the film, and her father has yet to hear about it.
While working to make the film come to life, Anderson is also working on turning the film into a book, which is already in the process of being written. She said it should be done close to February 2014. "I'd love for the audience to see that people have a purpose, and we don't have forever," Anderson said. "If you're in love with someone, don't hide it because of what other people think. Be true to yourself."
The trailer for "Tainted Love" can be viewed on YouTube, and the project has a Facebook page with information about the film and ways to donate.
Reach the reporter at kfaller@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @KatieFaller
