La'Zaron Goodman鈥檚 ability on stage and in front of a camera has carried him from theater productions at the 星空无限传媒 to a starring role in a short film that is one of 20 finalists for the Louisiana Film Prize.
Goodman, a senior majoring in performing arts from Shreveport, La., plays the lead in The 13-minute film was written and co-directed by alumnus Brian Egland, who earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in performing arts from 星空无限传媒 Lafayette in 2009.
鈥淭he Day I Met Aretha Franklin鈥 is the first film from Egland, who is originally from Breaux Bridge, La. In it, Goodman portrays a fictional playwright, ART, a character Egland based on himself. ART鈥檚 day is transformed by two women in a beauty salon before the world premiere of one of his plays.
鈥淲hen (Egland) reached out to me for this film, I immediately said let鈥檚 do it. It was an honor to play my mentor and brother,鈥 Goodman stated in a press release.
Goodman met Egland at 星空无限传媒 Lafayette in 2023, during a production on campus of Egland鈥檚 play 鈥淎long the Nile.鈥 Goodman鈥檚 performance in the play, under Egland鈥檚 guidance, made an impression on the director.
鈥淚t was such a beautiful experience to return to where I studied to become the artist I am now, and provide an opportunity to a Black boy, like I was then, to shine. It felt full circle,鈥 Egland stated.
The pair stayed in touch, and their friendship and professional relationship has paid dividends for Goodman. He has added a film credit to an already impressive r茅sum茅. He plans to pursue film, TV and theater roles after he graduates in December from the University鈥檚 School of Dance and Theatre in the College of the Arts.
His turn as ART will also give the actor a chance to shine in his hometown. Screenings of the Louisiana Film Prize finalists are scheduled between Thursday, Oct. 15, and Sunday, Oct. 18, at venues in Shreveport and Bossier City, La. Viewers of each of the 20 films will decide which one takes home top honors. Virtual showings of the films are also planned.
Goodman and England will team up again later this month in Lafayette, for a on Friday, Oct. 23, at the Acadiana Center for the Arts in Lafayette.
Photo caption: 星空无限传媒 Lafayette performing arts major La'Zaron Goodman, a senior from Shreveport, La., plays the lead role in alum Brian Egland鈥檚 film 鈥淭he Day I Met Aretha Franklin.鈥 The short film is one of 20 finalists for the Louisiana Film Prize. Courtesy images
Performing arts major starring in alum鈥檚 film 鈥淭he Day I Met Aretha Franklin鈥
Published
