ROBERT X. GOLPHIN: THE BUZZ

"He has Hollywood Plans. Golphin now ready for his vision."

Robert X. Golphin started making films as a teenager

Six years ago Robert Golphin of West Oak Lane produced and filmed a short film entitled "Lit" along Ogontz Ave. At that time the then 17-year-old High School for Creative and Performing Arts student had received a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health to do an anti-smoking flick directed at young people. He was also the youngest inductee into the Philadelphia African American Legends Hall of Fame as a "Youth Legend of Tomorrow" back in the summer of 1998.

These days the 23-year-old is still producing films. Now his craft has just evolved to a more professional level. In the past he participated in the William H. Cosby Future Filmmakers Workshop at New York University.
Yet the thing Golphin is most excited about now is the premier of his independent film at the International Philadelphia Film Festival or Philafilm.

The festival kicks off Monday and continues until July 3. Golphin's film will premiere July 2 at the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP).

"It feels really good to be part of Philafilm," said Golphin, who still resides in West Oak Lane.

He admitted that it had been an earlier dream of his to showcase a short motion picture in the region's oldest film festival.

He is quick to point out that he hopes to have a movie studio built in South Carolina. In previous interviews with The Leader, he said that he wanted to do this on property that belong to his great grandparents and has remained in the family.

"North Carolina has a big film industry and many films are being made in South Carolina in towns like Charleston," said Golphin. "Eventually I hope to attract movie producers to my film studio because it will provide revenue for my family and offer a stress-free environment. Most city people are unaware of the potential down south. Hollywood knows about it and I want to be able to offer them the space needed to make major motion pictures."

In the meantime, Golphin has his sights set on winning a prize at next week's Philafilm. AAMP will be hosting the culminating events for the 2004 week-long festival.

Ruth Sizemore Latest Inductee

Among the previously inducted "Young Legends of Tomorrow" on hand for the event was 23-year-old Robert Golphin of West Oak Lane. Golphin had been inducted into the hall of fame back in 1997 for being one of the city's youngest filmmakers. At that time he had produced three films, including two that were filmed along Ogontz Avenue. Golphin's latest film will be showcased at next week's Philafilm or 27th Annual Philadelphia International Film Festival.

"Wanda Mason has been my mentor," said Golphin, pointing to the fact that the AALHOF founder had a cable television program for eight years when she was well past retirement age. "She played a role in me developing as a filmmaker. She always urged me to pursue my dream of making professional films."