Attorney Dave Seiter, who practiced law in Hancock County, is the judge in the film “Out the Gate.” He’s pictured at right with filmmaker JM Benjamin in 2022.
Daily Reporter file photo
Editor’s note: The Daily Reporter will feature our “Neighbors” regularly, whether it be someone with an interesting hobby or profession, or a nonprofit group making a difference in our community. Here, JM Benjamin of Indianapolis shares about his film “Out the Gate,” which was partially filmed at the Hancock County Courthouse. Alpha ISO Films LLC filmed scenes in 2022 and the Daily Reporter featured the creation of the movie. It is about to be released.
Daily Reporter: How is Hancock County connected to “Out the Gate”?
JM Benjamin: Attorney Dave Seiter, who practiced law in Hancock county, is the judge in the film. He made it possible to film in Hancock county courthouse. We also filmed in the downtown Indianapolis county building & courthouse as well.
DR: What is “Out the Gate” about?
JMB: The film is well-polished narrative feature. It is a redemptive love story and cautionary tale. Synopsis: The intro centers around Meesha Taylor, who focuses on Malik Jones, the top AA male. He is as thorough as they come in the streets. But disloyalty from one of his closest comrades costs him t10 years of his freedom. Now home, Meesha and Malik’s paths cross again.
Malik wants no more parts of the streets any longer. He has new ideas and a new direction. Meanwhile, his ex-street affiliates have evolved in the drug business. Even though they haven’t reached out to him in 10 years, they want Malik back on the team when they discover he’s home. But Meesha has other plans for Malik, knowing a good man when she sees one.
DR: Where can people see the film?
JMB: It will premiere in the city of Indianapolis mid-October then in New Jersey, where the novel the film was adapted from is based out of. It will premiere in Atlanta and Milwaukee in November. It will be on streaming platforms in December such as Amazon Prime, Tubi and possibly BET. I am also in the process of side a direct to network deal with Culture network, an Indiana-based network.
DR: Where can people learn more on social media?
JMB: Instagram @jmbenjamin; Facebook @outthegatemovie.
