Positivity for youth is filmmaker’s goal

When Ian Wilson got the overwhelming urge to send needed, positive messages to young people, his bachelor’s degree in biology — and lack of filmmaking — did not deter him. He learned.

Now, with a half-dozen educational films completed, Jamaica-born Wilson has a new work in next month’s Long Island International Film Expo.

“Not As Tough As You Think,” a film about what happens “when peer pressure turns deadly,” will have its world premiere July 17 at 5 p.m. at the Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., in Bellmore, L.I.

“This is the sixth short film that I’ve done,” said the biology majorturned filmmaker who was born in Westmoreland Parish and graduated from St. John’s University in Queens after moving to the U.S.

He created the Transformation Techniques company to produce “educational DVD content to develop character and social values.”

Wilson said he wanted to use film to spread “the kind of wisdom that Grandma used to share at the dinner table.”

“It came from my spirit and in my heart,” said Wilson. “It came not from a desire to be filmmaker, but more from a desire to utilize film as a vehicle to change the narrative about some of the misconceptions out there, particularly among our youth.”

After getting his biology degree, Wilson went into pharmaceutical and radio sales before gradually gaining expertise in cinema and screenwriting.

In 2014, he started Transformation Techniques to inform young people about responsible sexual behavior and the importance of reading; warn them about gang recruitment; teach respect for girls and women, and other lessons.

He is executive producer and writer for “Not As Tough As You Think,” which examines the choices made by a group of teens attempting to crash a child’s birthday party.

For more about Transformation Techniques, visit transformation-techniques.com; send email to Ian.wilson315@gmail.com or call (718) 614-5211.

For information on the fesitval, visit http://longislandfilm.com.

Get ready for Groovin’ concert

With an impressive lineup of performers, the 2019 edition of the family-friendly “Groovin’ in the Park – Reggae Rhythm and Blues Concert” in Queens on June 30 is set to be an amazing affair for patrons of all ages.

The groundbreaking Third World reggae band; reggae music favorite Sizzla; “Lovers Rock” crooner Beres Hammond; British reggae and dancehall DJ David Rodigan; Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Michael Bolton, and four-time Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Keyshia Cole are in the lineup for the annual event at Roy Wilkins Park.

General admission patrons are allowed to bring a chair, if chair seat height is 2 feet or less. This restriction and other rules will be strictly enforced.

And there are two levels of VIP access available.

VIP accesses includes seating, two meals and unlimited beverages, while “VVIP” patrons will be situated in an elevated tent, furnished with sofas, cocktail tables, a monitor and unlimited meals and beverages.

There will be a designated wheelchair-accessible area and trained service animals are welcomed.

Roy Wilkins Park is at 177-01 Baisley Blvd. near Merrick Blvd. The gate opens at 11 a.m., and the concert starts at noon.

Visit bit.ly/groovin_2019 or groovininthepark.com for admission prices and the list of restricted items.

For questions and other information, send email to groovinintheparkinc@gmail.com or call (347) 980-2252.

Make ‘Way’ for Stanislaus

The creation of Dr. Lamuel A. Stanislaus Way next Saturday in Brooklyn will recall the “life and legacy” of the dentist and Caribbean community leader whose contributions ranged from organizing the New York Caribbean Carnival to representing his Grenada homeland in the UN.

Dee Vee International Productions, in collaboration with City Councilman Mathieu Eugene (D-Brooklyn), is hosting the sign unveiling and street co-naming ceremony on Rutland Road, between Flatbush and Bedford Aves., starting at 11 a.m.

For information, contact Derek Ventour at (917) 662-5962 or send email to d.g.ventour@verizon.net.

DC 37 greets ‘Heritage’ month’

With expressions of their culture on display, members of the DC 37 labor union marked National CaribbeanAmerican Heritage Month with an event in Manhattan at DC 37’s Barclay St. headquarters June 3.