Chicago Native Avery “Kidd” Waddell Makes Feature Directorial Debut, With Film “Questions”

Avery “Kidd” Waddell’s feature directorial debut, “Questions”, centers on the film’s main character, Omar, and his search to learn what women want. Given one week to complete the task from his potential employer, Omar enlists the help of his friends to assist him in carrying out the assignment. They soon realize finding the answers is far more difficult than what they imagined it would be.

The romantic comedy, also starring Waddell, was part of the South Side Film Festival’s 2020 Black History Month Series. A special screening of the film was held Friday, February 7, at Chicago’s Studio Movie Grill. As guests entered the theater, they were treated to a welcome reception with music provided by local DJs, as well as the opportunity to meet and take pictures with Waddell.

When asked where he got his inspiration for writing the film, Avery said, “I was getting work but was getting frustrated with the roles that I was being offered and getting the opportunity to audition for. I received all of this training but was not getting a chance to use it. I am a fan of Woody Allen movies and realized there weren’t any movies like that for black people so I started writing.” He explained how pleased he was this his film showcased black people in a different light. That was his goal.

“Questions” has made the rounds on the movie festival circuit, winning the Behind the Voice Actors Award, as well as Best Feature Film at both the Charlotte Black Film Festival and Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival’s HBO Competition. When asked how it felt to make his feature directorial debut in his hometown, Waddell said, people showed me so much love when the word got out that I was bringing the film here. To focus on the real journey of the film in Chicago, where everything started, it’s amazing and it’s exciting.”

Upon completion of the film, a Q&A was held allowing attendees to learn more about the film and what they can expect next from the filmmaker. Avery said, “I’m developing my next feature, which is going to be a psychological thriller based on the last short film I did. We’re developing “Questions” into a series and I’m also working on a web series I’m developing.”

For more information on “Questions”, visit www.questionsfilm.com.

Racquel Coral, Contributing Writer