THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, OCTObER 2, 2026 Page 7 Local fi lmmaker’s ‘CALVIN’ brings Chelsea story to the big screen F Special to Th e Advocate or Everett, Massachusetts fi lmmaker Altavius “Five” Andrews, “CALVIN” is more than a short film. It represents eight months of hard work, personal sacrifi ce and a belief that independent fi lmmakers can create meaningful stories without a major studio behind them. Andrews, founder of YIC Productions and Louisiana Five Film, originally grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana, before moving to Massachusetts to pursue his passion for fi lmmaking. His latest project, “CALVIN,” became a deeply personal creative journey that brought together local talent and locations throughout the Boston area. Approximately 90 percent of “CALVIN” was fi lmed in Chelsea, Massachusetts, making the city an important part of the fi lm’s identity. Rather than simply using Chelsea as a backdrop, Andrews wanted the environment and atmosphere of the community to help tell the story. The fi lm is an emotional drama centered around family, violence, loss and the lasting effects of trauma. At the heart of the story is Calvin, whose life and circumstances have a profound impact on the people around him. Characters including Mama Rosa, Maleek and Cathy help tell a larger story about family, survival and the emotional consequences that can follow tragedy. Getting the film completed was not easy. Andrews balanced production with his responsibilities as a working father while investing his own time and reCast and crew at the August 2026 premiere of “CALVIN” at the Capitol Theatre in Arlington. sources in bringing the project together. From fi lming and locations to promotional materials and other production expenses, much of the process required him to make personal sacrifi ces. Still, he continued pushing forward. That determination reached a major milestone on August 30, 2026, when “CALVIN” premiered at the Capitol Theatre in Arlington, Massachusetts. The premiere featured a red-carpet experience, photo opportunities, a performance connected to the fi lm’s soundtrack, a question-and-answer session with the cast and crew, and the theatrical screening of the fi lm. The response from the community was signifi cant. The “CALVIN” premiere sold out twice, giving Andrews and his team an opportunity to celebrate the project with an audience that had followed its journey. But Andrews sees the premiere as the beginning of the next chapter rather than the end. He is now working to bring “CALVIN” to additional theaters, fi lm Homecoming Hustle 47 Elm Street, Everett, MA 02149 Everett Rec Center Free Registration for Students Director Altavius Andrews (holding umbrella) with Reese Write, Siraaj, Flash Lato, Dae Heat and Navi on the set of “CALVIN” in Chelsea. Register at elitefeats.com All proceeds from this year’s Homecoming Hustle go directly to the Massachusetts Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (MBCCP) at Cambridge Health Alliance. festivals and audiences while seeking opportunities for media coverage and community partnerships. He has already begun sharing the story behind the fi lm through interviews, including an appearance on CCTV with the Bounce Back Podcast. The larger goal extends beyond “CALVIN.” Through YIC Productions, Andrews hopes to build a platform that gives independent artists and fi lmmakers opportunities to tell stories, collaborate and create something lasting. His philosophy is simple: “We’re not just premiering a fi lm. We’re building a platform where Behind the scenes with lead cinematographer Daniel Vera and director Altavius Andrews on the set of the short fi lm “CALVIN” in Boston. (Photos courtesy of Altavius Andrews) storytelling creates opportunity, starts conversations, and helps communities see themselves in a diff erent light.” For Andrews, “CALVIN” is proof that a story can start with one person, grow through a community and eventually make its way to the big screen.
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