Director Cylk Cozart Special Premieres – “Inherit The Land” Documentary

Director Cylk Cozart and "Inherit The Land" Documentary - Photographer: Christopher “InTempest” Frith
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In today times, we are looking for a hero, or something to make us superior than what we are. Look no further but through the eyes of Director – Narrator Cylk Cozart, whose 40 years entertainment career from Knoxville, Tennessee to Hollywood, California has reached this multitude by directing, “Inherit The Land”. The documentary has already received the Best Historical/Educational Documentary in Hollywood Weekly Magazine Film Festival.

Director Cylk Cozart – “Inherit The Land” Winner – Photo Courtesy of Cylk Cozart

Ironically, this story occurred 100 years ago when sisters, Sallie and Maggie Ross, two wealthy white women, willed 800 acres of land in a court of law to a “Negro” family, Bob Ross and his daughter Mittie Bell in Marvin, North Carolina during the Jim Crow era.

Poster Created and Designed by Christopher “InTempest” Frith

The Ross Sisters – Sallie and Maggie Ross (sitting), Jemima and Mittie Bell Ross – Archives

Producer Jim Johnson and Author Gene Stowe, joined with Director & Narrator Cylk Cozart, the actors and staff to form this dynamic team to present to us so beautifully, “Inherit The Land”. Mr. Johnson passionately said, “the purpose of this story is to see how a family over 100 years ago lived in harmony without regards to their race on the same land and how the court system stood up and did what was right.”

Author Gene Stowe and Producer Jim Johnson of “Inherit The Land” – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

In October 2021, the first premiere was in Monroe, North Carolina, 16 miles from Marvin, NC where all this history took place. Descendants of the Ross family and other Marvin’s descendants were interviewed and shared stories from down through the years of the Ross sisters, Bob and Mittie Bell Ross. Even the actors who portrayed Bob and Mittie Bell at different ages were descendants of them.

Mr. Johnson elaborated how Sally Patterson who portrayed Sallie owns and lives in the original house from the 1800’s, where the Ross family actual lived and where the re-enactment scenes were filmed. Also, Judy Simpson Cook, who portrayed Maggie discovered her grandfather was on this historic jury in April 1921.

Premiere at Dowd Center Theatre in Monroe, NC , 16 miles from Marvin, NC- Photo Courtesy of Jamie Thiel
Producer Jim Johnson and Director Cylk Cozart in North Carolina waiting patiently for “Inherit The Land” premiere – Photo Courtesy of Cylk Cozart

Everyone was exhilarated by how authentic this film was portrayed.  Mr. Cozart said, “the community was so thrilled when we filmed the documentary about them. Other filmmaker had shown interest in their community, but it never materialized. I felt proud to tell the world about Marvin’s phenomenal story”.

Director Cylk Cozart with Decorated Veteran with a Purple Heart & 2 Bronze Stars, Richard Alexander “Ditty” Hudson III who was interviewed throughout the documentary, who grandfather, R. A. Hudson read the will of Sallie & Maggie Ross at the Union County trial 100 years ago – Unfortunately, on February 17, 2021, Mr. Hudson III passed away at age 98 – Photo Courtesy of Cylk Cozart

Director Cylk Cozart with (L to R) Sandra Smith Scott; Knoxville actress Marlena Allison portrayed “Harriet Grier and Portia” in “Inherit The Land”; Renee Sudderth, and Marilyn Smith Phifer – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

Director Cozart wanted his second VIP Premiere to be held in his hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee that he loves. It was like a Christmas present from him to his hometown. That is when I was able to view this amazing, brilliant historical piece on December 19, 2021 at Regal Downtown West Cinema Theatre with approximately 350 guest who walked away with excitement, amazement and tremendous respect for this historical documentary.

Afterwards, Director Cozart and Producer Johnson, opened up the floor for questions about the documentary and called on Author Stowe to help answer several questions. After all, it was him that published “Inherit the Land” in 2006 after extensive research on this story over 28 years ago and is still researching.

Gene Stowe, Author of “Inherit The Land” autographing his books and sharing his thoughts with Renee Sudderth, Splash Magazine Photojournalist – he eventually “Sold Out” but you can purchase on Amazon or at the University Press of Mississippi – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

It was amazing to hear the current update of the town and what happen to the property after 100 years. The conversation began such an intriguing dialogue with these three proud men and their audience.

A strong genuine question came from a 13-year-old student who asked her father, and the father relayed the question to the “Inherit The Land” team. She asked, “Why is this not being taught in our schools”. Mr. Cozart responded, that was a very intelligent question, and he would love to speak to the young students in the schools and colleges about this American History.

Caroline Tate, in attendance walked away being so impressed saying, “The idea was brilliant and remarkable for Cylk Cozart to go back into our ancestor’s history and bring it to the movie scene. The story line was magnificent, and the documentary music set the tone. It allowed us to see the true essence of what America could be if we come together and allow our future generation to witness kind, caring, selfless, and humanity that Sallie and Maggie Ross portrayed. The world needs to know, it does not have to be such injustice within our country”. 

Cylk Cozart and his precious mother, Mrs. Bettie Ruth Cozart who was so excited and proud of her son’s special evening – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth
Director Cylk Cozart and Judge Roger Miller proud moment – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth
Pastor Sanford Miller Sr., Joe Armstrong, Owner of WJBE radio station, and Wendell Strickland showing their support for Cylk Cozart – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

Ms. Lorayn DeLuca, who is also Co-Producer of the film played a significant role as Eugenia and really brought the scene to life. She said, “I was excited to play a sassy racist because it was a challenge to play someone different from myself. It was a dream to experience the generosity of working with Director Cylk Cozart”.

Production Team – Jim Johnson, Cylk Cozart, Gene Stowe, Heather Place, Marlena Allison and Lorayn DeLuca (front) after filming Ms. DeLuca’s significant scene as Eugenia – Photo Courtesy of Lorayn DeLuca

After the premiere, we gathered at Fanbase inside Fanatic Brewing Company to continue the dialogue about this astonishing documentary.

Front Row – Jim Johnson; Mrs. Bettie Ruth Cozart; Renee Sudderth, Back Row – Cylk Cozart; Michael Presley and Marlena Presley; Mrs. Cynthia Edwards and Dr. Lonnie Edwards Sr. – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

While there, we were introduced to the founder’s Rick Clark and Cylk Cozart’s Country Roads Beer.

Founder of Country Roads Beer Rick Clark and Co-Owner Cylk Cozart

We were celebrating in the area, adjacent to the distillery where the beer had been developed. I was fascinated by all this so Mr. Marty Velas, the Brewmaster gave me and two others a tour of his distillery and explained the amazing process of brewing the beer.

Brewmaster Marty Velas at Fanatic Brewing Company, 2735 N. Central St, Knoxville, TN (865) 242-9063 where Rick Clark and Cylk Cozart Country Road Beer was invented and can be served with great, tasty food – Photo Courtesy of Cylk Cozart

A week later on December 30 in Nashville, Tennessee, this same Country Roads Beer was introduced, displayed and advertised worldwide on ESPN at the TransPerfect Music City Bowl College game. Ironically, Cylk’s hometown team, the University of Tennessee played an extremely exciting game against Purdue for the Championship but lost in overtime 45 – 48. Country Roads Beer was the official craft beer sponsors and it was so well received.

Producer Jim Johnson and Director Cylk Cozart of “Inherit The Land” enjoying the UT Bowl game with Rick Clark & Cylk Cozart’s Country Road Beer on the Jumbotron screen in the background – Photo Courtesy of Jim Johnson
Cylk Cozart, Renee Sudderth, Bobby Glanton Smith, all lived in California at the same time but still true Tennesseans cheering on UT while advertising “Inherit The Land” and hearing the advertisement about Rick Clark & Cylk Cozart’s Country Road Beer several times – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

An ESPN representative stated this Bowl game drew 5.594 million viewers on ESPN, the Bowl eclipsed 100,000,000 all-time viewers and set a 24-year history fan record attendance of 69,489 in Nissan Stadium, home of the NFL Tennessee Titans. What astounding numbers of people who was introduced that day to Country Road Beer.

All this celebration during the Christmas Holiday, we couldn’t forget about Mr. Cylk Cozart’s other invention of the smooth taste of Cylk’s Whiskey produced in the Old Tennessee Distilling Co, Knoxville/Gatlinburg, TN. Next time you tour through the Smoky Mountains area, just stop on by.

Cylk Blended Whiskey, invented and can be purchased at Old Tennessee Distilling Co, 3605 Outdoor Sportman’s Place Suite, Sevierville, TN 37764. Located actually in Knoxville/nearby Gatlinburg, Tennessee – Phone: (865) 401-2574 – Photo Courtesy of Cylk Cozart

The year of 2021 saw Cozart’s team being dedicated in directing, acting, filming, and editing to get the film completed, ready for premieres and soon to be released in movie theaters and or households nationwide.

In the midst of all of this filming, the director found time to become Dr. Calvin Cylk Cozart. He received his Global International Alliance University (GIA) Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humanitarianism on “9-11” in Ft Lauderdale, Florida under the leadership of Ambassador Dr. Lenora Peters and Dr. Dee Thompson which was an extraordinary honor.

He received the prestigious Joe Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and was awarded the keys to Broward County from former Mayor and now Commissioner Dale V.C. Holiness. Ironically, this was the same city Cylk starred in his first movie, “Blue Skies Again” almost 40 years ago in 1983.

One of the highest honor one can receive
Dr. Calvin Cylk Cozart big honorable day in Ft Lauderdale, Fl with Commissioner Dale V.C. Holiness and Dr. Dee Thompson – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

Director Cylk Cozart is so proud of the historical documentary, “Inherit the Land”. He said, “this was needed in order to connect original historical facts with the current racial tensions which continue to be a challenge in this world”.

Cylk Cozart proud moment seeing his historical documentary come to life – Designed and Created by Christopher “InTempest” Frith

He will be traveling the country for interviews and other premieres. He wants to demonstrate that change can be made if you have an open mind and then we can move forward in this country.

Director Cylk Cozart and Producer Jim Johnson, “Inherit the Land” will be released in 2022.

Overall, Mr. Johnson said, “I care what this story will do for today. And how we should live. The only way to help solve race problems is to love the human race and have adults raising their children to love unconditional. Even Cylk said, people of power and wealth have to step up.”

Ms. DeLuca passionately said, “It’s about love or fear. The miracle is the hope that through intentionally changing our perceptions, minds, and actions we can change the world.”

Gene Stowe feeling strong about “Inherit The Land” story and states, “It’s a rare love. It’s wonderful that it’s love. It’s too bad it’s rare”.

Go witness this inspiring documentary by learning to come together regardless of your race. Each one of us should take a real good look at ourselves and make the decision to help change racial justice in our country and learn from Ms. Sallie, Ms. Maggie, and the jury to do the right thing, despite the color of one’s skin and to live in harmony like the Rosses and like Marvin, North Carolina is living today.

 

12 Comments

  1. Marcus Starling – Feb 8, 2022 -Via Email – Excellent article. You reported everything that was going on. I liked the clarity Cylk did in the documentary. Everything was laid out clear. After watching the trailer, I know I’m going when it comes out.

  2. The videos are quite captivating and I can’t wait to see this story unfold! Inherit the Land will definitely be ‘A MUST SEE’! It is imperative that the truth is revealed and these type of stories are finally being shared with the world. My dream is to help be a part of history and become an effective story-teller as well. This is most definitely a very powerful and important documentary! I am anxiously awaiting to watch it! The singing and the music is SUPERB!

  3. Sandra Smith Scott – Jan 25, 2022 – Facebook – Thank you Renee. You always come through. The article was great. You are the BOMB. Thanks again.

  4. Deanna B. Santo – Jan 20, 2022 – Sudderth Facebook – Awesome Blessings! Congratulations💙🎈🎈🎈

  5. Constance Bryant-Berry – Jan 19, 2022 – Sudderth Facebook – From the commentators and especially the comments I’ve read from Renee, I can’t wait to see the “Inherit The Land documentary”. Thanks so much my dear cousin for bringing to our attention!

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