By: Ciara Suesberry
Houston film conference blends industry opportunity with emotional impact as Tyler Perry Studios-backed feature tackles a silent epidemic.
In a world where lights, cameras, and red carpets often overshadow deeper conversations, Houston-born filmmaker Courtney Glaudé is using his platform to do something different: tell stories that matter. On Saturday, July 12, 2025, Glaudé returns to his hometown with the second annual The Rise of the Storyteller Film Conference, an all-day event powered by MPAC and supported by Tyler Perry Studios, held at the Anderson Center for the Arts.
The conference is more than a celebration of film—it’s a call to action, a training ground for emerging talent, and, perhaps most importantly, a spotlight on unspoken struggles within the Black community.
At the center of this powerful day is the Houston premiere of Old Gray Mare—a feature film written and directed by Glaudé and presented by Tyler Perry Studios. The film doesn’t just entertain; it seeks to educate and open hearts. It explores the devastating and often misunderstood effects of dementia, a condition that disproportionately impacts Black families yet remains largely underrepresented in mainstream media.
In Old Gray Mare, audiences meet a family returning home from vacation, only to find that something has gone deeply wrong. What starts as small memory lapses quickly unravels into a haunting revelation—one many in our community may recognize but few feel fully prepared to face.
“Dementia is something many families deal with quietly,” Glaudé explains. “I wanted to create something that honored those silent struggles, especially in Black households, where these stories often go untold or are misinterpreted as just ‘getting older.’”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Black Americans are twice as likely as white Americans to develop Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, yet they are far less likely to be diagnosed early or receive proper treatment. Cultural stigmas, lack of access to quality care, and generational gaps in mental health education all play a role. Old Gray Mare shines a light into these dark, private corners with honesty, nuance, and deep emotional truth.
But the film is just one part of the full experience. The Rise of the Storyteller Film Conference is designed to equip and connect a new wave of storytellers. From acting and writing workshops to pitch sessions and media interviews, attendees will have access to a broad spectrum of industry knowledge. Executives from Tyler Perry Studios, like Antoinetta Stallings and Deancé Wyatt, will be on hand to lead sessions and scout emerging talent. The event also features a short film showcase, vendor marketplace, and a high-energy networking mixer that invites Houston’s creative community to collaborate and connect.
Yet, for many, it’s Old Gray Mare that will leave the most lasting impression.
In a time when Black health issues are too often dismissed or undiagnosed, Glaudé’s work is timely, tender, and important. He invites us not just to watch a story, but to see ourselves, our elders, and our truths in it. His film confronts the pain and confusion of watching a loved one fade away, while also holding space for grace, understanding, and healing.
“It’s not just about awareness,” Glaudé says. “It’s about changing the way we support our families and care for one another. Storytelling has the potential to do that.”
As the credits roll on Old Gray Mare, and a talkback with the cast and crew begins, the hope is that audience members walk away not only inspired by the artistic brilliance—but also motivated to have those tough conversations at home, check in on their loved ones, and advocate for better healthcare solutions in Black communities.
In Courtney Glaudé’s world, storytelling is no longer just a creative craft—it’s a community responsibility.
The Rise of the Storyteller Film Conference takes place Saturday, July 12 from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM CDT at the Anderson Center for the Arts, 13334 Wallisville Road, Houston, TX 77049.
- Tickets and more info: Eventbrite or IG @storytellerfilmconference
- Media inquiries: Launch@berrydynamicagency.com
