Veteran Actor Hawthorne James Stars as Otis Walker in Animated Holiday Story Written and Directed by Dara Frazier, which Brings Personal Grief and Detroit’s Jazz Culture to Life
Photo courtesy of 1642 Productions, LLC.
“Jazzy Bells,” an animated holiday special written and directed by Dara Frazier, makes its world premiere at the 33rd Annual Pan African Film Festival with screenings on Wednesday, February 12 at 6:25 PM and Thursday, February 13 at 4:25 PM at the Culver Theater, 9500 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232. The family-friendly short film is 22 minutes long and stars Hawthorne James, a veteran actor known for his iconic roles in The Five Heartbeats, Speed, Se7en, and more. He lends his voice to the role of Otis Walker, the traveling jazz musician. The voice actors rounding out the cast are Tasha Michaud, Jean Cecile Nadine, Je’maya Jackson, Adriohn Richardson, Devin Laster, and Doris Anita Miller.
“I am honored that Jazzy Bells is debuting at the Pan African Film Festival,” said Frazier. “The film explores how the magic of Christmas reunites a traveling jazz musician with his grandchildren, a story close to my heart.”
A Personal Tribute Through Animation
Frazier’s inspiration for Jazzy Bells comes from a deeply personal place—her mother’s passing from a brain aneurysm. “Saying goodbye to her was the most difficult thing I’d ever experienced, and the first Christmas without her was especially hard for my family, particularly my six-year-old son,” she shared.
Writing Jazzy Bells became a form of therapy for Frazier. The story follows Otis Walker, a world-traveling saxophonist who initially chooses to forgo Christmas with his family. However, a mystical intervention by a brown-skinned angel, a witty polar bear, and some lively reindeer helps him realize the importance of family and the holiday spirit.
Frazier’s vision for Jazzy Bells was also influenced by her upbringing in Detroit, a city deeply rooted in jazz and blue-collar resilience. “Detroit is more than just Motown—it has an incredible jazz scene filled with talented people from all walks of life. I wanted to capture that energy while exploring themes of grief, love, and the power of music,” she said.
Bringing ‘Jazzy Bells’ to Life
To bring Jazzy Bells to the screen, Frazier collaborated with a talented team of animators, voice actors, and musicians. “I picked up my pencil and paper, sketched the characters, and wrote the script. With the help of an amazing team, we brought this story to life,” she said.
The film’s score, composed by Joyce Spencer and Derick Bell, enhances the holiday magic with soulful jazz melodies that evoke nostalgia and warmth. Animation work was crafted by Frazier alongside Marcelo Gorenman, Suneer Kasim, and Laura Grijalva.
James’s performance as Otis Walker adds depth and emotion to the story. “The voice actors truly embodied the heart of Jazzy Bells, especially Hawthorne James. When people watch this film, I want them to feel like they’re coming home for the holidays and cherishing their loved ones,” said Frazier.
A Celebration of Black Storytelling at PAFF
The 33rd Annual Pan African Film Festival, taking place from February 6-19, 2024, is one of the most significant showcases for Black cinema. Founded in 1992, PAFF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and amplifying stories from the African diaspora through film, visual arts, and other creative expressions. Held across multiple venues in Los Angeles, including The Culver Theater and Cinemark Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, PAFF attracts filmmakers, artists, and audiences from around the world.
For more information about Jazzy Bells and screening details, visit www.paff.org.
