INTRODUCTION

227, “Two-Twenty-Seven” Based on a Play by Dr. Christine Houston, is a documentary short celebrating the extraordinary, nearly untold story of Dr. Christine Houston — the creative force behind the hit TV show 227, a series that reached 18+ million weekly viewers and transformed how African American life was portrayed on screen.

At 90 years old, Dr. Houston remains a vibrant, brilliant creator whose impact deserves to be documented, preserved, and amplified for generations to come.

WHY THIS FILM MATTERS

The film will premiere on December 5th during London Film Week, at the Brixton Film Festival, where Dr. Houston will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. For decades, Dr. Houston’s contributions to theater, television, and African American storytelling have gone under-recognized compared to the success of the show she inspired.

This film uncovers:

• The origin story behind the beloved series 227

• Dr. Houston’s journey as a Black woman navigating Hollywood in the 1900s

• The cultural significance of her work, including Two-Twenty-Seven, and many others

• Her ongoing creative life at 90

THE PROJECT

This short documentary blends:

• Original interviews with Dr. Houston

• Archival material

• Interview of the real people that inspired the characters of 227

WHY WE’RE FUNDRAISING

We are raising funds to ensure the talent responsible for bringing Dr. Houston’s vision to life is appropriately compensated. A high-level overview of the budget is below.

Any additional capital raised will fund Dr. Houston’s trip to London with a caretaker to receive her lifetime achievement award in person.

WHY GIVE NOW

Your support helps us capture Dr. Houston’s story while she is still here, still creating, and still able to communicate her story in her own words.

ABOUT THE TEAM

Chan C. Smith | Director & Producer

Production and Post-Production Collaborators

This film was created by a Chicago-based crew with deep experience across film and television.

Qū Worthy | Director of Photography & Gaffer

A creative professional working in the TV & film industry behind the camera and in front of it. My approach to crafting compelling and unforgettable frames is rooted in my passion for creating intense, thought-provoking, and immersive experiences that leave a lasting impact on the audience. I look forward to continuing to craft gripping stories that challenge, entertain, and push the boundaries of every genre.

Commercial credits include but are not limited to: Remy Marin, New Balance, Möét & Chandon, NBA, Verizon, Ghirardelli Chocolates.

Television credits include but are not limited to: NBC Chicago Fire, Hulu, AppleTV, Starz.

Austin Spann | Sound Operator & Music Composition

A BA-educated sound professional with project, collaboration, time management, leadership, decision-making, and scheduling experience who is transitioning into a corporate role with focus in IT, project management, and data analysis. A proven track record of delivering complex projects on time while coordinating teams to ensure smooth execution.

Jazz Williams | Editor

Experienced Freelance Video Editor skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, Avid and DaVinci Resolve

Olivia DeHainualt | Assistant Camera

Liv is a filmmaker, photographer, and poet from Indianapolis. They graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2023 with a concentration in cinematography. Because of their background in poetry, much of their work centers on people and on finding connection between different experiences and perspectives.

Arianna Lawson | Production Assistant personal passion lies in collaborating with other creatives to make beautiful art. Arianna is currently developing a socially charged experimental short film trilogy entitled, "Not Black History."

Arianna received her BA from the University of Illinois at Champaign in Accounting and a Masters from Depaul University in Entrepreneurship.

Elaina Kilian | Production Assistant

Hi there! I’m Elaina Kilian, a Chicago-based creator who loves turning ideas into engaging visuals. I bring hands-on filmmaking experience, from directing and coordinating shoots to editing and post-production, all while staying friendly, organized, and collaborative on set. I thrive in both independent projects and team environments, where I can direct, troubleshoot, and deliver polished content on tight timelines. I’m quick to adapt to new gear and software, and I enjoy mentoring teammates to elevate our collective work.

CALL TO ACTION

Dr. Christine Houston’s story shaped American television. Now it’s time to give her the spotlight she deserves.

Please make a fully tax-deductible donation today and help bring this film to life.

DONOR RECOGNITION / REWARDS

Pledge	Reward	Description
$25	God Loves You Contributor	God Loves You Contributor rewards include the following: A video from Dr. Houston answering any questions you have about her early life, Two Twenty-Seven, Hollywood, or her creative journey. Dr. Houston's response will be 2 minutes or less A virtual thank you note from Dr. Houston and the production team
$500	Silver Contributor	The Silver Contributor rewards include the following: God Loves You Contributor rewards Silver Contributor Special Thanks credit in the film Complimentary signed copy of the book Laughing Through the Tears by Dr. Houston
$1,000	Gold Contributor	The Gold Contributor rewards include the following: Producer Credit God Loves You Contributor and Silver Contributor rewards Gold Contributor Special Thanks credit in the film Private virtual screening and 1-hour Q&A with Dr. Houston

A WORD FROM DR. CHRISTINE HOUSTON

"God loves you! If you know me, you know that’s how I answer every phone call. And if you lived the life I have, you would probably say the same.

Firstly, thank you for supporting the film and this next chapter in my creative journey. I have spent more than 60 years writing, teaching, and creating—and I just turned 90 years young this October! Creativity has been my anchor through joy, loss, and everything in between. It is the reason I’m still here, still dreaming, and still writing.

In the 1970s, I sent my first play to the great Ossie Davis. I loved him, but he didn’t like it one bit! I was crushed—but I didn’t give up. With the encouragement of my Kennedy-King College community, I kept writing. The very next year, I won the Norman Lear Playwriting Contest and placed second in the Lorraine Hansberry Playwriting Awards. Those moments taught me that rejection is not the end, but often the beginning of something greater.

My plays have always been for everyday people; regardless of race, nationality, religion, etc. I try to communicate a moral theme in every story that I tell. For Two-Twenty-Seven, the goal was to show that sometimes the people who have sight are really blind. I hope you understand the message. And through laughter, I have found healing. Laughter carried me when I left Hollywood to care for my ailing mother, when I cared for my husband through dementia for seven years, and through every hardship that tried to silence my joy. All of these things are key components of every piece I develop.

I want this film to serve as a reminder that everyone has a gift, and these gifts are divine. I encourage you to identify your gifts, tap into them, and sit back and enjoy the journey. That is what keeps us going. My hope is that this film inspires you to embrace your creativity and invest in stories that remind you that we all have purpose, we all have light, and it is never too late to share it."

Celebrating 40 Years of 227: The Untold Origin Story and the Woman Behind It — Dr. Christine Houston

By Independent Film Alliance Chicago

Celebrating 40 Years of 227: The Untold Origin Story and the Woman Behind It — Dr. Christine Houston

“Two-Twenty-Seven” Based on a Play by Dr. Christine Houston