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'Rights of a Father' premiers Father's Day weekend at Ritz Theatre

Posted 6/13/24

JACKSONVILLE—After filming at the 1890 Clay County Courthouse in Green Cove Springs, Club Continental in Orange Park, and areas in Jacksonville and Daytona Beach, Junior Ashwood will next …

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'Rights of a Father' premiers Father's Day weekend at Ritz Theatre


Posted

JACKSONVILLE — After filming at the 1890 Clay County Courthouse in Green Cove Springs, Club Continental in Orange Park, and areas in Jacksonville and Daytona Beach, Junior Ashwood will next head to the Ritz Theatre for the red-carpet premiere of his film on Saturday, June 15. 

"We're bringing Hollywood back to Jacksonville," Ashwood said.

"Rights of a Father" is the second film directed by Clay County resident Ashwood, and it is his most anticipated yet.

"We can't wait until Saturday.  I'm over being nervous. I'm just excited," Ashwood said. 

The premise begins with Ramond, who is overjoyed upon learning his fiancé is pregnant. Rose, his fiancé at the start of her promising career, reluctantly tells Raymond she is considering other arrangements to deal with the pregnancy.

Out of options, the couple takes their uncompromising disagreement to court. In an electric courtroom battle, Raymond sues Rose to carry their child to term and deliver the child to him to raise as a single parent.

It's hard to pick a favorite scene, but Ashwood was blown away when he filmed Rose confronting Raymond at his job. 

"The confrontation between those two was magical. It was cinematic. It was passionate," Ashwood said. "We did it in one take. It was that good."

The red-carpet VIP event begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Ritz.

"We're not talking about red tissue paper either. We're talking 70 feet of red carpet. We're having the DJ playing music. Luxury SUVs dropping off VIP guests. Drinks. Hors d'oeuvres."

VIP ticket holders are asked to take a side before the courtroom battle: wearing a pink wristband to be on Team Rose or a blue wristband to be on Team Raymond.

Based on his preliminary surveys, Ashwood said that Team Rose is in the lead. "Rose is killing it now," he said. 

Doors open for general admission at 6:30 p.m., and the movie starts promptly at 8 p.m. The after-party kicks off after the credits roll. 

Ashwood aims to deliver an enjoyable, thought-provoking cinematic experience. Tickets are going quickly. You can purchase yours at the Ritz Theatre and Museum