Au Pair Chocolat (2004)

A single mom from Harlem becomes the nanny for a wealthy African-American family in Martha's Vineyard. The young Au Pair becomes friends with the family's college aged BAP daughter as she ... See full summary »

Director:

Benson McGrath

Writer:

Abigail McGrath

Stars:

Heidi Durrow, Domenica Cameron-Scorsese, Maya Azucena

Cast

Credited cast:
Heidi Durrow	...	Marci Tomlinson
Domenica Cameron-Scorsese	...	Raven
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Maya Azucena	...	Tawney
Shana Cabassa	...	Joselita
Jerry Chase	...	Chief
Marvin Kahan	...	Male Applicant
Ai Kiyono	...	Asian Applicant
Brian Luna	...	Jose
Benson McGrath	...	Jasper
Tony McGrath	...	Mahew Cabot
Panama	...	Policeman
Leonard Robinson	...	Deputy John
Jason Rosen	...	Forrest
Saskia Slaaf	...	Scandanavian Applicant
Debra Ann Townes	...	Olive

Storyline

A single mom from Harlem becomes the nanny for a wealthy African-American family in Martha's Vineyard. The young Au Pair becomes friends with the family's college aged BAP daughter as she tries to teach her how to act rich to attract a boy.

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Plot Keywords:

martha's vineyard | au pair | african american | harlem manhattan new york city | new york city | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

Calachaly Films Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 November 2004 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$400,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Calachaly Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

87 min

Color:

Color

User Reviews

Very Satisfying Story

I saw the director of this film being interviewed on television and my husband and I went to the Black International Film Festival and to catch a screening. We laughed and smiled throughout. The premise of a poor single mom who becomes the nanny for a wealthy Black family in Martha's Vineyard was fun and refreshing.

It showed an aspect of African-American life and culture that many Europeans, as well as Americans, are not terribly aware of, that is the class conflict within minority communities. It also sweetly preaches women's rights and the need for independence. At one point the lead character says "I don't need a man to make me happy" and I felt like standing up and cheering.

the production values are low and there appears to be a lot of locals used as actors, but there is a tremendous joy amongst the cast as if they're all having a great time. There are some slower stretches too, particularly at the beginning, but the soundtrack is bouncy and fun and kept me energized throughout.

I'm really glad I caught this movie as was my husband who I dragged along for the ride.

9/10 stars