AUSTIN, Texas — Dallas native, Jeff Walker, jumped at the chance to work on the short film Doretha’s Blues. He highlighted what it means to have an active role as a producer on a film. 

“Almost clerical work, but a lot of it is just having like constant ongoing conversations about like what is the movie? What is the story,” Walker described. 

Walker was once an actor, but realized producing was his true calling. 

“Helping a lot of my friends, writers, and directors you know get their stories off the ground,” Walker said.  

The film highlights a mom who gave up singing because her son died at the hands of the police. It was the theme that drew Walker to the script. Doretha’s Blues takes place in Fort Worth, Texas, where the director of the film and many actors in the film grew up.  

“South by [Southwest] does a lot to support not only independent film but Texas stories.” Walker said.  

Walker is hopeful this film will open the eyes of its viewers.  

“The beauty of a movie is you know everybody being able to come together in a room and watch a movie,” Walker said. "I still believe this is such a powerful film that even without that I really believe that audiences will be impacted.” 

Doretha’s Blues premiered on Tuesday, March 16. Ultimately Walker hopes the film reminds the audience that there are many stories that need to be told.