Podtalk: Co-Directors of ‘Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story’

Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 19, 2023 - 7:24am

CHICAGO – Tyler Perry is taking a spiritual journey, we just happen to be along for the ride. That is the impression when watching the just-released documentary on Prime Video, “Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story,” co-directed by Gelila Bekele (also writer) and Armani Ortiz. They spoke to HollywoodChicago.com.

Tyler Perry started with a dream to be a performer, which was rooted in his traumatic and desperately isolated childhood, so within this dedicated goal he created a stage play phenomenon, then a movie phenomenon, then a TV phenomenon, and now he’s currently one of the greatest entertainment moguls in the history of show business. But what was behind it all is intimated in the documentary … co-directed by TP insiders Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz … and much of it is due to the unshakable connection that Tyler had to his mother Maxine.

Co-Directors Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz for ‘Maxine’s Baby’
Photo credit: Patrick McDonald for HollywoodChicago.com

Gelila Bekele is a model and a documentary filmmaker. She is a devoted advocate for young girls’ right to equal opportunities in her homeland of Ethiopia. Her mission in bringing a voice to under-recognized global issues has birthed a creative platform that increases awareness and allows for exhibition through storytelling. Armani Ortiz is a self described “Tyler Perry protege,” and has been associated with “TP” for many years, while pursuing his directing career.

In Part One of a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz talk about the elusive understanding of Tyler Perry …

In Part Two, regarding Madea, critics and the next phase …

Trailer, “Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story” …

CLICK HERE for a perfect score 5/5 Audio Film Review of “Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story” by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com.

“Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story” is streaming on Prime Video since November 17th. Written by Gelila Bekele. Directed by Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz. Rated “PG-13”