Performing arts major starring in alum’s film “The Day I Met Aretha Franklin”

La'Zaron Goodman’s ability on stage and in front of a camera has carried him from theater productions at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to a starring role in a short film that is one of 20 finalists for the Louisiana Film Prize. 

Goodman, a senior majoring in performing arts from Shreveport, La., plays the lead in “The Day I Met Aretha Franklin.” The 13-minute film was written and co-directed by alumnus Brian Egland, who earned a bachelor’s degree in performing arts from UL Lafayette in 2009.
 
“The Day I Met Aretha Franklin” is the first film from Egland, an accomplished playwright who is originally from Breaux Bridge, La. In it, Goodman portrays a fictional playwright, ART, a character Egland based on himself. ART’s day is transformed by two women in a beauty salon before the world premiere of one of his plays. 

“When (Egland) reached out to me for this film, I immediately said let’s do it. It was an honor to play my mentor and brother,” Goodman stated in a press release. 

Goodman met Egland at UL Lafayette in 2023, during a production on campus of Egland’s play “Along the Nile.” Goodman’s performance in the play, under Egland’s guidance, made an impression on the director.

“It was such a beautiful experience to return to where I studied to become the artist I am now, and provide an opportunity to a Black boy, like I was then, to shine. It felt full circle,” Egland stated.

The pair stayed in touch, and their friendship and professional relationship has paid dividends for Goodman. He has added a film credit to an already impressive résumé. He plans to pursue film, TV and theater roles after he graduates in December from the University’s School of Dance and Theatre in the College of the Arts. 

His turn as ART will also give the actor a chance to shine in his hometown. Screenings of the Louisiana Film Prize finalists are scheduled between Thursday, Oct. 15, and Sunday, Oct. 18, at venues in Shreveport and Bossier City, La. Viewers of each of the 20 films will decide which one takes home top honors. Virtual showings of the films are also planned. 

Goodman and England will team up again later this month in Lafayette, for a production of Egland’s play “Where the Suga Still Sweet” on Friday, Oct. 23, at the Acadiana Center for the Arts in Lafayette. 

Photo caption: UL Lafayette performing arts major La'Zaron Goodman, a senior from Shreveport, La., plays the lead role in alum Brian Egland’s film “The Day I Met Aretha Franklin.” The short film is one of 20 finalists for the Louisiana Film Prize. Courtesy images