Premiere promises to unleash ‘Creativity’

For some, creativity isn’t simply a knack for coordinating florals and stripes or a flair for brainstorming dynamite ideas. It’s a force to be reckoned with.

“I think it’s a lot like electricity, in the sense that it’s everywhere, but it functions when you plug into it for your intended purpose,” says Rodrigo Coelho, producer of a new documentary film that premieres Friday in Chandler.

Titled “Unleashing Creativity,” the 27-minute movie was directed by Ahwatukee photographer and artist Phyllis Lane and Alejandra Nash, the wife of Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash.

The premiere, to be held at hip downtown arts and event venue Inspirador, will feature live jazz performances by Portland, Ore., musician Darrell Grant; readings by New Mexico poet Jimmy Santiago Baca; and wine and food tastings from Napa Valley’s Layer Cake wines and Whole Foods Market. A Fender guitar signed by musician Carlos Santana will be given away via silent auction.

The film consists of interviews about creativity with people of all ages and backgrounds, including Santana and Steve Nash. Nash paints for the first time in his life in the film. The project came together in a matter of weeks, after Lane decided to create something that could raise money for Free Arts of Arizona, a nonprofit group that uses art to work with abused children.

“The whole process (of making the film) has been incredible — just so fun and so inspiring personally,” says Lane, whose work has appeared in “In Style,” “Real Simple” and “Martha Stewart Living” magazines and on the O List in “O,” Oprah Winfrey’s magazine. “It’s going to be an amazing evening. Its whole intention is to move people from their head to their heart. We’re trying to inspire them.”

Coelho and Lane, who are married, plan to enter the movie in film festivals later this year, and they’ve been invited to screen it in New York City and Los Angeles.

The Chandler event has a black or white dress code, though attire need not be formal. Tickets must be bought in advance through the Web site icreatenow.com. Proceeds will benefit Free Arts of Arizona. The organization brings visual arts, music, theater, dance, literary and culinary arts programs to children living in more than 100 group homes, residential treatment centers and shelters in Maricopa County.

Celebrate creativity
What: A screening of the short documentary “Unleashing Creativity,” plus food, wine, art, poetry and live jazz
When: 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday
Where: Inspirador, 63 E. Boston St., Chandler
Cost: $50; no tickets will be sold at the door
Information: (888) 638-2671 or icreatenow.com