25th Annual Reel Black Men Short Film Showcase Full Program Book

A LEGACY OF BROTHERHOOD AND EXCELLENCE

Sponsored by The Black Hollywood Education & Resource Center

September 22 - 24, 2023

REGAL L.A. LIVE | LOS ANGELES, CA

Sandra J. Evers-

President, BHERC

Manly

On behalf of the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center, I’m honored to welcome you to the 25th Annual Reel Black Men Short Film Showcase, “A Legacy of Brotherhood and Excellence”.

This year, we will showcase 47 amazing films from across the globe, directed by 44 talented filmmakers, featuring a wide range of themes and genres from drama, comedy, sci-fi, and documentaries. Congratulations to our filmmakers on this great achievement! We are exceptionally proud that after two and a half decades of real stories and real excellence, we can continue to bring Reel Black Men together to showcase and celebrate through films.

It’s critical now more than ever that we elevate and celebrate black storytellers and support our filmmakers even more. With the attacks on our history, the banning of books, we cannot be silent. Filmmaking is an important medium that allows our stories to be told with a heightened lens on our humanity. Your presence and participation with this showcase is a testament to the power of authentic and honest stories from Reel Black Men.

This year, we are proud to have one of BHERC’s family members, talented actor and filmmaker Maurice J. Irvin, serve as our host for Opening Night. We are also honored to have the iconic director Michael Schultz, bring special remarks. His remarkable career has opened doors for many and inspired us all. We are also pleased to have David Massey, the first African-American to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film, and showcase his groundbreaking film, Last Breeze of Summer. In addition to these incredible film legends, we are excited to hear from gifted filmmaker Juel Taylor, writer, director, and producer of They Cloned Tyrone

This year’s class of 2023, are amazingly talented filmmakers, who are bringing to life films that transcend genres and break form in beautiful and unexpected ways. Clarissa Pinkola

Estes says that, “From the ancient storytellers to the present, the idea has always been: As go the souls that lead, so goes the culture.” These brothers are proving themselves to be the future generation of prominent and trailblazing artists that we need to combat the fierce educational oppression this country is experiencing. It is their stories that will remind us of who we are and what we can become.

A special thank you to Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Council District 8, for his leadership and continued support for young people and the BHERC. Our gratitude to Regal L.A. LIVE, for hosting us and all the great support. Much appreciation to John Forbes our Executive Director and Director of Festival Operations, for his amazing leadership and dedication to the art of filmmaking, along with his committee, our sponsors, partners, and all attendees. Once again, congratulations to our filmmakers and continued success!

In the words of the incredible playwright August Wilson, “Have a belief in yourself that is bigger than anyone’s disbelief.”

Enjoy this year’s Reel Black Men Short Film Showcase and thank you for celebrating 25 years with us.

Peace and Blessings,

Sandra Evers-Manly

John Forbes Executive Director & Director

of Festival Operations

I’m proud to serve once again as the director of The Reel Black Short Film Showcase and see first-hand the abundance of talented filmmakers who are writing, directing, and producing outstanding short films. This year’s committee screened over 275 films and selected 47 films that will be showcased.

I applaud all our filmmakers for their hard work, dedication and for never giving up on their dreams to make their films a reality.

For 25 years the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC), has strived to recognize dynamic filmmakers and create a quality showcase for the community to enjoy. This year is no exception. You will see films that will make you laugh, some that will may make you cry, but most of all they will touch you.

My special thanks to all of guests, program participants, sponsors, collaborators, and other great partners. We are especially proud of the support we have received from many of the universities across the country whose film programs are helping to develop the next generation of amazing filmmakers.

Please help share about the showcase and the work of the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center. It is programs like these that help us provide scholarships and support to emerging filmmakers and the community.

Congratulations to our Class of 2023 Filmmakers!!!!!!

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

John Forbes

John Forbes

Opening Night Celebration

September 22, 2023 | 7:30 PM

Program

Welcome John Forbes, BHERC Executive Director

Host Maurice J. Irvin, Actor/Director

1992 ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATED LIVE-ACTION SHORT FILM

“Last Breeze of Summer”

SPECIAL REMARKS

David Massey, Producer

Filmmaker ............................................................................................Juel Taylor, Writer/Producer /Director

FEATURED SHORT FILM

2009 Tribeca Film Festival Dana and Albert Brioccoli

Award for Filmmaking Excellence

“Locks”

Theater, Film and Television Icon

SPECIAL TRIBUTE

Ryan Coogler, Writer/Director/Producer

Michael Schultz, Producer/Director

INTRODUCTION OF CLASS OF 2023 FILMMAKERS

Closing...............................................................................................................................Sandra Evers-Manly, BHERC President

Maurice J. Irvin Host

Maurice

J. Irvin is a Southern California native and a lifetime member of The Actors Studio. Of his many guest star credits, he is best known for his role as Nurse Tyler on the show that began his career, Grey’s Anatomy. He can also be seen, most recently, In guest star/ recurring roles on FBI: International, recurring role on FOX’s 911, Snowfall and Them: Covenant. He can also be seen guest starring in season two of Amazon’s “Hunters” and his current recurring role in Star Wars: AHSOKA.

He has worked in nearly 200 national and regional commercials including spokesperson roles for MERCURY INSURANCE, DUKE HEALTH INSURANCE, ESPN, and MARCUS BY GOLDMAN SACHS.

Maurice has also written and directed three short films; WACKO JACKO, Stanford & Son (Pan African 2015 best short nominee) and was also a featured short film at the 2015 Reel Men Film Festival. His latest short film, MAD CHICKEN, is a dystopian dark comedy about the assault of fast food on black neighborhoods.

Maurice thanks Sandra Evers-Manly and John Forbes for their continued and unwavering support.

David Massey Special Guest

DavidMassey is an Academy Award-Nominated filmmaker with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications & Education from Ohio Dominican University and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Advanced Film & Television from the American Film Institute. He is the first African American in the history of the Academy Awards to be nominated for an Oscar in the Live-Action Short Film category with Last Breeze of Summer (1992).

Massey has produced and directed several films and television shows: Men of Courage, an hour docudrama that received a NAACP Image Award and aired on BET; Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win, a documentary on the 31st December Women’s Movement in Ghana, West Africa; and Fespaco, a feature documentary, narrated by Danny Glover, that examined Africa’s oldest and largest film festival. Additionally, Massey has produced six short films including Island Song that won the Audience Award at the Pan African Film Festival in 2013 and When Justice Isn’t Just, a short documentary distributed by First Run Features in 2015, that examined the law enforcement shootings of unarmed African-Americans.

Massey’s latest projects include Where We’re From, a feature documentary that chronicles the LA independent Hip-Hop movement in the early 90s that was distributed by Shout Studios; Not All Lost, a celebrity-driven study of Black youth for PBS television; Hinika, an examination of the opening of a new hospital and medical school in rural Ethiopia; Conscience of the Congress, a historical overview of the Congressional Black Caucus; Passage, a live-action fictional film set in 1600 Western Africa; and Golden Flower, a short fictional film that depicts Taino culture and history.

Massey is the former co-chair of the Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers, West (BAD-West) in Los Angeles. He has been the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the 2011 PBS Innovation Award and the National Education Association “Advancement of Learning Through Broadcasting” award. In addition, Massey is a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and he serves on the Oscar qualifying festival committee and the Student Academy Awards committee.

Michael Schultz

Honored Guest Director

extraordinaire Michael Schultz’s career in Theatre, Film and Television span over five decades. His longevity has enabled him to remain as active and prolific as ever. As one of the first African American directors to receive opportunities with major studios, Schultz burst open doors for directors of color.

After finishing his undergraduate work at University of WisconsinMadison and Marquette University, Michael directed his first play, Waiting for Godot, at Princeton University. Later, he would go on to join the world-famous Negro Ensemble Company in 1968, leading him to score an Obie Award for Best Director. The following year, Schultz was poised to make his Broadway debut with the lauded play Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?, starring Al Pacino. For which he, his wife Gloria, and Pacino were all nominated for Tony Awards. Pacino took home his first statue for Best Featured Actor in a Play. As a television director, Schultz established himself as a true artistic force to be reckoned with. Some early directorial credits included cultural prizes, such as The Rockford Files, Starsky and Hutch, and Baretta and Thoma. His breakthrough production was the poignant To Be Young, Gifted, and Black in 1972.

If he shines in directing TV, then it’s his feature film projects that have made his craft and artistry beam with light. He is responsible for several ‘70s classics such as Cooley High, Greased Lighting, Car Wash, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Last Dragon, Which Way Is Up?, and several films starring Richard Pryor. Car Wash won two awards at the ‘77 Cannes Film Festival, for Best Music and the Special Jury prize for Superior Technique.

The ‘80s saw Schultz continuing his stride between television and film. The film Carbon Copy, brought a young Denzel Washington to Hollywood’s attention, as well as Krush Groove, one of the first films to feature Hip-Hop artists. L.L. Cool and Run DMC along with Blair Underwood.

In the ‘90s, Schultz concentrated on directing television. In long form television, he directed many network movies and several two-hour films of George Lucas’ Young Indiana Jones Chronicles. Some of his episodic credits include: The Practice, Ally McBeal, Touched By An Angel, JAG, Everwood, New Girl, and Arrow.

In early 2000, Mr. Schultz co-founded ImajiMation Studios, a Santa Monica based animation concept studio specializing in urban youth content. He also has directed TV series Black-ish, Black Lightning and All American to name a few; and produced an animated feature based upon his highly successful comic book series, Blokhedz.

On February 23, 2011, the African American Steering Committee (AASC)presented a special evening to honor him. The event was a part of the DGA’s 75th Anniversary celebrations that cast the spotlight on directors and events that ‘changed the game’ for all that followed. During the evening, Schultz noted “I see film as a real opportunity to examine the human condition.” “No matter where the technology goes in the future, the basics don’t change. Storytelling is a primitive tribal function. The elders sat around the fires and told these stories as a way to pass on the ‘dos’ and the ‘don’ts.’ That will never change.”

In 2020, the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center, dedicated their African American Film Marketplace and S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase to Schultz. The event, “A Great Day In Black Hollywood: A Virtual Salute to Michael Schultz”: Commemorating the 45th Anniversary of the Groundbreaking Classic Film “Cooley High”, BHERC featured cast members from the iconic film.

Schultz’s incredible contribution to the artform and the business continue to produce a rippling effect in the industry. Since he started as a young artist, we have seen an influx of Black filmmakers receive countless opportunities. Michael joins that special legion of legendary Black filmmakers who made a difference. In a featured article back in September 2022, the New York Times asserts “Michael Schultz Broke the Mold for Black Directors. He’s Not Done Yet. At 83, the filmmaker behind “Cooley High” and “Car Wash” may be the longest-working Black director in history. His own story is a Hollywood epic.”

Juel Taylor Special Guest

Juel

Taylor is a writer/director from Tuskegee, Alabama. He graduated from University of Florida and after receiving his Film Production MFA from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, he stumbled into a career in screenwriting, and managed to avoid homelessness in LA’s overpriced housing market. Taylor has an extensive background in sound production and served as the writer for films such as “Creed II” and “Space Jam: A New Legacy”. He most recently wrote directed and produced, the thought-provoking film “They Cloned Tyrone”, currently streaming on Netflix.

Films at a Glance

Sunday, September 24, 2023 Short Film Showcase

2023 Reel Black Men Short Film Showcase Schedule

September 22 - September 24, 2023

6 TRAIN TO PARKCHESTER

Virtual Only

A gripping drama, based on a true story, about two brothers from the Southeast section of The Bronx.

J. Swain: Director/Writer

Eddie Liriano: Producer

and battling anxiety. As his day progresses, his thoughts overflow and lead to a head-on collision with unaddressed trauma throughout his life.

Davon Cecil, La’Tia Owens: Director Davon Cecil: Writer/Producer

19:47 MIN.

Jason Swain began his film career in New York City and then moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Swain first learned how to direct and edit while attending Clark Atlanta University for his bachelor’s degree. He received a Kodak Film Stock Grant and was overall winner in a film festival for his first film “Down 4 Whatever”. Jason holds a master’s degree in digital marketing. In addition to directing his 4th feature film, Swain is Executive Director at his own non-profit organization, “Makin’ Room At The Top” (MRATT) Youth Film Program.

A MAN

Virtual Only

Davon Cecil is from a small city in Kentucky where performing arts opportunities, people encouraging or promoting creative expression or the pursuit of a career in the Film/Entertainment industry were few or non-existent. With inspiration from Spike Lee and Ryan Coogler, among others, he wants to ensure that his films always shine light on real issues in the world, maintain originality, are unorthodox, and remain real, raw, and authentic. The important thing is inspiring and letting youth know ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

A SOUND TO REMEMBER

Saturday, September 23 - 11am Sunday, September 24 - 5pm

10:00 MIN.

Following the day in the life of a young man who is conflicted, stressed, constantly overwhelmed with his thoughts,

After losing his singing partner and lover during a jazz club mass shooting, Worthy Love struggles through PTSD and grief to sing again for the first time in 2 years.

Tyler Holmes: Director/Writer

Madison Hatchett: Producer

Tyler Holmes was born and raised in Southern Virginia to an African American father and a Puerto Rican mother. He received his

bachelor’s degree in political science from Columbia University and went on to work on as a corporate paralegal. Tyler decided to make a shift during the pandemic, fell in love with photography and made a transition into the film world. He used his debut short film, “Intentions” (2021), to apply to various film schools, deciding on the University of Southern California. Tyler continues to focus on and improve his filmmaking skills, while seeking to tell stories that stem from his own experiences as a Black man in America.

ALL I KNOW

Saturday, September 23 - 5pm

Sunday, September 24 - 11am

A man’s search for his friend puts him at risk of revealing life-altering secrets they both share.

Obinna Robert Onyeri: Director/Writer

Obinna Robert Onyeri, Esse

Akwawa: Producer

Obinna Onyeri is a Los-Angeles based Nigerian filmmaker whose films have screened at many film festivals. The British Council, translated his film into five languages, awarded him the Five Films for Freedom award and promoted the film through its global network. He is a recipient of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association grant, awarded to him during his MFA study at UCLA. He got his start in Hollywood on the post-production team of The Woman King, starring Viola Davis. His work as a filmmaker is focused on atmospheric narratives in African and Diasporic settings and centered on people on the margins of those settings.

ALL IN

Saturday, September 23 - 2pm

Sunday, September 24 - 5pm

An enterprising teen is left with seemingly insurmountable debt by his unscrupulous, late father, he must play poker to either make the money back and save what’s left of his family... or die trying.

Dusan Brown: Writer/Director

Having worked as an actor all of his life, earning 20+ professional credits, multitalented, GenZ creative, Dusan Brown, around age twelve, wrote, directed, edited, and scored his first short film, as a Ghetto Film School Fellow, their youngest ever admitted. Brown is a 2023 Student Oscar Semifinalist, a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts (Film) and a National YoungArts Foundation Winner (Film). Brown attends Chapman University where he’s majoring in directing. Over the past 5 to 6 years, he’s filmed 30+ short films, either independently, for class or in collaboration with classmates. As a filmmaker Brown plans to continue making stories, highlighting his culture, while shedding light on social issues not faced by just African Americans but stories that demonstrate common threads within humanity.

15:53 MIN.

14:51 MIN.

BABY

Saturday, September 23 - 5pm

Sunday, September 24 - 2pm

A young Black father must learn to navigate parenthood after his girlfriend mysteriously abandons him and their fiveyear-old daughter.

Cole Swanson: Director/Writer

crafting BBQ in his backyard, Bootsy’s journey unfolds, chronicling his rise as a pitmaster and the challenges he’s faced along the way.

Randall Goodloe: Director/Writer

19:50 MIN.

Justin Sirkin, Mary Antonovich: Producer

Cole Swanson is an award-winning writer and director collaborating with teams such as Converse and Universal Music Group for artists like James Blake, Selena Gomez, and Lana del Rey. He graduated in 2023 with a BFA in Film & Television Production at NYU Tisch School of the Arts and studied directing at England’s National Film and Television School. His upcoming jazz film “Betty & Blue” stars the legendary actor Keith David, Amari Cheatom, and features original music composed by Golden Globe nominated musician Isaiah J. Thompson.

BACKYARD BOOGIE: THE MOVIE

Saturday, September 23 - 2pm

Sunday, September 24 - 11am

Randall Goodloe, a Los Angeles-based director with a passion for the mechanics of compelling storytelling. In 2022, he took the bold step of founding Goodloe Media, a production company in Los Angeles, on a mission to express unwavering passion for storytelling that resonates with universal human experiences. Randall consistently pushes the boundaries of artistic expression; through his creative lens, he invites audiences to immerse themselves in thought-provoking journeys.

BALANCE

Saturday, September 23 - 5pm Sunday, September 24 - 11am

A struggling NFL free agent’s relationship with his pregnant fiancé is tested when faced with an untimely conversation the morning of their first prenatal visit.

16:19 MIN.

Ricardo A Spence: Director/ Writer/Producer

A heartfelt documentary that delves into the life of Armond “Bootsy” Keys, a BBQ virtuoso in South Central Los Angeles. From humble beginnings

13:04 MIN.

Ricardo A. Spence is a Bronx raised drama writer aspiring to change lives through storytelling and amplifying underrepresented voices. He believes that togetherness and vulnerability are the remedies to the world. His unique upbringing in the big apple granted him unexpected experiences like street fighting on project rooftops and impromptu dinners with millionaires who share the same MetroCard as him. He’s currently under the mentorship of HBO Executive, Amy Aniobi, and has placed in the 2nd round of BlackBoyWrites Writing Initiative for the 2nd year in a row.

BLACKIFIER

Saturday, September 23 - 11am

Sunday, September 24 - 2pm

After watching an odd TV infomercial advertising a magical spray, Karen goes on a journey inside an alternate TV universe to see just how exciting the Black experience really is.

15:00 MIN.

Christian Kamaal: Director

Jalen Young: Writer

Cory Gorman, Jordan Shanks: Producer

Christian Kamaal is a multi-hyphenate artist and award-winning filmmaker who started making music at home in Rocky Mount, NC, when he was only 15 years old. There he found his true love for storytelling and connecting with people through complete vulnerability. While enrolled in USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, he made an array of films. “BLACKIFIER,” won the Grand Prize Student DGA Award. Christian actively seeks to tell stories that stretch social norms, push boundaries, and tackle difficult subjects through a comedic lens.

BWA KAYIMAN

Saturday, September 23 - 11am

Sunday, September 24 - 2pm

Set in 1791 at the start of the Haitian Revolution, a young woman is determined to break societal norms and join the enslaved men in fighting against Napoleon’s French army.

Born and raised in New York to Haitian immigrant parents, Yves started his career as a child actor. He had roles in “National Treasure” and “Law and Order”, but he soon realized that his true calling was storytelling from behind the camera. Yves’ most recent credits include writing an episode of “Queen Sugar”. He’s also worked as a Writers’ Assistant on CBS’ “The Equalizer” and Hulu’s series “UnPrisoned”, and as a Director’s Assistant on Blackish and Grownish. Yves has written, directed, and produced award winning short films that have screened at various film festivals. He is passionate about telling character driven stories focusing on honest portrayals of the Black experience.

CONTAGIOUS SWAGGER

Saturday, September 23 - 5pm Sunday, September 24 - 2pm

Contagious Swagger is a romantic comedy film about a young Black man visiting his Asian girlfriends’ parents’ house for dinner for the first time. His footwear could be the answer to solve a dramatic forbidden love story.

Calvin Callins Jr.: Director/Writer Justin Colón, Lucas McFarland: Producer

Calvin Callins Jr. aka CJ is a writer, director, and DJ. His work is driven by the creation of the final product. The emotion from his projects motivates him to keep creating, bring forth more emotion and expand his reach. Calvin desires to help people accomplish their dreams of acting, telling stories, but also be a part of changing the narrative and portrayal of people of color.

12:26 MIN.

Yves Beneche: Director/Writer

Yves Beneche, Vicky Jeudy, Raeshib

Aggerwhil: Producer

CONTINUOUS

Saturday, September 23 - 5pm

Sunday, September 24 - 11am

When her current boss starts to exploit her, a chance encounter offers Joyce, a Ghanaian Immigrant, a big break. But she must decide whether to tell the truth about her status and lose this opportunity or to continue the lie in her pursuit of the American dream.

Ahmed Uthman: Director/Writer

Sandi Johnson: Producer

Ahmed Uthman is a filmmaker and creative storyteller from Ghana. He graduated with his bachelor’s in film from Howard University and is pursuing his MFA at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. Ahmed has served as writer, director, and cinematographer on many short films, music videos, commercials and written four feature-length screenplays. Uthman’s filmmaking style is characterized by a deep sense of empathy and commitment to portraying the authentic narratives of African people on the continent and across the diaspora, their place in history and the contradictions that define them.

DARK FALLS

Virtual Only

country. The government decides to send a man to connect communication lines in Dark Falls to determine who is in the jungle to prevent an attack, but he is faced with mysterious problems.

Eleazar Nsabimana: Director/Producer/Writer

Eleazar Nsabimana was born in Rwanda. His hope is to teach people how much courage it takes to accomplish goals. The beginning of his film journey started at 18 years when he first showed interest in movies. Eleazar set out to create films with the goal of elevating his country’s local movies to another level. When he was 19, he put his first movie out on YouTube and Instagram. He has received multiple selections from film festivals, inspiring his ambition ever since.

EBEZINA

Saturday, September 23 - 11am

Sunday, September 24 - 2pm

Through spiritual encounters with a mystery man, a pianoplaying boy learns a song in hopes to reconnect with his grieving father.

13:23

Ifeanyi Ezieme: Director Ukairo Ukairo: Writer Zizheng “Boris” Liv, Devin O’Guinn: Producer

17:09 MIN.

Since 2008, different groups of terrorists and external forces use Dark Falls jungle to attack the

Ifeanyi Ezieme is a Nigerian-American filmmaker based in Los Angeles. He was a George Lucas scholar at the USC School of Cinematic Arts where he received his MFA in Film & Television Production. Ifeanyi completed his undergraduate degree at Pepperdine University where he made a series of short films that have gained international recognition. He is a writer, director, producer, editor, & cinematographer.

MIN.

6:11 MIN.

FATHEAD

Saturday, September 23 - 2pm

Sunday, September 24 - 11am

When one of the last free children of Junkyard Paradise has her brother stolen away from her, nothing will stop her from getting him back.

c. Craig: Director/Writer

David Orantes: Director

Duran Jones: Writer/Producer

David Orantes is a proud son of immigrants, raised by a single mother in Sun Valley, California. A pursuant of the more human journey, this director first sought to immerse his character in film while at Los Angeles Valley College and through California State University, Northridge. He is currently a Directing Fellow at the American Film Institute Conservatory.

20:00 MIN.

Alexa Villarreal, Letia Solomon, Mitchell Colley, Anthony Gaitros, Brandyn Johnson: Producer

c. Craig is a filmmaker whose work has received distinctions from The Blacklist, Sundance Screenwriters Lab, Sundance Episodic Lab, Hillman Grad’s Rising Voices, the Nicholl Fellowship, and AmPav at Cannes Film Festival. He is the recipient of the Innovation in Technology grant and the Edward Small Award for writing and directing from the University of Southern California (USC). He is an NAACP Image Award nominee for Outstanding Short Form (Live-Action), a recipient of the George Lucas Family Scholarship and directed the Paramount+ comedy special ‘Imperfect Messenger’ for Roy Wood Jr.

FIVE

Saturday, September 23 - 2pm

Sunday, September 24 - 5pm

FLES

23:38 MIN.

At the age of 16, Malcolm was convicted of homicide. He converted to Islam, and after 7 years he is released. Now 23 years old, with no diploma, no work history, and no place to go, he returns to his childhood home seeking the forgiveness of his mother.

5:33 MIN.

A young man is having a chat with his friend at a restaurant but gets distracted loses focus of the conversation. An experimental short about mindfulness and mental health, FLES (“self “spelled backwards) visualizes the chaotic state of mind and how to use mindfulness to regain focus.

Lochi Kalu: Director/Writer

Morta Viva Productions: Producer

Lochi is a filmmaker from Lagos, Nigeria. He started his career directing music videos, with his 2020 music video “Corner’’ being regarded as one of the most impactful music videos in Africa for its strong themes of women empowerment, inclusivity, and justice for victims of sexual abuse. FLES is his first film.

GET OFF’D

Saturday, September 23 - 5pm

Sunday, September 24 - 11am

A young suicidal man calls a hit on himself, only to realize how much he wants to live when his life is in danger.

Kyle Heard: Director/Writer Shannon Morrall: Producer

Kyle Heard is an emerging filmmaker from Tysons Corner, Virginia. An MFA candidate at the University of Southern California and graduate of Morehouse College’s Cinema Program, Kyle dives headfirst into the life of an independent filmmaker. While Kyle is not limited by the boundaries of genre, his films touch on and push the envelope of the quiet aspects of Black masculinity such as brotherhood, mental health, and perseverance.

GOLDEN FLOWER

Saturday, September 23 - 2pm

Sunday, September 24 - 5pm

Inspired by a True Story: During the 1500’s, the Taino Kingdoms of the Caribbean peacefully coexist with nature. One of their Kasiké (Chief), Anacaona maintains peaceful trade with the Spaniards. The greed of their leader Nicolás de Ovando pushes those relationships to the brink. 2022 finds the descendant of de Ovando, Nick who resides in Los Angeles with his girlfriend. There is hope for the future until one fateful visit.

David M. Massey: Director

Ilunga Adell, Isadora M. Ortega: Writer

David M. Massey, Xavier A. Santiago: Producer

Isadora M. Ortega: Executive Producer

David Massey is an Academy AwardNominated filmmaker with a Master of Fine Arts degree in Advanced Film & Television from the American Film Institute. He the first African American in the history of the Academy Awards to be nominated for an Oscar in the Live-Action Short Film category with Last Breeze of Summer (1992). Massey has produced and directed several films and television shows: Men of Courage; Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win; Fespaco; Island Song; When Justice Isn’t Just; Where We’re From; Not All Lost; Bar Daddy; Hinika; Conscience of the Congress; Passage, and Golden Flower. Massey is a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and he serves on the Oscar qualifying festival committee and the Student Academy Awards committee.

HOLLOW

Painted memories overwhelm Elliott as he reads a premeditated letter left by his abusive late father, forcing him to relive a traumatic past.

Pierce Thomas: Director/Writer

Amal Qureshi: Producer

Pierce is the quiet presence in a room, watching, listening and learning. This salutatorian turned filmmaker now gears the inquisitive mind he once lent towards academics towards the creative, reveling in the exploration of complex psyches and heavy dramas. He currently attends Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts in pursuit of becoming a full-fledged filmmaker.

5:30 MIN.

6:24 MIN.

21:55 MIN.

HOW WE CAME TO BE

Saturday, September 23 - 11am

Sunday, September 24 - 2pm

Bobby is an expert when it comes to video games but, unemployed. His girlfriend breaks up with him to move on to the next phase of her life. After the heartbreak, Bobby reinvents himself.

Marquette Jefferson: Director/Writer

Marquette Jefferson, Maria Guerrero: Producer

Marquette Jefferson is an American producer, writer, and director. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies, with an emphasis in Digital Media from California State University, Sacramento. Jefferson is the founder and CEO of JAMS 155 Entertainment. His company creates and finances films, digital content, and brand driven material. He has nine award-winning short films in his catalog and a feature film in post-production. Jefferson prides himself in creating content with universal themes, which is relatable to all cultures.

HYSTERICAL JUSTICE

Saturday, September 23 - 11am

Sunday, September 24 - 5pm

Hash Sesay: Director

Hash Sesay: Producer

Hashmiru Ahamad Sesay is a Sierra LeoneanAmerican filmmaker that seeks to bridge the gaps in communication by telling stories that entertain, enlighten, connect, and jolt audiences everywhere. A former registered nurse and U.S. Army officer, his background has led him to develop a unique creative sensibility and process of working. He earned his BFA in Film and Video Production from The City College of New York and an MFA in Producing at Brooklyn College Feirstein School of Cinema. He creates content that explores socio-political themes through comedy and surrealism with the intention to empower people to become actively engaged in their thinking.

HUSTLE MONEY Virtual

Only

A track and field sprinter must run his race in hopes of escaping three external forces: his exploitative coach, an intrusive photographer, and a greedy businessman. He runs past historic footage depicting components of his plight and loses concentration when he sees the three antagonistic forces emerge from the shadows.

Sebastian Brito: Director/Writer

16:20

Hysterical Justice analyzes the plight of Black America through the lens of humor as it examines the fight for social justice throughout American history. By implementing a combination of stand-up audio, archival footage, interviews, and reenactments, this piece can further illustrate how black humorists are able to laugh through pain and continuously strive for comedic greatness!

Sebastian Brito is an Afro-Dominican filmmaker studying directing at the Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts. Inspired by filmmakers like Spike Lee, Stanley Kubrick, and Ingmar Bergman, Sebastian is big on letting his cultural background and inspirations be the force behind his aesthetic, while also providing for reality and real-world experiences to be the anchor for his voice.

3:15 MIN.

16:49 MIN.

MIN.

I AM MORE DANGEROUS DEAD

Saturday, September 23 - 11am

Sunday, September 24 - 5pm

A poetic tribute to Nigerian activist and writer Ken SaroWiwa, who was executed after exposing the Nigerian government and Big Oil’s exploitation of his native land.

receiving end of unsolicited sexual advances by one of the candidates.

Calvin J. Walker: Director

Lafayette Dennis: Writer Lafayette Dennis, Calvin J. Walker: Producer

24:00 MIN.

Majive Uchibeke: Director Denzel Jenkins, Miles Lagoze: Producer

Majiye Uchibeke is a USC student pursuing an MFA in Film and Television Production. In 2013, he earned a Nigerian government scholarship which enabled him to pursue his undergraduate studies in Communication at St. Andrews University in North Carolina. Born in Ahoada, deep in the Niger Delta where there is abundant oil, Majiye draws from his personal experiences to bring awareness of the environment injustices in his community.

I CARE ABOUT YOU… BUT

Saturday, September 23 - 2pm

Sunday, September 24 - 11am

Calvin J. Walker is an award-winning filmmaker based in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. He has been active in the independent film world since 2012. He’s written for producers from various parts of the world and directed a multitude of projects within the web series and short film space. Calvin’s agency WM Casting Group is becoming one of the premier agencies for production companies looking to cast diverse talent. Walker has been married to his beautiful wife, Rayanna, since 2008 and they have three amazing children.

IN THE STATIC

Saturday, September 23 - 11am

Sunday, September 24 - 5pm

A paranoid woman returns to work after witnessing a traumatic experiment in her office’s laboratory, only to discover her coworkers may be trying to kill her.

Robert Butler III: Director

10:00 MIN.

Dan Fernandez: Writer Ben Lopez: Executive Producer

13:29 MIN.

Tasked with the assignment of voting in a new team lead at work, Ethan must determine which is more important, ethics or opportunity, after finding out his colleague and friend, has been on the

Robert Butler III is a filmmaker born, raised, and based in Compton, CA. Initially, Robert’s career path veered towards engineering, but his love for cinema led him to graduate from the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Robert has worked as a producer, camera operator, and editor for various online video platforms. Robert recently co-directed “Time Stamp,” which was selected for 12 festivals and won an award for “Best Director.” He dreams of making movies that address environmental racism and benign neglect amongst Black and Brown communities.

JEROME

Saturday, September 23 - 11am

Sunday, September 24 - 5pm

Basketball connects Jerome to his long-absent father, though not in the ways he wishes. As he struggles to accept his family’s shortcomings, Jerome questions who he is and who he’ll become.

Gianfranco Fernández-Ruiz: Director/Writer

Gianfranco Fernández-Ruiz, Santi Naidoo, Ben O’Keefe: Producer

Gianfranco Fernández-Ruiz is a Los Angelesbased writer/director who believes emphasis on character should mark culture as integral to character-identity but second to characterstory. Originally from Boston, his work mirrors the frail and current socio-political climate in intimate environments, staging nuanced characters with multicultural backgrounds. His voice mixes the beats, verve, and rhythms of his Dominican heritage and Boston roots. He currently studies directing at the American Film Institute Conservatory (AFI) and was selected for the Flip the Script Short Film Fund with CreatorPlus with his short film JEROME.

JUBILEE

Virtual Only 6:07 MIN.

On New Year’s Eve, 1999, the prediction of the end of the world creates a power struggle between a ruthless dictator, his right-hand man, and a scribe.

Kendall Outing, raised in rural Maryland, is a film director who makes psychological thrillers with a supernatural twist. Raised in deep Southern Baptist roots constantly inspires him to make stories that focus on the supernatural and how events completely out of our control can shape the way we behave and think.

JUST ONE SMALL THING

Saturday, September 23 - 5pm

Sunday, September 24 - 2pm

When a call home prompts Marques to visit his father, he must push past his urge to procrastinate in order to finally confront the truth behind his relationship with his father.

Sam Sanders IV: Director/Writer Keith Davies: Producer

Sam Sanders IV is a Writer/ Director/ Producer from Camden and a M.F.A. graduate from the Peter Stark Producing Program at the University of Southern California. Sam’s mission as a filmmaker is to tell diverse, multicultural stories that dismantle stigmatizations and empower the voiceless. For 10 years, Sam worked as an architect where he grew his passion for storytelling and the exploration of cultural expression. Sam believes that, like architecture, filmmaking is a truly collaborative and communal art form. His goal is to build opportunities for the diaspora of creative identities to share their unfiltered stories with the world.

Kendall Outing: Director/Writer

Maci Parker: Producer

14:27 MIN.

MA HASHE Virtual Only

Ma Hashe explores the life of Viola Hashe, who got involved with Trade Unions and eventually became the first female president of an all-male trade union in South Africa. It further explores how she achieved all she did while being blind, and how the contributions of people living with disabilities have been overlooked in favour of canon historiography.

Tokoloho Africa Mesemene: Director/Writer/Producer

Tokoloho Africa Mesemene was invited to participate in t he Haile Gerima filmmaking workshop in Luxor, Egypt, where he got to be mentored by Ethiopian and Egyptian filmmakers Haile Gerima. He was part of the 9th edition of Talents Durban, a satellite of Berlinale Talents in 2018 where he received script consultation from British producer Alby James. His samurai screenplay “Kurushimi” was filmed at the Toei Studios Kyoto and in 2019, reached the Top 10% of the prestigious Academy Nicholl Fellowship in out of a massive 7,300 high quality screenplays.

MOTHER’S TONGUE

Saturday, September 23 - 5pm

Sunday, September 24 - 2pm

D.Wilmos Paul: Director/Writer

Austin Ogletree, Edward Johnson: Producer Neaserkah Nuahn: Executive Producer

D. Wilmos Paul is an MFA directing student at UCLA. He holds a bachelor’s degree in film and Media Arts from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, where he settled when he fled his war-torn country, Liberia. Wilmos participated in a study program where he interned at Hollywood Studios International, writing script coverage. He worked on several productions, serving as a production assistant, a grip, and a gaffer. Wilmos wrote, directed, and produced six short films. One of which, ‘The Last Supper’ won the best psychological thriller award at a festival in 2016. His debut feature screenplay, ‘Immigrant Son,’ also placed as a finalist at WeScreenplay’s Diverse Voices screenwriting contest in 2018.

NEED A LIFT

Saturday, September 23 - 5pm Sunday, September 24 - 2pm

A driver working the night shift comes across unusual passengers, and each conversation forces him to reflect on his own life to ultimately realize what is most important.

Clark Langon: Director

Lamondo Renee Hill II: Writer

John Lucas, Alex Gocke: Producer

Clark Langon, Lamondo Renee Hill II: Executive Producer

15:52 MIN.

Junior, an African teenager, ashamed of his accent, enrolls in a creative writing club thinking he can make it through the semester without speaking… until he’s faced with his worst fear.

Clark Langon is a film director and producer born and raised in California. His career began in Rocklin, California, co-founding a multimedia company. He moved to Orange County to start a studio with other industry professionals. He has worked with such legendary artists as Alicia Keys, Foo Fighters, Brad Paisley, King of Leon, Andrea Bocelli, K.D. Lang, will.i.am, Mariah Carey, Scott Stapp, Chvrches, Slash, and many others.

12:23 MIN.

PICTURES ONLY

Saturday, September 23 - 11am

Sunday, September 24 - 5pm

to deliver a passing test, Sol comes against an unruly android and the real test begins.

Christopher Ortega: Director/Writer

Christopher Ortega, Mark R. Wright, Martina Lee: Producer

Set in 1950s Bronzeville, Louise Parker is facing eviction from her home. Desperate to keep her independence and status, she is introduced to a lucrative performing opportunity. While attempting to keep this new venture a secret, she simultaneously gains popularity, risking being exposed and disowned by her mother. She is left with two choices, become the headliner, or allow her family to lose everything.

20:53 MIN.

Charles A. Honeywood: Director

Charles A. Honeywood, Rachel Soland, Kheirra M. Peggs: Writer

Jennifer Goodman (Karum), Ryan Atkins, Charles A. Honeywood: Producer

Charles A. Honeywood, stage name “Honey Padre” is a Poet, Screen Writer, Director & Recording artist born and raised on the south side of Chicago, IL. Since the age of eight years old, he has been able to create music and has since then developed a niche for writing screenplays that leaves the audience wanting more.

PROTOTYPE

Saturday, September 23 - 5pm

Sunday, September 24 - 11am

An Afrofuturist, sci-fi film about a mother and daughter living in isolation on a remote science compound, who work to quickly patent the most human-like artificial intelligence on Earth. Under pressure from her mother

Christopher Ortega is an award-winning independent filmmaker. At the age of six, Ortega declared his aspirations to direct films, after his father exposed him to the classic Hollywood movies spanning to the silent film era. Ortega graduated from Morehouse College and the USC School of Cinematic Arts. In 2021, Ortega was one of the selected 12 of 400 applicants for the Liberated Territory fellowship, taught by Haile Gerima and sponsored by Array.

ROOTED

Saturday, September 23 - 11am

Sunday, September 24 - 2pm

Things quickly go south when a young man’s unusual DNA results are accompanied by a mysterious mask allowing him to see into the slave dungeon of his African ancestors.

Sean Addo: Director/Writer

19:25 MIN.

Ashely Chrisman, Jamari Perry: Producer Harry Lock VVI, Will Grant: Executive Producer

15:28 MIN.

Sean Addo is a Ghanaian-American filmmaker from Cincinnati, Ohio. During his time in undergrad, Sean would juggle his passion for VFX and Motion Graphics while playing college football for the University of Cincinnati. After his BA, he pursued an MFA at the University of Southern California, and later shadowed Trojan alum, John Singleton on FX’s Snowfall. Sean’s stories have been known to connect both global and domestic audiences.

SHOEBOX

Saturday, September 23 - 2pm

Sunday, September 24 - 5pm

Shoebox explores themes of mentorship, responsibilities, and honor through Trey’s life and the teachings he gathers while working at his neighborhood barbershop.

David Fortune: Director/Writer

Saleah Smith, Katie White, Kare Bortolus: Producer

Lena Waite, Rishi Rajani, Natash Wellesley, Dome`nica Castro, Constanza Castro: Executive Producer

A graduate of Morehouse College (B.F.A) and Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television (M.F.A), David F. Fortune finds power in normalizing the themes of compassion and intimacy set in inner-city communities. David has participated in directing fellowships such as the Village Roadshow Emerging Talent Program, ViacomCBS - ViewFinders Emerging Directors Program, Loyola Marymount University Incubator Lab, Indeed/Hillman Grad’s Rising Voices Directing Program and was named winner of the Netflix Content Creator’s Program for his film “Us”. David hopes to shed light on communities hidden in darkness through the art of visual storytelling and cinema.

SOLITUDE

Saturday, September 23 - 5pm

Sunday, September 24 - 11am

Zeph’s relationship with his friend and crush, Sol, is called into question as he increasingly spends more time with him preparing for an art exhibition. Events take a turn, forcing Zeph to question how he will reconcile who he is and who he is pretending to be for the acceptance of his family.

Knial Saunders: Director/Writer

Bei Lameng, Blaine Morris, Mary Liu: Producer Knial Saunders: Executive Producer

Knial Saunders is an award-winning writerdirector-producer whose work often explores themes of humanism, multicultural identity, sexuality, and religion. Knial is a distinguished alumnus of Howard University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree and was honored with the prestigious Paul Robeson Awards for undergraduate writing and directing, in addition to first place in the 88th annual Howard University Student Art Show. Building upon that foundation, Knial further refined his skills at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. While a student Knial earned opportunities to work for Shonda Rhimes and JJ Abrams where he further honed his craft.

17:29 MIN.

14:48 MIN.

SUMMERTIME BLUE IN E MINOR

Saturday, September 23 - 2pm

Sunday, September 24 - 11am

6:00 MIN.

Myrah is a frustrated exmusician of a musician family, who cares for her Alzheimer-stricken mother. Her world is turned upside down when her brother appears at her door after being estranged for five years.

Jehan Patterson: Director/Writer

Qi Qi: Producer

Jehan Patterson was born in Chicago. His interest in cinema and the arts sparked early with his exposure to Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing”. Patterson attended Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia, where he explored his love of the arts, working both in the theater and film worlds. Patterson would go on to earn his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Southern California directly after obtaining his graduate degree and moved to Los Angeles in the fall of 2022.

SWING- EPISODE 4

Virtual Only

Mike A. Pender studied film at Temple University before eventually getting into theater where he wore many hats including director. After touring the east coast with HarMageddo Entertainment, he realized film is where he wanted to be and in 2002 he made his first short film, “Intricate”. He and Atif Lanier, teamed up and do the short film, “The Negro Zone”, which went on to screen at multiple festivals. The film was honored with Philafilm’s 2003 Silver Award for Best Short Film Subject and in 2005 at the International Black Media Festival in Oxford, England as part of “The Best of Fest“.

TAMBOU

Saturday, September 23 - 2pm

Sunday, September 24 - 11am

An elderly Black Creole grandfather must make money from street performing or move to Oklahoma with his daughter and grandson.

Luke Harris: Director/Writer

Luke Harris, Ann Nguyen, Lance E. Nichols, Clif St. Laurent: Producer Raphael Del Toro: Producer

36:15 MIN.

Trip is an aspiring musician with one foot in the street and the other in his music. A lifetime of poor decisions has placed him between the police and a mysterious figure named Mississippi Black. He soon finds things are not always what they seem.

Mike A Pender: Director

Atif R Lanier, Mike A Pender: Writer

Mike A Pender, Atif R Lanier: Producer

Luke Harris is an award winning, DirectorWriter from New Orleans. He is graduate of USC School of Cinematic Arts in Film & Television Production and served as President of African American Cinema Society founded by John Singleton. Harris was a winner of the 2022 #CreateLouisiana French Cultural Film Grant for his film “Tambou”. He was selected into in 2023 NOFS Emerging Voices Directors Lab and NOVAC’s 2023 Director’s documentary cohort.” Pam” directed and written by Luke was selected onto Omeleto. He wrote and edited, “The First Day of Being Black,” which won a Jury Award at the student DGA Awards. “Provenance,” a show he wrote and produced, won Best Drama

22:00 MIN.

at the College Television Awards and was selected into Series Fest.

THE FAIRCHILD

Saturday, September 23 - 11am

Sunday, September 24 - 2pm

The new hire at an exclusive museum becomes a special part of the membership experience.

Danny Rogers: Director/Writer

Alyssa Katalynna, Celai Ahmadzai: Producer

Alex Rogers, Maisie Lee: Executive Producer

Danny Rogers is a filmmaker who tells provocative stories that explore complex identity issues and blur traditional genre lines. The paradox of his biracial identity and the strange experiences that come along with it inspire much of the award-winning writer/ director/actor’s creative work. In 2022, he earned an MFA in Film & Television Production from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. His graduate thesis film, The Fairchild, won the 28th Annual DGA Student Film Awards Jury Prize in the West Region/African American category. Danny is currently pursuing filmmaking and screenwriting in Los Angeles.

THE MEASURE OF A MAN

Saturday, September 23 - 2pm

Sunday, September 24 - 5pm

A young man victim of rape and sexual assault finds a healing space through his estranged father.

Denzel Jenkins: Director/Writer

David Lopez, Stephanie Jones: Producer

Niketa Reed, Arkansas Soul: Executive Producer

Denzel Jenkins is a Masters of Fine Arts graduate from the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California. He also holds a Masters of Arts in Journalism and an undergraduate Media Productions and Spanish degree from the University of Arkansas. His films have been award recipients of National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences student Emmy’s from Mid-America, Finalist for Yugo Student BAFTA, and Best Social Change film from the USC Faculty. Denzel’s goal is to write and direct films that uplift persons of color in cinema by providing new representation, ideas to create dialogue and healing spaces with a multifaceted storytelling approach.

THE SINS...

Saturday, September 23 - 5pm

Sunday, September 24 - 2pm

In 1870...the most hardcore, highly decorated, and most minimally celebrated, military unit ever created by the US Army were the Seminole Negro Indian Scouts...Then the US Army tried to destroy them...It didn’t work...

16:00 MIN.

16:16 MIN.

15:00 MIN.

Lovie Johnson: Director

Lovie Johnson, Patrick Caberty: Writer

Lovie Johnson, Brent Bye: Producer

Lovie is a Nigerian/Seminole/British/ Ashkenazi-Jewish Filmmaker, raised an Army brat and he played basketball overseas. Lovie’s life experience combines to provide him a unique lens which he applies to the discipline of storytelling as Filmmaker/ Actor/Writer/Director. Lovie first directed music videos, socially conscious/hip realityshows, and helped develop PSAs for nonprofit programs for the homeless youth in the Southeast. Lovie is committed to create social awareness and positive change through film and television around the areas of child abuse awareness and child sex trafficking plus social-change topics.

TIKTOK CHALLENGED

Saturday, September 23 - 11am

Sunday, September 24 - 2pm

A comedy about a grandma and her grandson attempting to make their first ever TikTok video.

Ivan Rome: Director/Writer

TIME STAMP

Virtual Only

The story follows Jackie Dixon who time travels from 2033 to 2019 to keep her parents alive.

Cade Huseby & Robert Butler III: Director/Writer

Madison Lin & Ryan Vega: Producer

Robert Butler III is a filmmaker born, raised, and based in Compton, CA. Initially, Robert’s career path veered towards engineering, but his love for cinema led him to graduate from the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Robert has worked as a producer, camera operator, and editor for various online video platforms. Robert recently co-directed “Time Stamp,” which was selected for 12 festivals and won an award for “Best Director.” He dreams of making movies that address environmental racism and benign neglect amongst Black and Brown communities.

UNRAPTURED

Saturday, September 23 - 2pm

Sunday, September 24 - 11am

8:38 MIN.

Yoko Kohmoto: Produer Nicole Bloomgarden: Executive Producer

Ivan Rome is a Columbus, Georgia native, filmmaker currently pursuing an MFA at Columbia University. He is the recipient of Columbia’s inaugural Bobby Kashif Cox Memorial Scholarship, an inaugural Diverso’s Black Writers in Focus Fellow, and was most recently selected as an MTV Joel Schumacher & Sophia Cranshaw Scholar by the Gotham Film & Media Institute. His work has screened at several Academy Award qualifying film festivals, and he is passionate about exploring black culture through humor and heart.

Adira finds herself trapped inside the love of a man. She must escape by overcoming the enabler of his toxicity and her own illusions of love.

Calvin J. Walker: Director

Jasmine Shanise, Calvin J. Walker: Writer

Calvin J Walker is an award-winning filmmaker based in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Calvin has been active in the independent film world since 2012. He’s written for producers from various parts of the world. He’s directed a multitude of projects within the web series

22:43 MIN.

15:14 MIN.

and short film space. Calvin’s agency WM

Casting Group is becoming one of the premier agencies for production companies looking to cast diverse talent. Calvin has been married to his beautiful wife, Rayanna, since 2008 and have three amazing children.

US

Saturday, September 23 - 2pm

Sunday, September 24 - 5pm

David For tune: Director

David Fortune, Ryan Hopkins: Writer

Kare Bortolus, Paisley Sutton: Producer

Ghetto Film School, Daquan Saxton: Executive Producer

13:56 MIN.

A devoted father experiences the highs and lows of teaching his son with down syndrome the sweet science of baseball. However, his patience is stretched as his child struggles to grasp the basic fundamentals of the sport they love.

A graduate of Morehouse College (B.F.A) and Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television (M.F.A), David F. Fortune finds power in normalizing the themes of compassion and intimacy set in inner-city communities. David has participated in directing fellowships such as the Village Roadshow Emerging Talent Program, ViacomCBS - ViewFinders Emerging Directors Program, Loyola Marymount University

Incubator Lab, Indeed/Hillman Grad’s Rising Voices Directing Program and was named winner of the Netflix Content Creator’s Program for his film “Us”. David hopes to shed light on communities hidden in darkness through the art of visual storytelling and cinema.

BHERC Team

Sandra Evers-Manly, President

John Forbes, Executive Director & Director of Festival Operations

Stephene Johnson, Operations Director

Robert C. McCune, Youth Director

Billie Green, Secretary

Dr. Shirley Evers-Manly, Special Projects

Braylon McCune, Video and Logistics

Andretta Hamilton, Special Projects and Research

Anthony Richardson, Special Projects

Richard Racklin, Editing

Lynne Connor, Media Relations

Makayla McCune, Researcher

Festival Administration and Coordination

Monica Alexander, Promotions

Odgen Bass, OB1 Films

Kelly Bass, Stage Management

Cazzie Burns, Photography

Sean Daniels, DVR Productions

Jam Protective Services

Cheryl Kemp

Armond Keys, Keys to Service, Catering & Craft Services

Tiffany Massey, Social Media

Carolyn Maxwell, Promotions

Ed Maxwell, Promotions

Herb Sims, Logistics

Tony Wafford, Promotions

Paula White, Paula N. White Designs, Graphic Design Volunteers

Daija Adams

Carol Anderson

Greg Boyd

Sihonn Dixon

Jada Henry

Heidi Hill

Marcia Johnson

Destinee Marshall

Shadera McCune

Tracy Mitchell

Alcee Walker

Special Thanks

All Eyes On Media

All Filmmakers- Past and Present All Program Participants

Amazing Grace Conservatory

Black Cultural Events

Brotherhood Crusade

Chafeh Graphics

Coffee Conversations with Greg J. Copyland

D. Nice

DCP For All

Ebony Reparatory Theater

Gwen’s Speciaty Cakes and Catering

KBLA Radio

KJLH Radio

L.A. Focus

Los Angeles Sentinel

Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Wave Newspaper

Pace News

Pan African Film Festival

Premier Office Space, Kym Sims & Miguel Arce

Prisma Color, Brain Turner

Raven Computers

Record One

Red Carpet Systems

Regal L.A. LIVE

Restoration Stage

SEM Inspirationals

Suite Life SoCal Magazine

The Loop 411

The Memorial Foundation

Tolliver’s Barbershop

Alcorn State University

American Film Institute

Brooklyn College

California State University, Northridge

California State University, Sacramento

Chatman College

Florida State University

Los Angeles Valley College

Loyola Marymount University

Morehouse College

University of California Los Angeles

University of Southern California

Yes We Print

The Honorable Marqueece Harris - Dawson, Council District 8

Kokayi Ampah

Lillian Benson

Randy Bradley

Greg Braxton

Camryn Burns

Gina Prince-Bythewood

Reggie Rock Bythewood

Bert Christian

Larry Chatman

Ryan Coogler

Lura Daniels-Ball

Jackie Cox

Jackie Dupont-Walker

Dianne Farrington

Bruce Gordon

Vicky Harper-Hall

Maurice J. Irvin

Fran Jemmott

Clifton Johnson

Maude Johnson

Kevin LaCour

David Massey

Darryl McCane

Lloyd McKinney

Ammar Mohamed

Mobolaji Olambiwonnu

Gloria Pualani

Dave Robb

Michael Schultz

Juel Taylor

Tawana Tibbs

Nicole Thompson

Camille Tucker

Larry Ulrich

Wendell Wiggins