President’s Message:
Sandra Evers-Manly
On behalf of the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center, I am honored to welcome you to our 26th annual Reel Black Men Short Film Showcase, here at the Directors Guild of America. Since the showcase was started, time and time again, it has shown, the exceptional talent and fervor of our emerging black male filmmakers is undeniable.
As America approaches a strong inflection point surrounded by the critical upcoming election, divisiveness, heated racial and ethnic tension, and the banning of books and our history; it is the stories that I have seen here, that often come rushing back to my mind. Reminding me, just how powerful the voices of our brothers are, and just how much they refuse to be silenced.
Distinguished writer and civil rights leader James Baldwin, who would have been 100 years old on August 2nd, affirmed the specific role of the artist when he asserted “You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read.” In this same fashion, the meticulously crafted stories that a filmmaker and their collaborators work to create, is a vivid representation of their own inner life, and usually are closer to our own than we think. These stories make us feel less alone. As Black people in America, there is a necessary danger to the greater matrix when we find our unity. Black storytellers take on the arduous task of keeping our community and culture connected.
The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center is proud to exhibit the work of this year’s extraordinary class of bright filmmakers. Our mission at BHERC, is to preserve the rich history and undeniable legacy of our culture in film and television. The men who heralded the stories that we will witness today not only do just that, but they have elevated our lives through their storytelling. From the potent themes of love, loss, power, and liberation, these men take us on an indelible and varied journey of experiences. Their work showcases diverse opinions, perspectives, and both shared and contrasting viewpoints. You will find no monolithic and stale representations of who we are, but rather, interesting and specific imaginations of all we can be.
We are privileged to have the evening hosted by none other than amazing, beloved and acclaimed actor, William Allen Young, a pillar in both the community and entertainment industry. With a vast career in Film, Television, and Theatre spanning decades, he has starred in such stellar productions as ‘Moesha’, ‘Code Black’, and ‘A Soldier’s Story’, to name a few. Young has offered his insight and encouragement to emerging actors and filmmakers for many years, and we couldn’t be more proud and grateful to have him return for our 26th year.
Former Reel Black Men Showcase alums such as Ryan Cooler (Black Panther), Nate Parker (American Skin), Tim Story (Barbershop), and Malcolm D. Lee (The Best Man) have become incendiary fixtures in
Hollywood, blazing trails that will usher in new and exhilarating generations of filmmakers, for the years to come. They have also paid it forward and become incredible mentors to young people, ensuring that the door won’t close behind them.
Thank you for your attendance and ultimately your participation in the support of the Reel Black Men Short Film Showcase. It is because of your contribution; we can keep alive the legacy of mentorship and support. Our power lies in what we invest in. With each filmmaker, take stock of the craft, power, and infectious passion that beams off the screen in their film. Their work is tremendous, and we are so proud to help offer their stories, and you should also feel proud to have been a small but vital piece in the development of an artist.
As we spend the evening enjoying and engaging with the prolific work that these outstanding filmmakers were divinely assigned to create, let us also ponder on the civic assignments we all hold as members of this nation. A major one being our vote. This year is a crucial time for us to examine and demonstrate our fundamental values, individually and collectively. We must understand, there is a desire for certain protections and rights to be snatched right out from under us. Our actions are important today and in the future.
Congratulations, to this year’s class of black male directors, their cast and crew, and all who were brave enough to capture a piece of their souls, in front of and behind the camera. It is you who will remind us who we are. I would also like to thank the entire BHERC team, our festival director Mr. John Forbes, and the gracious staff at the Directors Guild of America. Lastly, I humbly thank you for choosing to support black artistry and the evolution of cinema. With each class, the stories get deeper, bolder, and more imaginative.
When you continue to uplift our artists, we, essentially uplift the health of our entire culture and community.
Enjoy the showcase and share your experience online with hashtag, #ReelBlackMen.
Peace and Blessings!
Sandra
Executive Director & Director of Festival Operations Message:
John Forbes
It is my pleasure to again, serve as the director of The Reel Black Short Film Showcase.
Experiencing first-hand the talented filmmakers who write, direct, and produce outstanding short films has been remarkable. This year’s committee received over 1,000 film submissions and selected the 14 films that will be screened this afternoon and evening. We are proud of all our filmmakers for their consistency, hard work and dedication to making their films a reality.
For 26 years, through this showcase, the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC), has strived to recognize talented male Black and other diverse filmmakers and to create a dynamic showcase for the community to enjoy. You will see films from a variety of genres that will make you laugh, some may make you cry, but most of all they will touch and move you.
I would like to thank all of guests, program participants, sponsors, collaborators, vendors and other great partners. We are also 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.
We appreciate your support and ask that you continue to help share about the showcase and the work of the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center. The success of these programs help us to provide scholarships and resources to emerging filmmakers and the community.
Congratulations to our Class of 2024 Filmmakers!!!!!!
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
John Forbes
26th Annual Reel Black Men Short Film Showcase
Saturday, August 10, 2024 | 4:00 PM
Welcome John Forbes, BHERC Executive Director/Festival Director
Host ............................................................................................................................ William Allen Young, Actor/Director/Philanthropist
Opening Remarks ........................................................................................................................... Sandra Evers-Manly, BHERC President
Merck Patient Stories Tony Wafford, President & C.E.O., I Choose Life Foundation
Film Block One
CHOSEN (6:00 Min.)
BLUE EYES (7:36 Min.) ............................................................................................................................................................................
Fiyin Gambo
Andre Muir
HELL OF A CHILD (5:54 Min.)............................................................................................................................................... Dominique Draper
MY BROTHER & ME (17:00 Min.) Ryan DeForeest
HARLEM FRAGMENTS (6:26Min.)
Cameron Tyler Carr
RHYTHM & BLUES (5:33 Min.) Ramon Lyons
WOW (33:23 Min.) .....................................................................................................................................
Justice Gamble & Alex Benjamin
Intermission
Film Block Two
PORT OF A PRINCE (14:42 Min.)
TERMINALLY ILL (8:08 Min.)
J.R. Artiside
Christopher J. Cole
NANY (12:59 Min.) ................................................................................................................................................................ Bervick J. Deculus, II
DANNY BOY (6:58 Min.) .................................................................................................................................Luke Harris & MyQueal Lewis
SILENT PARTNER (16:00 Min.) Aristotle Torres
TOMATO SOUP (9:29 Min.)
IT TAKES A VILLAGE (13:34 Min.)
Joshua Mori & Bret McKee
Joshua Kissi
Closing Sandra Evers-Manly, BHERC President
Reception Immediately Following
Host:
William Allen Young
William Allen Young is an acclaimed American actor who has starred in over 100 television, stage and film projects in his illustrious career, including two Academy Award nominated films: A Soldier’s Story and District 9. He is recognized by millions of TV fans for his roles as Frank Mitchell from the hit series, Moesha, Judge Ratner on CSI: Miami, and Harry Wentz on Disney’s Good Luck Charlie. William starred as Dr. Rollie Guthrie on the CBS medical drama Code Black. Born in Washington D.C. and raised in South Central LA, William was inspired as a child by his mother, a high school dropout who worked as a maid to help support her seven children. She later went back to school to earn her diploma and a nursing license then went on to enjoy a successful career in the medical profession. “Education enabled my mother to get off her knees and realize her life’s dream,” says William. “That’s powerful!”
William studied acting at the famed Inner City Acting Academy and honed his acting skills at the USC School of Dramatic Arts. He gained national attention for his portrayals of Jeff Jackson in the NBC mini-series Freedom Road. He later co-starred with Oprah Winfrey in Women of Brewster Place and won critical praise for his starring role as Howard Bouchard in the ABC series Mariah, The Atlanta Child Murders, The Day After, Simple Justice, Wisdom, The Waterdance, Any Day Now, and the Off-Broadway production of In the Belly of the Beast.
He is a distinguished USC scholar/graduate who holds a Masters degree in Sociolinguistics, a Bachelors degree in Rhetoric & Theatre Arts, and has lectured at colleges and universities throughout the nation. As founder and president of the nonprofit Young Center for Academic & Cultural Enrichment, William has inspired countless lives and created opportunities for thousands of underserved youth to obtain a college education and become leaders of their communities.
He is a member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Directors Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild-AFTRA, Actors Equity Association, and American Film Institute. His many awards received over the years include: Ford Foundation Freedom Unsung Award, Thomas Kilgore Jr. Service Award, NAACP Humanitarian Award, Jenesse Silver Rose Award, USC Outstanding Alumnus Award, and he was deemed a Goodwill Ambassador by former President Bill Clinton. William currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife of over 35 years, educator and counselor Dr. Helen P. Young.
Films at a Glance
Saturday, August 10, 2024
BLOCK 1
BLOCK 2
2024 Reel Black Men Short Film Showcase Schedule
CHOSEN
6:00 MIN.
An American teenager with dreams of basketball stardom finds his world turned upside down when visited by the spirits of his ancestors.
Fiyin Gambo: Director/Writer Tiger George: Producer
Fiyin Gambo is an unconventional storyteller passionate about telling African stories. He has directed charttopping films like The Wait (No.1 on Netflix 24 hours after debut), The Blood Covenant, charted as No.1 on Prime video and award originals for platforms like Showmax (DIICHE). Fiyin Gambo was 2023 AMVCA’s Best Director Nominee and Top 10 Highest grossing director for 2022, has directed feature films, commercials and shorts, and has featured on BBC and premiered in Germany, United Kingdom and many international festivals.
BLUE EYES
7:36 MIN.
Blue Eyes is a film that explores the relationship between the demonization of traditional African spiritual systems, the trans-Atlantic slave trade, and how it all ties into mass incarceration. These themes unfold through Vic’s life journey as he returns to his roots.
Andre Muir: Director
Andre Muir: Writer
Manny Caston, Tashi Bhutia, Kevin Douglas : Producer
Writer and director Andre Muir is the son of Jamaican immigrants, born in Chicago, and now living in Brooklyn, NY. Andre Muir creates spiritual stories that explore the importance of language as it pertains to culture and its use for communication (or lackthereof) throughout his work. He often relies on a naturalistic, absurdist approach to speak to deeper truths, utilizing drawn-out moments and uninterrupted shots to bring tension to his scenes. Andre has won and been nominated for numerous awards including Ciclope, Webby Award, Ad Age, Clios, Cannes Lions, AICP Awards, 1.4 Awards, and Booooooom TV’s Best Short of the Year, to name a few. Most recently, Andre was selected as Sundance Screenwriters Intensive fellows and a Chicago International’s inaugural CIX Lab Fellow.
HELL OF A CHILD
5:54
A poignant exploration of youth, neglect, and the cycle of violence. Inspired by Robert “Yummy” Sandifer’s tragic story, this drama follows an 11-year-old boy navigating poverty and gang influence. As he grapples with survival and a longing for belonging, the film exposes children’s vulnerabilities in loveless communities.
Dominque R. Draper: Director/Writer
Yussef Hardy: Producer
Dominique Draper, a senior at USC majoring in Film & TV Production, is from Houston with roots in Memphis. As a first-generation college graduate-to-be, he draws inspiration from Memphis Soul and 90s Hip-Hop, shaping
his directorial vision. Influenced by works like “Snowfall” and “Killers of the Flower Moon,” Draper creates films highlighting people of color overcoming adversity. His short film “Hell of a Child,” based on Robert “Yummy” Sandifer’s life, has won awards at the Sherman Oaks Film Festival and Trinity Film Festival. Draper’s storytelling focuses on truth and substance, reflecting his Southern hospitality and diverse cultural influences.
MY BROTHER & ME
17:00 MIN.
When 13-year-old Terrence gets asked out on a date, by his long-time crush, he has to figure out how to get some wheels. To help him, his older brother Malik devises a secret plan to rob their father of their overdue child support money while he’s seemingly on vacation. But when they get to his house, the boys are tested with some harsh realities.
Ryan DeForeest: Director/Writer
Ryan DeForeest, Shandrea Evans, Lexx Truss: Producer Teresa DeForeest, Erika Neubauer, Walter Neubauer, Juana Neubauer
Based in Los Angeles, CA, Ryan DeForeest is a writer/director who has honed his skills over the past few years. He was recognized as a finalist in the PictureStart x GFS “Discover Your Voice Fellowship” (2022) and a semifinalist for NewFest’s New Voices Filmmaker Grant (2024), presented by Netflix. His short film, “My Brother & Me,” was also an official selection of the American Black Film Festival and the Micheaux Film Festival in 2024.
HARLEM FRAGMENTS
6:26 MIN.
An Afro-futurist scrapbook storytelling of a Harlem Black family’s beautiful destruction during the 2008 recession. A natural disaster so mesmerizing you can’t look away from the tragedy. Based on true events.
Cameron Tyler Carr: Writer/Director/Producer
Wes Andre Goodrich, Danielle Therese Douge: Writer
Lianne Becker, Collin Meath, Flore De Oro Tejada, Benjamin Drew Thompson
Cameron Tyler Carr is a born and bred Harlemite, Director and Creative Producer.
As a pragmatic optimist, Cameron’s constant mission is to continue to push, propel and create Black-led stories through film and creative, while spotlighting systemic inequities that often remain unconscious and unspoken in society. Cameron’s directorial debut was with HARLEM FRAGMENTS, backed by a $100K production budget in partnership with FUJIFILM. The film’s latest accolades span from 73 Film Festival acceptances and growing, 16 awards and 8 additional nominations, Grand Jury Best Film Winner at EssenceFest, Longleaf, IndieFilmFest, and Seattle Black Film Festival—and this year’s selection of the DGA Shoot New Director Spotlight Showcase Cohort. Cameron is coming off Lead Producing and Assistant Directing his first Narrative feature, securing in funding $1.5 million capital for the production budget, Silent Partner, also shot in Harlem, by an all-Black producing team.
RHYTHM & BLUES
5:33 MIN.
Melody, a passionate singer, and Tracy, a skilled producer, navigate the challenges of creating music while dealing with personal struggles. Through a series of emotional moments and creative breakthroughs, the couple must find a way to balance their love, dreams, and the demands of the music industry. In the end, they create a powerful song that reflects their journey, ultimately choosing to face the future together.
Ramon Lyons: Director/Writer Thom Kristensen: Producer
Ramon Lyons, a rising filmmaker from Orlando, discovered his passion for storytelling through summer movie outings with his family. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University, he embarked on a career-defining journey to create meaningful and impactful narratives. His first project, HOYA BOYZ, explores the complex identity of Black student-athletes. Influenced by music, action, thriller, and mystery, Ramon’s unique vision is deeply rooted in character and their world. He aspires to collaborate with likeminded individuals, hone his skills, and tell diverse stories about the Black community, ultimately inspiring the next generation to think and become more.
33:23 MIN.
WOW
It’s love at first sight when Chance, a foster kid, meets Michelle, a rich man’s beautiful daughter.
Justice Gamble & Alex Benjamin: Director
Justice Gamble: Writer
Justice Gamble & Alex Benjamin: Executive Producer
Justice Gamble is the son of a Black Pentecostal pastor and Asian seamstress. Originally from the Midwest but also spent summers as child in the country of Thailand. He grew up on R&B/ Hip-Hop/Gospel, sports, anime, comics, films and sci-fi novels. Justice joined the military and would later move to LA.
Alex Benjamin was born the youngest of five in Stockton, CA. Alex’s active imagination and devotion to martial arts propelled him into the entertainment realm, where he began acting and collaborating with other likeminded people.
BLOCK 2
PORT OF A PRINCE
14:42 MIN
A young Haitian boy must decide if joining a gang is the right path for him.
JR Aristide: Director/Writer
Gilbert Mirambeau: Producer
JR Aristide: Executive Producer
JR Aristide is an awardwinning Haitian-American writer/director from Miami, Fl. His curiosity for storytelling flourished while studying
philosophy (BA) at the HBCU, Florida A&M University. His passion for film pushed him to probe various themes ranging between personal identity, social morality, justice, and world religions. JR is inspired by a love for anime and Alan Watts. He continuously strives to tell genuine stories of authentic human interaction that are inclusive of the global African diaspora.
TERMINALLY ILL
8:08 MIN.
When a struggling rapper is summoned to his grandmother’s deathbed, he engages in a madcap freestyle in a hilarious but heartbreaking attempt to prevent her from dying.
Christopher J. Cole: Director/ Writer
Devin Tusa, George Rush, Caroline Kaplan, Topher Lin: Producer
Jacob Baker: Line Producer
Topher Lin, Robina Riccitiello, Matt Mclaughlin: Executive Producers
Chris learned how to make films as a child by forcing his siblings to act in parody rap videos. His passion for storytelling, music, and offcolor comedy has led to his previous work as a freelance music journalist and Video Producer and Apple. In 2021 and2022, he was selected as an SFFILM Filmhouse Resident to develop his feature film “Rolling Stone”. His short film “Terminally Ill” won the Audience Award and Oscar-qualifying Jury Award for Comedy at Aspen Shortsfest, and a Silver Screen Award at the Young Director Award.
12:59 MIN.
NANY
It is the story of a young woman who struggles to free herself from a home filled with mankind’s most legendary evil force.
Bervick J. Deculus II: Director/ Writer
Courtney M. Franklin: Writer/ Producer
Hailing in Los Angeles, CA, Bervick fell hard for the art of film in 1994 and never released his powerful intention. At 25 years as an independent filmmaker, Bervick is battletested to handle projects of any size while facing production headwinds and naturally possesses a director’s eye, including a thorough approach to executing conventional storytelling. He scored Best Horror (NANY) and Best Director of Short Film (NANY) at the Las Vegas Black Film Festival (2024). Bervick, an award-winning filmmaker, graduated with a B.A. in Communications from Howard University while he fulfilled major cinema electives at USC as an exchange student.
DANNY BOY
6:58 MIN.
A young Black Grandson must navigate the challenges of caring for his Grandmother recently diagnosed with Diabetes.
MyQueal Lewis, Luke Harris: Director
Yusef Dingle: Producer
Logan Coles: Executive Producer
Luke Harris: Luke Harris is a Black award–winning, Director-Writer. A graduate of USC School of Cinematic Arts studying Film & Television Production and served as President of African American Cinema Society founded by John Singleton. Winner of the 2022 #CreateLouisiana French Cultural Film Grant for his film “Tambou” starring Lance E. Nichols. Premiered at the 26th French Film Festival. A finalist at the 2022 New Orleans Film Festivals South Pitch. 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 which has received over half million views. He wrote and edited, “The First Day of Being Black,” won a Jury Award at the student DGA Award and a show he wrote and produced, “Provenance,” won Best Drama at the College Television Awards and was selected into SeriesFest.
MyQueal Lewis: With a degree in Social Work from Florida A&M University, MyQueal Lewis seamlessly blends his expertise in social issues with his creative vision in film. His collaborations with brands like Beats by Dre, Disney, and Cricket Wireless have broadened his reach, yet his focus remains on crafting narratives that resonate deeply with individuals
SILENT PARTNER
16:00 MIN.
After winning a controversial case, a Black attorney at a white-shoe law firm questions the legitimacy of his recent promotion.
Aristotle Torres: Director
Aristotle Torres, J.J. Johnson: Writer
Salma Qarnain, Roderick Lawrence: Producer
Aristotle is a writer/director out of NYC who developed his debut feature film STORY AVE
first as a short film, and then through the prestigious Sundance Labs. An accomplished music video director in the past, Aristotle has worked with artists such as J Cole, Nas, 2Chainz, and Ludacris. He has directed commercials and campaigns for brands such as Pepsi, Red Bull, Under Armour, and Starbucks. He also has written and directed short films that have played at various festivals across the world.
TOMATO SOUP
9:29 MIN.
Two people living on the streets trade secrets and give one another compassion that reinvigorates their sprits.
Joshua Mori, Bret McKee: Director
Joshua Mori: Writer
Selina Albright, Joshua Mori, James Mori: Producer
Joshua Mori: Founder of Mori Pictures, a Dallas-based boutique media company that develops, produces and finances original and engaging content for film and television. Mori is a highly imaginative storyteller who received a screenwriting certificate from New York Film Academy in 2021. He’s the director/producer of soon to be released Tomato Soup, an adapted short based on the award-winning short work of fiction Beneath The Cracks. He’s currently producing King of Dallas that promotes Black storytelling and explores the persistent issue of colorism in a dystopian city (expected release 2024). Mori’s working slate is comprised of epic humanist tragedies, and he stays committed to delivering unforgettable stories.
Bret McKee: Bret McKee is a SAG actor and stunt performer. He graduated Cum Laude with a Fulbright scholarship from GA State
University, and is fluent in German. He has a 4th degree black belt in Bujinkan, is a PadiCertified Deep Diver, and a photographer. When he’s not working in film, Bret spends his time as a technical tree climbing instructor, and enjoys playing guitar.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
13:34 MIN.
In a family where rites of passage have been performed for generations, a father prepares his morally conflicted son toward manhood, through the hunting of a deer.
Joshua Kissi: Director
Joshua Kissi, Keyla McNeely: Writer Kegan Sant: Producer Joshua Kissi, Leah Natasha Thomas: Executive Producer Patrick Milling-Smith, David Richards: Executive Producer Kamila Prokop: Executive Producer
Joshua Kissi is a Ghanaian-American director and photographer. Growing up in the Bronx, NY, he had a deep affinity for the arts despite the lack of exposure and accessibility to the creative industries. As a filmmaker, Joshua has an innate ability to find a commonality and connection point with everyone he comes across and each character whose story he is telling imbues his films with insights that are completely unexpected, and emotional depths rarely explored. Joshua Kissi truly is the storyteller of our time. He has directed campaigns for Google, LinkedIn, Hennessy, NBA, New York Times, Chrevrolet and is now looking forward to his dive into the narrative world with his first short film, “It Takes A Village”.
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