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REGAL L.A. LIVE 1000 West Olympic Blvd. | Los Angeles 90015

29th l a Annu S.E. MANLY

American African short film Showcase

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President’s Message Sandra Evers-Manly

Happy New Year Honored Guest:

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n behalf of the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC), we welcome and thank you for attending the 29th Annual S.E Manly African American Short Film Showcase closing weekend, January 19th-21st, at Regal LA Live movie theater in downtown Los Angeles.

For three decades, BHERC has remained dedicated to preserving and cultivating the Black cinematic presence in Hollywood, and advocating for our prosperity. We’ve had the privilege to provide consistent support and opportunities for emerging, Black filmmakers to step into their calling, as artists and storytellers.

Due to much uncertainty and conflicts at home and abroad, a majority of 2023 was filled with a great deal of hardship, however, our selected films only prove the sheer power of artistry. The strike and the powers that resisted change, desperately sought to break its creatives. With this year’s festival lineup, it’s clear that plan has failed. Out of 500 submissions, 50 films were chosen and each one shows exactly why they are not only vital, but worth every demand they fought for. These rising filmmakers took on a plethora of genres and I have no doubt that you will be changed from the inside out. The work is enthralling, transformative, and simply put, one of the best years in the history of the festival.

Taking into account the state of our country and its relationship to history and education, we decided to do things a little differently this year. On Jan. 19th, we will kick off our festival with a student screening of BHERC festival alumna Ava DuVernay’s searing film, “Origin”. This film is a beautiful melody of education, humanity, and well-crafted filmmaking. It is a love letter to the connective hu-

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29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

man spirit, and we are proud to help shepherd this story to over 1,100 students from 12 schools in the LA county. We invite you to take the evening and head to a theater near you to see this powerful film as well. And rather than just holding our young people hostage to the passenger seat, we are letting them drive into their own artistry as well by providing a Youth block of films; we will be able to experience various films for students 10 & up. So please, take notice of the themes and topics that are shaping our filmmakers.

Once again, on behalf of BHERC, we send a heartfelt thank you for your continued interest, support, and patronage of this year’s festival. Filmmaking dies a slow death in the absence of community, and we are so grateful that you all are keeping it alive. Fortunately, you don’t even need to attend a festival to keep doing that. This year, we are continuing with the efforts of our initiative: The First Weekend Club. After the weekend ends, we will need to stay vigilant to consuming our stories so, in 2024, we invite you to take your families and friends to watch a film on the very first weekend it opens, or soon thereafter. By taking this simple action on our part, we are making a communal statement that, not only do our stories matter, we demand to see them. We would like to extend a special thank you, to the many community leaders and ministers who are committing their time and interests to this cause. Please go out to support our filmmakers and the many films that deserve our attention including, “Origin”, “American Fiction”, “Rustin”, and “Color Purple” to name a few.

Congratulations to our filmmakers! Continue to create, tell, and champion our stories. Special thanks to festival Director John Forbes, and the entire BHERC Team, our partners and sponsors.

Let’s continue to highlight and protect our books, our history, our struggle, our achievements, our images, our love, our purpose, and our humanity!

Enjoy the festival, and we look forward to engaging with you on social media over the weekend.

With Gratitude,

Sandra

29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

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29th l a Annu S.E. MANLY

American African short film Showcase

Films & Filmmakers

A SOUND TO REMEMBER h 29t al u n An

6:00 Min.

BABY

19:50 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #2 January 20th | Saturday | Block #4 11:00am – 1:00pm | Theater 13 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Theater 13

January 21st | Sunday | Block #15 January 21st | Sunday | Block #15 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 13 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 13 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 to attend gthe University of Southern California. Tyler continues to focus on and improve his film making skills, while seeking to tell stories that stem from his own experiences as a Black man in America.

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

Cole Swanson: Director/ Writer Justin Aaron Sirkin, Mary Christine Antonovich 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.

29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

BEYOND SKIN DEEP 13:23 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #1 11:00am – 1:00pm | Theater 14 January 21st | Sunday | Block #12 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Theater 14 A visit to Gina’s intolerant mother-in-law triggers an argument between her and her husband, Todd, regarding her involvement with their biracial child.

Stacey Larkins: Director/ Writer/Producer Stacey Larkins is an award winning filmmaker, writer and musician residing in the New York City. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Spelman College, and a Master’s from New York University.

She has shot, written, directed, composed and edited several short films. Her award winning film Jabari Keating is currently airing Aspire TV’s Urban Indie Film Block.

BLUE LACES 9:45 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #5 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 14

On a routine bike ride through the northside of Long Beach, high school juniors, Chilli, Mia, and Tracey, pass Kiki, a fellow classmate, who sits at a park bench in distress. In an effort to comfort Kiki, Chilli reveals that she lost her brother at the hands of the police and the two bond over the recent loss of Kiki’s brother. Chilli extends an invitation of family and protection through the crip gang.

Brit Banks: Director/Writer Britt Banks is an award-winning director and screenwriter from Long Beach, California who focuses on amplifying the voices of non-binary, women, and girls of color. Britt’s profound short film THICKE, is a film festival grant winner. Her award-winning short film BLUE LACES, screened at several film festivals internationally. Her horror short film, RONALD, premiered on REVOLT TV after winning their hip hop horror contest. Britt is also a 2022 Film Impact Georgia filmmaker grant runner up. In addition to directing, Britt has worked as a digital imaging technician and her work can be seen on Monkeypaw Productions’ HONK FOR JESUS. SAVE YOUR SOUL. Britt has experience in the entertainment industry and has directed 7 short films, 6 web-series episodes, and an upcoming feature film. She also has network TV experience through NBCUniversal’s Content and Production department.

January 21st | Sunday | Block #16 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 14

29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

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BUILDING A LEGACY h 29t al u n An

4:53 Min.

BWA KAYIMAN 12:25 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #6 January 20th | Saturday | Block #7 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 13 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 14

January 21st | Sunday | Block #9 January 21st | Sunday | Block #14 11:00am – 1:00pm | Theater 13 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 14 Building A Legacy is a profile documentary on the life of artist Justin Zachery.

Zachery is an African American painter, whom, like others, in the early stages of his life did not take his gift serious.

Following an unfortunate turn of events Zachery found the motivation that he needed to take his gift and share it with the world.

Jeffery Marquis Glover: Director/Writer/Producer Jeffery Glover is a native of Beaufort, SC, born in May of 1994. After graduating from High School, he Joined the United States Army and served 6 Years.

During his time in the service, he had the privilege of traveling the world. In that time, he also began to document his travels with photography. Realizing his passion for storytelling, he left the military and started a new chapter in his life. Jeffery is currently a student at Savannah State University where he studies Mass Communications concentrating in multimedia. He will be graduating in the spring of 2024 and looks to continue a career in visual storytelling.

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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.

Yves Beneche: Director/ Writer Yves Beneche, Vicky Jeudy, Raeshib Aggerwhil: Producer 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. Yves is passionate about telling character driven stories focusing on honest portrayals of the Black experience.

29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

CABBAGE 14:00 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #3 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Theater 14 January 21st | Sunday | Block #10 11:00am – 1pm | Theater 14 While recovering from the grief of a miscarriage and a dry, dying farm, Mabel and Abraham are visited by a strange traveler who offers them a chance to wager their true love for each of their deepest desires. Their deal leads to the magical growth of a suspiciously bountiful baby from within their own farm, and a torrent of much needed rain. The two are suddenly plunged into a slow growing nightmare of their own creation, eventually finding themselves pitted against one another and forced to face the visceral consequences of the question: how far will one go to get what they desire?

Destinee McCaster: Director Vincent J. Walker: Writer Gabby Fiszman, Maria Paula Quesada: Producer Destinee McCaster is an Arizona-gone-LA director, actor, editor, and screenwriter, currently at the University of Southern California as she finishes a BFA in Film and Television Production on a full-ride scholarship.

She loves the universalities in narratives of growing up, queer womanhood, and artist identity. Destinee hopes to craft stories that take the straightedge standard of genre and bend it into a new, commentative light.

Recently, she has enjoyed exploring genres like horror

and comedy as a chance to reinvent, or shape stories in ways that speak to perspectives that rarely get seen. Her current work spans across mediums of film, design, animation, and new media. As a queer, female, biracial storyteller, she constantly seeks to amplify her own underrepresented experiences and ideas as someone navigating life alongside companies and creatives that aim to define and deliver fresh forms of storytelling to audiences everywhere. Destinee’s films have been recognized at multiple film festivals.

CIRCLES 15:23 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #1 11:00am – 1:00pm | Theater 14 JJanuary 21st | Sunday | Block #12 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Theater 14 Stuck in a never ending cycle of addiction, Maxwell must find a way out before it’s too late.

Audie C Silcott: Director Jeffrey Creightney: Writer Jeffrey Creightney, Audie Silcott, Taeshia Agyemang: Producer Miami based Director, A. Cordell Silcott, is originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands and moved to Massachusetts at the age of 12. He directed his first short film, “Honey, Please Take Out The Trash” in 2019. From there, he went on to be involved in several other short films as a cinematographer, editor, writer and Producer. Cordell’s latest Director’s credit comes from the short film, “Circles” in 2022.

29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

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CLONES h 29t al u n An

COLOR

14:10 Min.

8:30 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #7 January 20th | Saturday | Block #2 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 14 11:00am – 1:00pm | Theater 13

January 21st | Sunday | Block #14 January 21st | Sunday | Block #15 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 14 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 13 Hilarity ensues when three couples with their own assortment of problems, volunteer for a cloning experiment, only for their multiple clones to rebel and threaten a hostile takeover as the couples soon discover the trial was all a front for an organ-harvesting operation!

Letia Solomon: Director Nate Walker: Writer Letia Solomon, Nate Walker, Carly Rogers: Producer Letia Solomon is an award-winning writer/director based in Los Angeles. Former Aerospace Materials & Processing Engineer, she received her MFA in TV & Film Production from the University of Southern California in 2020. Her thesis film, “The Cypher”, premiered at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival, and screened in CAA’s Moebius Short Film Showcase.

“The Cypher” was a finalist of the 2020 ABFF HBO Competition and her mockumentary short comedy “Clones” won the 2022 Lionsgate/STARZ Award for Best Speculative Fiction Film. In 2023, “Fathead”, a virtual production short film Letia Co-Produced was nominated for a NAACP Image Award.

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Black rookie officer Maria Hill is excited to walk in her father’s footsteps on her first shift as a Los Angeles Police Officer. On the night shift with her new partner, a call of suspicious activity comes over the radio and they notice a young man in a hoodie wandering ahead of them. An object catches the eye of Maria’s partner who draws his weapon. Hill must decide whether to intervene and treat him as an innocent teen or a likely suspect, forcing her to examine her loyalty to her community and her badge.

Carly Rogers: Director/Writer Josie Andrews, Aida Gevorgyan: Producer Carly Rogers is a writer, producer and director from Portland, Maine, with her MFA in Film and Television Production from the USC School of Cinematic Arts. A natural storyteller, she relocated to Los Angeles to pursue her career in filmmaking.

She has produced several short films, including the short documentary project Immigrant at Home which showed in multiple film festivals and won awards. Her directorial debut short Missing premiered in 2020. Growing up in a mixed-race household she gained a unique view of the world, one that she hopes to share through her work

29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

in film. Carly is passionate about changing the narrative for underrepresented voices. Her goal is to progress representation for people of color in the entertainment industry and tell more dynamic stories of their lives.

DAY 6

CONTAGIOUS SWAGGER

January 21st | Sunday | Block #16 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 14

11:35 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #5 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 14 January 21st | Sunday | Block #16 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 14 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 James 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.

36:03 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #5 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 14

In the very short span of six days, a hardworking, loving, fiercely devoted son, must come to terms with the pain and finality of losing his beloved mother to Alzheimer’s disease. While, also, struggling through the feelings he has for the newly hired nurse he employed to be her nighttime caretaker.

Tiffani Bliss Brown: Director/Writer/Producer Tiffani “Bliss” Brown is a Baltimore based actress and filmmaker making both her producer and directorial debut with her short film, “Day 6.” In addition to producing and directing the film, she also wrote the script, casted the actors and served as head makeup artist and costumer for the project.

29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

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DINNER GUEST h 29t al u n An

13:20 Min.

DREAMS 17:46 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #4 January 20th | Saturday | Block #8 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Theater 13 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 13

January 21st | Sunday | Block #15 January 21st | Sunday | Block #11 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 13 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Theater 13 Crystal, hails an Uber one fateful evening to make it to a date. Little does she know, her polite and unassuming driver, Robert, conceals a sinister secret beneath his charming façade. As the ride progresses, Crystal gets drugged and kidnapped.

Crystal becomes Robert’s unwilling dinner guest but is offered her freedom as long as she cooperates and allows Robert to execute his date.

Bryce Ray: Director/Writer Mamadou Bah: Producer Bryce Ray is an accomplished filmmaker. With a decade of dedicated experience in the realm of cinema, Bryce has honed his talents across various facets of filmmaking, including directing, cinematography, editing, producing, and writing.

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When seven months pregnant Nelo Dike moves into her husband’s ancestral home. She dreams are of an angry woman yelling at her to leave; but Nelo’s worst nightmare is when her dreams become her reality.

Chioma Paul-Dike: Director/Writer Chioma Paul-Dike, Eric Kafui Okyerefo: Producer Passionate about film and storytelling, Chioma Paul-Dike has worked in the film industry since 2015. Starting as an assistant and working her way up. She’s co-founded a production company invested in telling authentic African stories.

Chioma has a degree in Communications from Babcock University and has further studied filmmaking at Multichoice Talent Factory.

29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

FATHEAD

FOR THEM THAT PREY

19:58 Min.

13:00 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #8 January 20th | Saturday | Block #5 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 13 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 14 January 21st | Sunday | Block #11 January 21st | Sunday | Block #16 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Theater 13 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 14 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 Alexa Villarreal, Letia Solomon, Mitchell Graham Colley: Producer 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.

For Them That Prey is a psychological drama about Sadi, a young woman in transit, perpetually harassed both in reality and as trauma sub-consciously in a motel as she attempts to enjoy a simple night of sleep.

Mmakgosi Anita Tau: Mmakgosi Anita Tau, Trent Welstead: Mmakgosi Anita Tau is a writer and award-winning filmmaker from Botswana completing her MFA in Film at Syracuse University.

She is currently participating in Syracuse University’s Semester in Los Angeles. She is also a published poet, has conducted community workshops on poetry and mental health, and as part of her MFA program taught introductory filmmaking and scriptwriting.

29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

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GOLDEN FLOWER h 29t al u n An

22:16 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #7 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 14

January 21st | Sunday | Block #14 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 14 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. One fateful day, 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.

The antithesis of his forebear, 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 Award-Nominated 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

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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.

HEARTLAND 10:41 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #4 2:00p – 4:00pm | Theater 13 January 21st | Sunday | Block #15 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 13 A woman attempts to immortalize her dying grandfather using virtual reality technology, but her obsession with documenting drives a wedge between them.

Jahmil Eady: Director/ Writer Selena Leoni: Producer Jahmil grew up in Charleston, SC and NYC. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from Pomona College. Jahmil’s work has been screened at film festivals all over the world. Jahmil is currently pursuing her MFA in directing at UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television.

29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

HYSTERICAL JUSTICE 16:21 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #6 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 13 January 21st | Sunday | Block #9 11:00am – 1:00pm | Theater 13 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!

Hash Sesay: Director Hash Sesay: Producer Hashmiru Ahamad Sesay is a Sierra Leonean-American 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.

I AM MORE DANGEROUS DEAD 24:00 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #2 11:00am – 1:00pm | Theater 13 January 21st | Sunday | Block #15 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 13 A poetic tribute to Nigerian activist and writer Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was executed after exposing the Nigerian government and Big Oil’s exploitation of his native land.

Majive Uchibeke: Director Denzel Jenkins, Miles Lagoze: Producer Majiye Uchibeke is a current 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.

29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

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IN THE STATIC h 29t al u n An

9:59 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #8 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 13

January 21st | Sunday | Block #11 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Theater 13 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 Dan Fernandez: Writer Ben Lopez: Executive 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.

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JEFFREY KING: THE LEGACY TOUR 30:19 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #8 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 13 January 21st | Sunday | Block #11 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Theater 13 Jeffrey King: The Legacy Tour is a powerful and introspective documentary that delves into the remarkable life and enduring influence of Jeffrey King, an iconic Black Gay leader in Los Angeles.

This film explores King’s journey of self-discovery, battling substance abuse, overcoming homelessness, and founding In The Meantime Men’s Group, Inc., one of the nation’s oldest non-profit Black organizations dedicated to the well-being of Black Gay men.

Nathan J. Lee: Director Jeffrey King: Writer/Producer Nathan J. Lee, a multi-talented artist, and creative professional, is known for his diverse contributions as a director, poet, writer, and film producer based in Los Angeles. Born and raised in South Mississippi, his roots have shaped his artistic vision and storytelling approach. Before delving into the world of film and poetry, Nathan J. Lee proudly served his country as a military veteran. After completing his service, he pursued his passion for storytelling by attending The Los Angeles Film School.

29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

JEROME

JUST ONE SMALL THING

January 20th | Saturday | Block #4 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Theater 13

January 20th | Saturday | Block #5 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 14

January 21st | Sunday | Block #15 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 13

January 21st | Sunday | Block #16 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 14

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 and who he’ll become.

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.

14:26 Min.

18:00 Min.

Gianfranco Fernández-Ruiz: Director/Writer Gianfranco Fernández-Ruiz, Santi Naidoo, Ben O’Keefe: Producer Gianfranco Fernández-Ruiz is a Los Angeles-based writer/director who believes emphasis on character should mark culture as integral to character-identity but second to character-story.

Originally from Boston, his work mirrors the frail and current socio-political climate in intimate environments, staging nuanced characters with multicultural backgrounds. His stories bridge the gap between the siloed other and the mainstream, focusing on relationship dynamics. 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 (AFIC), and was selected for the Flip the Script Short Film Fund with CreatorPlus with his short film JEROME.

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.

29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

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JUST US h 29t al u n An

LIGHT HEART

12:15 Min.

9: 54 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #6 January 20th | Saturday | Block #1 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 13 11:00am – 1:00pm | Theater 14

January 21st | Sunday | Block #9 January 21st | Sunday | Block #12 11:00am – 1:00pm | Theater 13 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Theater 14 After being visited by a spirit from his past, a Mississippi Judge is forced to deal with the memories that have haunted him of a young boy whose life he took, but never paid the price for.

Alycia L. Cooper: Director/Writer/ Producer Alycia Cooper is what’s known in Hollywood at a multi-hyphenate. She’s an actor/comic/ writer/ producer/ director. She loves each skill set equally- but for different reasons. Being an actor has allowed her to be an excellent director, who knows how to direct other actors. A comedian is basically a writer, director, and producer of their own material. And when you combine all five, you’ve got Alycia.

When a young girl discovers the heart of the world it’s up to her and her baby sister to it from a dark force.

Assata Shaqur Jackson: Director/Writer Megan Sousa, Tiffany Spriggs: Producer Nicole L. Thompson, Juliet Beneich: Producer Assata Jackson, a native of Long Island, New York, Assata holds a B.A in communications with a focus in broadcast production from Bethune-Cookman University. While there Assata wrote and produced, Show Me What You Got, a school televised program. She had the opportunity to intern at Black Entertainment Television and work on shows like Bobby Jones Gospel, 106 & park, and With Or Without. She recently interned at one of the top management companies in Hollywood, The Gotham group.

As an MFA film student at the University of Southern California, Assata dedicates her life to making a difference through filmmaking. She hopes to inspire, educate, and motivate people through her work.

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29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

MOTHER’S TONGUE

NEED A LIFT

January 20th | Saturday | Block #6 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 13

January 20th | Saturday | Block #3 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Theater 14

January 21st | Sunday | Block #9 11:00am – 1:00pm | Theater 13

January 21st | Sunday | Block #10 11:00am – 1pm | Theater 14

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.

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.

15:52 Min.

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.

15:00 Min.

Clark Langon: Director Lamondo Renee Hill II: Writer John Lucas, Alex Gocke: Producer Clark Langon, Lamondo Renee Hill II: Executive Producer 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.

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OVER THE WALL h 29t al u n An

18:10 Min.

6:53 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #6 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 13

January 20th | Saturday | Block #7 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 14

January 21st | Sunday | Block #9 11:00am – 1:00pm | Theater 13

January 21st | Sunday | Block #14 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 14

Nine seconds, it’s about all you have. Welcome to the fast-paced world of a NASCAR pit crew. Over the Wall is an immersive film following Brehanna Daniels, the first Black woman pit crew member and tire changer in NASCAR, as she works her way back from injury to participate in the Daytona 500, the biggest race in the sport. A testament to the power of perseverance and what it takes to be a trailblazer.

The fallacy of Black manhood is to persistently create the impression that everything is fine. Perceived follows a hardworking man as he shows others that he has it all figured out. But what does he show himself?

Krystal Tingle: Director Krystal Tingle: Writer Krystal Tingle, Moon Ferguson: Producer John Skipper, Gary Hoeing: Executive Producer Stanley Nelson, Smriti Keshari: Executive Producer Krystal Tingle is a Jamaican American writer, director, and producer whose work honors and reflects the rich complexities of Black experiences by exploring themes of joy, faith, community. Krystal’s highlights include Hulu’s The 1619 Project, Flavor Unit and Tribeca Studios, Queen Collective, Soledad O’Brien’s Disrupt & Dismantle series for BET, and Spit on the Broom, winner, Best Experimental Short, New Orleans Film Festival.

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PERCEIVED

Robert McCune: Director/Writer Robert McCune is an aspiring filmmaker from California’s Bay Area. Deemed a prodigy as a child, Robert, was known for his creative writing and orating ability as a spoken word artist. After attending a film festival hosted by BHERC, Robert realized he wanted to continue to tell stories through film. In the following years, he has committed himself to the craft of storytelling through film, and is hoping to earn the titles of filmmaker and director.

29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

PICTURES ONLY 20:53 Min.

PROFESSOR BLACKTEACH 19:55 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #6 January 20th | Saturday | Block #1 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 13 11:00am – 1:00pm | Theater 14 January 21st | Sunday | Block #9 January 21st | Sunday | Block #12 11:00am – 1:00pm | Theater 13 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Theater 14 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.

“Professor Blackteach’’ highlights racist micro-aggressions that African Americans. Tiara Blackteach, the newly hired African American studies professor at Preedom White University, reaches a breaking point that forces her to look at her own reflection and dive deep into her knowledge of SELF. The film comedically tackles heavy topics making the audience laugh themselves into a trance of understanding.

Charles A. Honeywood: Director Charles A. Honeywood, Rachel Soland, Kheirra M. Peggs: Writer Jennifer Goodman (Karum), Ryan Atkins, Charles A. Honeywood: Producer

Clyla Destiny: Director Clyla Destiny: Writer Clyla Destiny, Eric John Dobbie, Jonathan Conyers: Producer Zen-Mondo Jacques, Elliot Tyler Bunche, Imani Bruno: Producer Tahona Renee Core, Clyde Ed Boykin, Maxim Levin: 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.

Clyla Destiny Boykin is an international poet, artist, actress, writer, dancer, speaker, director, and more. Her art and messages of hope have reached audiences both young and old, large and small. She has a passion for youth, women, racial equality, and love. Clyla’s powerful, in your face performances command you to think and chal-

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lenge you to be engaged. Her messages not only teach but call us to higher levels both h internally and externally! Clyla is devoted to 29t al u n community work and mentorship. Clyla is a An “jack of all trades” serving the Master of all! She understands the importance of owning your DESTINY!

PUGILISTIC SOUL 20:05 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #3 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Theater 14 January 21st | Sunday | Block #10 11:00am – 1pm | Theater 14 “Pugilistic Soul” is a short boxing drama that delves into the intense backstage moments leading up to a pivotal fight, exploring the internal struggles that go beyond the physical rigors of the sport.

Mike Noel: Director/ Writer Chap Edmond: Producer Brian Orakpo, Micheal Skelly, Richard Kaplan, Jonathan Gregory: Executive Producer

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RACE

5:40 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #7 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 14 January 21st | Sunday | Block #14 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 14 An overly confident cop’s first day on the job gets tense as he navigates unfamiliar territories and people. Learning how to survive on the hood.

Sean Famoso, Dennis Williams, Gladimir Gelin: Director Sean Famoso: Writer Kyle Brett, Sean Famoso, Beau Gaines, Jesse S Martin: Producer Brandon Pankey, Kids Against Cubicles, APEX: Producer Sean Famoso McNichol graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Business Marketing, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services.

He founded in 2021 Kids against Cubicles the production company where he is currently developing several feature films.He co-founded several talent management and music companies and expands in filmmaking with his first short films, Demanded Supply and Race. Both were selected this Cannes

by FRIFF.

29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

ROOTED 15:42 Min.

to help bridge cultural gaps through edgy and often original supernatural stories.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #1 11:00am – 1:00pm | Theater 14

TAMBOU 22:00 Min.

January 21st | Sunday | Block #12 January 20th | Saturday | Block #2 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Theater 14 11:00am – 1:00pm | Theater 13 “Rooted” follows Kay, a 28-year-old struggling musician, and his girlfriend Sky, who is a studying anthropologist. After Kay learns about his surprising DNA results, he receives a mysterious mask that enables him to peer into the dungeons of his African ancestors. This newfound ability offers him the chance to literally witness his roots. However, things start to go awry when he realizes that his alleged ancestors can also see him.

Sean Addo: Director/Writer Ashley Chrisman, Jamari Perry: Producer Harry Lock VI, Will Grant: Executive Producer 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 would go on to pursue an MFA at the University of Southern California, and later shadow Trojan alum, John Singleton on FX’s Snowfall.

Sean’s stories have been known to connect both global and domestic audiences. His original screenplays AMERIKAFO, THE HOMESICK, and ROOTED aim to use identity, diversity, and social awareness

January 21st | Sunday | Block #15 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 13 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 Luke Harris is a Black award–winning, Director-Writer 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

29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

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wrote and produced, won Best Drama at the College Television Awards and was selected into Series Fest.

THE BOND

THE CYPHER 15:04 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #4 2:00p – 4:00pm | Theater 13

15:51 Min.

January 21st | Sunday | Block #15 January 20th | Saturday | Block #8 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 13 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 13 January 21st | Sunday | Block #11 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Theater 13 Fighting for her last connection in a system designed to isolate her, pregnant Aria applies to an in-prison nursery program.

She is determined to keep her baby close and turn her life around; however, when Aria goes into labor, she faces her biggest challenge yet. This is based on a true story.

Jahmil Eady: Director/Writer Jahmil Eady, Selena Leoni, Reina Highashitani: Producer Jahmil’s first short film, Heartland, a sci-fi examination of relationships in a technological world, has screened at over 30 film festivals. The Bond has won multiple film festival awards and raised over $26,000 on Kickstarter in just two weeks.

Jahmil’s awards include the 2022 Princess Grace Foundation Award, New York Times Award, and the Four Sisters Award from writer-directors Gina Prince-Bythewood, Sara Finney-Johnson, Felicia D. Henderson, and Mara Brock Akil.

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A young black freestyle rapper in Philadelphia must confront his sexuality when he finally gets the chance to perform on the big stage. No one knows the truth, not even his little sister Kiki. She unwittingly sets in motion events that might destroy her brother’s chances for success.

Letia Solomon: Director Wes Akwuobi: Writer Craig Patterson, Anne Brashier: Producer Letia Solomon is an award-winning writer/director based in Los Angeles. Former Aerospace Materials & Processing Engineer, she received her MFA in TV & Film Production from the University of Southern California in 2020. Her thesis film, “The Cypher”, premiered at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival, and screened in CAA’s Moebius Short Film Showcase.

“The Cypher” was a finalist of the 2020 ABFF HBO Competition and her mockumentary short comedy “Clones” won the 2022 Lionsgate/STARZ Award for Best Speculative Fiction Film. In 2023, “Fathead”, a virtual production short film Letia Co-Produced was nominated for a NAACP Image Award.

29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

THE ERASURE 12:00 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #7 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 14 January 21st | Sunday | Block #14 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 14 In this thriller film, one weekend out of the year Black women and girls go missing. This fictional film is inspired by the real statistic, that 64,000 Black women and girls go missing in the United States every year and only a fraction of their cases are investigated. The rules for the Erasure weekend are that there cannot be any police involvement or media coverage of the missing women. In this world there is a ‘safe haven’, a neighborhood known as Fontier Hills. The audience goes on a journey with three Black women that live in the safe haven and shows what happens to them when The Confederate goes beyond the boundaries to capture them.

Akeallah Blair: Director/Writer Anna Ogunkunle, Vita Amore, Victor Bouzi: Producer Maggie Savarino, Carolyn Monterio, Rhoda “Nana”: Producer Akeallah Blair, Jackson: Producer Akeallah Blair is a dynamic writer, director and producer hailing from Sacramento, California. She studied film and television at the University of Southern California, as a Bill and Melinda Gates’ scholar.

During her undergraduate career she wrote and directed several short films. Akeallah also interned

at major entertainment companies: NBC Universal, VH1, BET and the African American Film Critics Association. The Erasure won three grand prizes, six official selections and premiered on 20th Century Fox’s Fox Soul TV on a show called Screening Room and the film currently resides on Comcast. Over the years Akeallah has shadowed and assisted phenomenal directors including John Lee Hancock, Steven Caple Jr., Julia Hart, and Malik Vitthal. Currently Akeallah is producing web series at Brat TV, with a focus on their scripted content. Next up, she plans to create a proof-of-concept short film based on one of her feature length screenplays.

THE FAIRCHILD 14:56 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #3 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Theater 14 January 21st | Sunday | Block #10 11:00am – 1pm | Theater 14 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,

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he earned an MFA in Film & Television Production from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. His h graduate thesis film, The Fairchild, won the 29t al u n 28th Annual DGA Student Film Awards Jury An Prize in the West Region/African American category. Danny is currently pursuing filmmaking and screenwriting in Los Angeles.

THE LAST BLACK DINOSAUR 14:39 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #7 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 14 January 21st | Sunday | Block #14 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 14 What if a cop gets a chance to learn about the past, present, & future of the black man he kills?

Danielle Nebeliuk: Director Danielle Nebeliuk: Writer Thang Ho: Producer Danielle Nebeliuk is a Jamaican born Emmy-nominated Writer/Director. Following her passion for storytelling in 2017, she moved to Atlanta to pursue an MFA in Film & Television at the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD). Within her first quarter at SCAD she pitched for and was hired to create a short film for Sesame Street. In 2018, Danielle interned on the film ‘The Banker’ and was subsequently hired to work as an office PA on LoveCraft Country in 2019. From 2021 onward, Danielle has worked on movies for: Marvel, BET, Lifetime, and Shudder in the AD department.

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THE SINS...

16:16 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #1 11:00am – 1:00pm | Theater 14 January 21st | Sunday | Block #12 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Theater 14 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...

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 reality-shows, and helped develop PSAs for non-profit 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.

29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

TIKTOK CHALLENGED 8:38 Min.

TING TANG 12:59 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #5 January 20th | Saturday | Block #3 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 14 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Theater 14 January 21st | Sunday | Block #16 January 21st | Sunday | Block #10 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 14 11:00am – 1pm | Theater 14 A comedy about a grandma and her grandson attempting to make their first ever TikTok video.

Ivan Rome: Director/ Writer 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.

Grief has overcome once-lovers Wesley and Vaughna. The stark difference in their coping mechanisms causes them to lose everything between them.

Jasmine T.Q. McLaurin: Director Mimi A. F. Newman: Writer Kent Booze Jr., Jasmine T.Q. McLaurin: Producer Jasmine T.Q. McLaurin is a writer and director hailing from Washington DC. McLaurin developed a style rooted in community and deep character work. A proud “doer” she has produced and directed multiple short films, digital series, and has completed dozens of written works across visual mediums.

McLaurin received her BFA from the Tisch School of the Arts of New York University, and her MFA from the Peter Stark Producing Program of the University of Southern California.

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TWO WARS: THE ROAD TO INTEGRATION

US

13:54 Min.

22:00 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #3 January 20th | Saturday | Block #4 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Theater 14 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Theater 13 January 21st | Sunday | Block #10 January 21st | Sunday | Block #15 11:00am – 1pm | Theater 14 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Theater 13 A short film documenting segregation and racism in the United States military since 1775. Based on an exhibit at the Buffalo Naval Park.

Steven Tedesco, Sean Donovan: Director Steven Tedesco: Writer Saladin Allah, Kanasha Blue, Paul Marzello, Dan Mecca: Producer Steven Tedesco is the Director of Education at the Buffalo Naval Park. Steven curated the exhibition Two Wars: The Road to Integration which was the basis for the film. Steven wrote and co-directed the film. Two Wars has been broadcast nationally across PBS and won three Telly Awards.

Sean Donovan is an award-winning director, cinematographer and editor. His work spans feature-length films, documentaries, corporate long form and commercial projects.

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A devoted father experiences the highs and lows of teaching his son with Down syndrome the sweet science of baseball.

However, his patience grows weary as his child struggles to grasp the fundamentals of the sport they both deeply love.

David Fortune: Director David Fortune, Ryan Hopkins: Writer Kare Bortolus, Paisley Sutton: Producer Ghetto Film School, Daquan Saxton: Executive Producer A graduate of Morehouse College’s CTEMS program and Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television, David Fortune has been selected into numerous directing fellowships such as Indeed/Hillman Grad’s Rising Voices Program, Netflix/Film Independent Amplifier Fellowship, and ViacomCBS - ViewFinders Directors Program where he shadow-directed two episodes of Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why. In addition, David participated in the Netflix Content Creator’s Program to direct his film, “Us”. Recently, David was named the winner of the Tribeca - AT&T Untold Stories Program where he was awarded 1 million dollars to direct his first feature film, “Color Book”.

29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

WHY IT CAME

to face when alone. Londiwe is currently developing her first feature film and is ready for her voice to be heard by the world.

10:00 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | Block #2 11:00am – 1:00pm | Theater 13

WITH SALT 14:00 Min

January 21st | Sunday | Block #15 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 13 January 20th | Saturday | Block #2 11:00am – 1:00pm | Theater 13 In the midst of a grueling pandemic, a young boy and his grandmother navigate grieving his mother.

Londiwe Shange: Director/Writer John Hlongwane, Nathan Rice: Producer Londiwe Shange is a multi-award winning South African filmmaker. With a degree in Motion Picture Medium from the esteemed film school AFDA she has a track record of producing innovative and impactful work. Her debut film Ngikhona which was produced through her production company Sinairo Creatives that is based in Durban KwaZulu Natal was selected in festivals within the African continent as well as winning Best Short film at the Rustenberg Film Festival which catapulted Londiwe to gain recognition for her writing and producing chops. Her directorial debut outside of film school through the film Why It Came has allowed her the freedom to express herself through the lens of hope, love, unity and has challenged her to take a step back from telling narratives from her perspective but rather from the perspective of the audience that she aims to reach. She draws inspiration from her own personal stories that have evoked fear in her andshe uses this as a tool for healing wounded parts of her that she refuses

January 21st | Sunday | Block #15 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Theater 13 When ambitious college student Natalie’s impromptu date takes an unexpected turn, silence is easier, but at what cost?

Phyllis Bancroft: Director With enthusiasm, gravitas and a vision backed by determination, Phyllis Bancroft moved from NYC to Los Angeles with $500 and a dream to become a film director. Since then, her persistent commitment to visual storytelling has paid off with work that exhibits keen intuitive insights and elicited spirited, moving performances from notable actors.

Supervising Director for the Emmy-nominated web-series, “Send Me,” creator/producer of Spent, winner of the BET Lens on Talent for Best Film and director of the award-winning short film Burned, Phyllis’ filmmaking is preceded by having directed 30+ plays at some of the country’s most reputable theaters, including the Smithsonian’s African-American Museum, the Hartford Stage Company and Playwright’s Horizons.

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Children’s Film Block SULE

It has received USA and International accolades, collectively nearly 200 awards, including Best Writer, Best Director, and Best Short Film.

11:22 Min.

THE MCHENRY TRIAL, DON’T JUDGE A KID BY THEIR HOODIE 29:59 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | 10:00am The story of a young and brilliant academic phenom who not only passes the bar exam at age 14, finds himself defending his homeless father on a murder charge when few believe he is innocent. He faces a shrewd law firm, an old school segregationist judge, and an arrogant prosecutor who is preparing to celebrate his 50th consecutive case win.

Ken Sagoes: Director/Writer Karen T. Bolt, Sylvester Warren: Producer Ken Sagoes is a former staff writer with Paramount Television. Ken wrote Disney Channel’s. Original Movie of the Week, “On Promised Land,” which received five CableAce nominations, earning him Best Family Screenwriter in addition to being a Humanitas finalist. the story about a young and brilliant academic phenom who not only passes the Bar Exam at age 14 but finds himself defending his homeless father on a murder charge when few believe his father is innocent.

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January 20th | Saturday | 10:00am When a young girl named Yaa needs to know how to persuade her friends to help the new boy in the village with his laundry, she seeks guidance from a 10 year-old, proverb detective named Sule who takes her on a journey where she learns that Great Fires Erupt Tiny Sparks Shawneé Gibbs: Director Shawnele Gibbs: Director Shawnee’ and Shawnelle Gibbs are award-winning filmmakers with an affinity for imaginative projects.

They are the creators of the animated shorts, Ravishing Raspberry, Adopted By Aliens, and Old Ladies Driving, which have screened and received awards at film festivals throughout the U.S. The pair are members of The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Women in Animation, and The Organization of Black Screenwriters. The Gibbs Sisters have a diverse collection of credits in film and TV. Their individual credits include producing for Bravo’s Emmy & Pea-body Award-winning series’, Top Chef and Project Runway, and production on Disney’s Emmy Award winning Wizards of Waverly Place. The pair were recently honored as part

29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

of American Cinematheque’s Focus on Female Directors and are recipients of the USC Guy Hanks/ Marvin Miller Screenwriting Fellowship.

Rene Rawls: Producer Rene is an award winning screenwriter whose stories capture and reflect the struggles and triumphs of the human experience. She has participated in such prestigious programs as the Guy Hanks/Marvin Miller (Cosby) Screenwriting Program; Tribeca All Access Connects; the Producers Guild Association Diversity Workshop and Film Independent’s Project: Involve. She is the recipient of the 1st annual Mandela Day/Tribeca All Access Award for her animated short, “Sule and the Case of the Tiny Sparks.” Rene enjoys creating content for all audiences but has a strong affinity for developing projects geared towards the children’s markets. She is currently developing her first young adult novel and rewriting a feature-length sci-fi teen script entitled “Earth High.”

Angeles based writer, director and producer. He is best known for the comedic short film, Jewtholic, a religious comedy narrated by his father, Louis Gossett, Jr. Satie also directed Departure, a short film, which was featured at the MacWorld Conference in San Francisco. The film shot exclusively with an iPhone 4S screened at the Cannes Film Festival along with another short film, 10 Minutes starring Glenn Plummer and Kent Faulcon. Satie completed his latest short film, Forgiveness under Films With a Purpose which screened at the Congressional Black Caucus and won awards at the Ocktober Film Festival and the Malibu Film Festival.

PEANUT HEADZ: BLACK HISTORY TOONZ “LORRAINE HANSBERRY” 5:32 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | 10:00am

FORGIVENESS 26:00 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | 10:00am While learning about slavery in his class, Oliver Burroughs declares that the President needs to make a national apology for America’s involvement in slavery.

Satie Gossett: Director/ Writer Satie Gossett is a Los

History is always happening! And the Treal Toonz’s “Peanut Headz” have got you covered when it comes to sharing quick bits of Black History on people, places and things! In fun and exciting ways! Our subject: Peanut Headz - Lorraine Hansberry.

Jason Fleurant: Director/ Writer/Producer Jason “JaLEU” Fleurant is an autodidactic painter and filmmaker from West Palm Beach, Fl. Using the medium of animation, JaFLEU created his

29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

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own brand of black cartoons. His “Treal Toonz” animations have been screened in festivals worldwide winning multiple awards including an NAACP Image Awards nomination for his “Peanut Headz” series. JaFLEU’s mission is to share black stories through his works.

PEANUT HEADZ: BLACK HISTORY TOONZ “JESSE OWENS” 3:28 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | 10:00am History is always happening! And the Treal Toonz’s “Peanut Headz” have got you covered when it comes to sharing quick bits of Black History on people, places and things! In fun and exciting ways! Our subject: Jesse Owens Jason Fleurant: Director/ Writer/Producer

PEANUT HEADZ: BLACK HISTORY TOONZ “JACKIE ROBINSON” 8:40 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | 10:00am “When Drea has a tough time playing baseball. The Peanuts Headz gain a lesson of the legend, Jakie Robinson” Jason Fleurant: Director/ Writer/Producer Jason “JaLEU” Fleurant is an autodidactic painter and filmmaker from West Palm Beach, Fl. Using the medium of animation, JaFLEU created his own brand of black cartoons.

His “Treal Toonz” animations have been screened in festivals worldwide winning multiple awards including an NAACP Image Awards nomination for his “Peanut Headz” series. JaFLEU’s mission is to share black stories through his works.

Jason “JaLEU” Fleurant is an autodidactic painter and filmmaker from West Palm Beach, Fl. Using the medium of animation, JaFLEU created his own brand of black cartoons. His “Treal Toonz” animations have been screened in festivals worldwide winning multiple awards including an NAACP Image Awards nomination for his “Peanut Headz” series. JaFLEU’s mission is to share black stories through his works.

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29th Annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Showcase

LOCKS 6:32 Min.

January 20th | Saturday | 10:00am Dante, like most young black males in Oakland, CA, has a head full of beautiful locks. But also like many of his peers he is often faced with the harsh realities of living in one of America’s most violent cities. On one fateful morning, Dante wakes up and decides to take a walk through his neighborhood to the local barbershop. The events that follow give us a glimpse into Dante’s heartbreaking home life, and we get the chance to see how big his heart truly is.

Fly In Movies Competition, and also was selected to screen in the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at the Cannes Film Festival. After his third semester at USC, Ryan was named the 2009 recipient of the Dana and Albert Broccoli Foundation Scholarship for Filmmaking Excellence.

Professionally Mr. Coogler, directed Black Panther, grossing $1.3 billion the highest-grossing movie ever featuring actors of color. He also directed Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Creed and Fruitvale Station.

Ryan Coogler: Director/Writer/Producer Christopher Morocco, Clifton Harrison: Producer Joselyn Coogler, Charlene Thomas: Producer Mr. Coogler a, graduate of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts MFA Production Program, was born in Oakland, CA and raised in Richmond, Ryan did his Undergraduate work at Sacramento State University. At Sac State, Ryan majored in Business Finance and was a starter at wide receiver on the football team. After his first semester at USC, Ryan was named a 2008 recipient of the National Association of Theater Owners (NATO) scholarship for achievement in directing the USC short films “Conveyance” and “The Strongest Bond”. In 2009 his student short film “Locks” was selected for the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival’s Delta Airlines

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1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1100 | Los Angeles, CA 90067-2199 E-mail: bherc@bherc.org | Phone: (310) 284-3170 | (323) 957-4656 | Fax: (310) 284-3169