31st Annual Sistas Are Doin' It For Themselves Short Film Showcase Program

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Honored Guests:

W

elcome to the annual Sistas Are Doin’ It For Themselves Short Film Showcase! Thank you for joining us in our 31st year of supporting, uplifting, and empowering Black women in filmmaking. The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center not only understands, but also fights fiercely to recognize the contribution that Black women have made to this art-form. Our stories have always unlocked hearts, broken chains, and created life. It is our privilege to introduce this year’s diverse and impactful films, from these talented and emerging Black women directors; whose work is bound to shake you.

This year we also honor the prolific actress and singer, Ketty Lester. With a career spanning almost 70 years, she has left a deep imprint on all who have had the privilege to experience her works, and witness her talents. From when she first recorded her Grammy-nominated single, Love Letters back in 1962, to working on Little House on The Prairie and Days of Our Lives at the same time. She has modeled the true essence of what dedication to craft, humility, fortitude, and faith actually looks like, in human form. It is only through the synthesis of these fundamental qualities, that one can make it to their 90th year of life, still thriving in their craft. We celebrate this titan and her life, career, and contributions to this industry.

To our dedicated filmmakers, congratulations and thank you for your courage and endurance as you boldly tell your stories. Your efforts alone are enhancing this beautiful, ancient tradition of connection and healing through narratives. You have brought your gifts and craft to a plethora of themes, genres, and topics. The characters you’ve all explored are complex, intriguing, and layered. have no doubt that you all will soon be standing at the center of this industry, disrupting the status quo, and opening the minds of the masses. At BHERC, it is our sole mission to contribute to the reshaping of the industry, ensuring that this year’s group of emerging talent can continue to thrive, in film.

We are pleased to be back here again at the Directors Guild of America. It has been a concerning year for diversity, equity, and inclusion in Film & TV, as well as the world. Which is why we are excited to shine a light on this year’s incredible group of Black women. Make no mistake, we had brilliant Black women at the helm of some impactful independent and studio work, like “Sistas” alums Ava DuVernay (“Origin”) and Gina Prince Bythewood (“Genius: MLK/X”), who have continued leaving their marks on our hearts with their incredible portrayals of stories that centralize our experience. These women, like many of our other alumni, have spent their careers strongly advocating for the presence of Black women in film, working in all departments. We look forward to showcasing these sixteen fresh voices.

Other past notable and influential “Sistas” include Kasi Lemmons (“Harriet”, “Eve’s Bayou”), Lena Waithe (“The Chi”), Millicent Shelton, (“Black-ish”), and this year’s incredible host, acclaimed director/producer, Princess Monique. She marks “Sistas” as the first time she was able to see her phenomenal work on a major screen. A Disney/ABC Directing Program alumni, Princess’ most recent work includes “BMF”, “Blackish”,” The Goldbergs”, and “Grand Crew”, to name a few. Her incredibly multifaceted career was more than evident when we screened her first film, and we thank her for coming back as the moderator for this year’s program.

Thank you to our incredibly committed volunteers, staff, as well as all of the attendees and dedicated supporters. We are all critical to the filmmaking process. With great appreciation, thank you deeply for supporting BHERC and our efforts to carve out a permanent space for Black artists in this industry. With our history on the verge of erasure, we must continue to hold steadfast to our obligation of supporting our filmmakers. When you invest your time, energy, and money into a story, you support not only the storyteller, but every person who will experience it. Continue to preserve, uplift, and illuminate our stories.

Please enjoy the riveting showcase and afterwards, connect with these impeccable “Sistas” of 2024!

Warm Regards,

PROGRAM Sistas Are Doin’ It For Themselves Short Film Showcase

HOST

Princess Monique, also known as Princess Monique Filmz, has come a long way from growing up in the inner city of Cleveland. From humble beginnings, she has used her life experiences to fuel her creativity and ignite her passion of storytelling embodied in her robust career. Princess Monique is an accomplished TV/ film producer, director, writer, and author. She is also an alumni of the Walt Disney/ABC Directing Program: Class of 2020, which helped launch and cultivate her career as a television director. Adding to already remarkable credits, her transition into TV directing is a notable feat got started when she directed OWN hit drama Greenleaf, ABC comedy series Black-ish , NBC comedy series GrandCrew, FOX drama Our Kind of People, ABC comedy The Goldberg’s, BET+ comedy First Wives Club, Disney comedy Bunk’d and STARZ comedy Run The World, and drama BMF (Black Mafia Family) to name a few.

“African American Female Directors Do Exist!” This is the message Princess Monique Filmz wants toshare with the world. In so aspiring, Princess Monique formed Real Black Unicorns, a non-profit organization that provides a safe space dedicated to bridging the gap between employers and hirable African American female directors. The main mission of the organization is to dismantle the systemic racial divide between them and us, as we educate, support, and mentor the next generation of emerging talent.

Princess released her first book and autobiography, Hood to Hollywood, How to Stop Waiting to Be Discovered & Discover Yourself, in 2023. The book charts her personal experiences, journey, and triumphs ignited her desire to help others navigate through their own personal discovery and realize their true potential. Princess was recently elected as a co-chair to the African American Steering committee at the Director’s Guild of America.

Using her experiences, tenacious spirit, and captivating storytelling, Princess Monique is often sought after as a motivational speaker. She loves to share with others how to re-frame and pivot and capitalize on their own uniqueness. She subscribes to living by one of her favorite Dr. Maya Angelou quotes: “When you learn, teach!”

With excellence as her standard in her work, and with help from advisers, she has come into her own as founder and CEO of Princess Filmz Productions, LLC™. This production company focuses on education and entertainment, with a determination to present more positive but realistic images of African Americans, while bringing attention to the systemic divide in the world.

As if all that isn’t enough… In her spare time, Princess Monique loves traveling and enjoying amazing food. Hey, a girl has to have outlets! She has always been fond of journeying and has found a creative way of combining her foodie heart, wanderlust, and love of writing by starting her own food blog.

“My life’s purpose is to use my God-given gifts and talents to leave a positive impact on the world, by educating, entertaining, and inspiring others to do the same.” ~ Princess Monique Filmz

A SALUTE TO KETTY LESTER

It’s a beautiful thing when an actor can make it to 65 still working in this industry. But it’s a miracle when a black actor or actress, makes it to 90 and is able to keep that same consistency. This craft is built on the backs of strong people whose longevity, tenacity, and spirit, continue to be a model of light for us all. One of those magical individuals is none other than acclaimed actress and singer, Ketty Lester.

Ms. Lester, who was born Revoyda Frierson, hails from the befitting city of Hope, Arkansas. One of 15 children, she took great interest in acting and singing as a kid. She attributes one of her early roles in high school playing “Polly” as the first major moment that sparked her desire to make the arts her profession. She and the rest of her trio, riveted the city of Hope with their performances so much so, that the local white-only schools would invite them to tour their show there. The exceptionally gifted Revoyda, eventually went on to gain a music scholarship to San Francisco State University before performing at The Purple Onion under her new moniker, Ketty Lester.

Legendary actress Dorothy Shay took Ketty under her wing, intro ducing her to key players in the industry, that would eventually be the connections that would take her to new heights of her career. Some of those players were Ed Cobb and Lincoln Mayoraga of ‘The Four Preps’, who would eventually go on to help her gain a record contract with ERA Records. In 1962, she released her hit single “Love Letters”, which pushed her presence to the forefront. This beautiful ballad of love and distance melts in your ears as each note is released from Lester’s velvet voice. The song would go on to rise to no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as no. 2 in the R&B category and no. 4 in the UK. Her song became a massive hit all over the world in the early 60’s, even gaining a Grammy nomination alongside Diahann Carroll, Ella Fitzgerald, and Lena Horne. A grammy nomination that she unfortunately wouldn’t be informed about until 2017.

Ketty continued throughout the decades doing what she deeply loved: singing, recording, and performing. But eventually in the 70’s, she took her extraordinary gift of entertainment and made a full pivot into working as an actress. She appeared in movies such as Uptight, Blacula, and Uptown Saturday Night, before stepping into her most notable roles as Helen and Hester-Sue in the two cultural smashes Days Of Our Lives House on the Prairie, respectively. She quickly became a stamp of possibility and hope for many black viewers who could turn on their television and see her face in two prominent series. She describes one of her favorite on-set experiences of her career when connecting with Bernie Mac on the set of House Party 3. She is still gracing our screens to this day. She was most recently seen guest starring on ABC’s The Wonder Years, in 2023.

Ketty Lester is a true cultural gem and a living, breathing testimony of what perseverance, passion, and freedom looks like. Despite the frustration and blatant mistreatment she has experienced, she still remains dedicated to her craft and her joy. In an interview with a news station, in her hometown of Hope, you can see in her eyes so vividly, a woman whose circumstances and oppressive forces have tried to squelch her, but cannot. It is evident that it is her relentless will, as well as, her infectiously joyous spirit, that has kept her whole and thriving in this business, not any job or award.

FILMS AT A GLANCE

We at the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center are beyond grateful to have her join us this year at our showcase. We not only celebrate our budding filmmakers but also Ms. Lester, as she enters her 90th year of life. It is the unsung sheroes who traversed adversity like Ms. Lester, who make our mission at BHERC what it is: Preserving the history of our people and therefore, preserving our collective hope.

2024 Sistas Are Doin’ It For Themselves Short Film Showcase FILMS

A FORK IN LOVE’S ROAD

After a local youth in the community has been killed at the hands of the police, social justice activist Bailey Brooks organizes a protest. However, once a secret is revealed to the members of the organization, questions about whether Bailey should remain in her leadership position arise. Not wanting to give up the love of her life, Bailey realizes that sometimes we must make sacrifices for the greater good.

Bree K. Jones: Director/Writer

Bree K. Jones, Bea DelPozo: Producer

Bree K. Jones is currently pursuing her MFA in Creative Producing at Loyola Marymount University. Alongside her studies, she has interned at renowned production houses like LoudSis Productions and Hello Sunshine, gaining invaluable experience in film and TV development. Before her academic journey, Bree co-created and co-wrote a web series “I Hear You”. Her talent for storytelling shines through in this project, showcasing her creative flair and ability to engage audiences. In addition to her work in entertainment, Bree has also made significant contributions as an American Sign Language Interpreter. Her dedication to accessibility and inclusion underscores her commitment to making a difference in people’s lives. With a diverse skill set and a passion for both storytelling and advocacy, Bree K. Jones is making waves in the industry, poised for a bright and impactful career ahead.

BLUE HOUR

15:51 MIN.

Two personal journeys

intersect when a struggling young photographer is hired for a cheap last minute portrait gig. The unfolding photo session, while transient, leaves an indelible mark on both women.

J.D. Shields: Director/Writer

Diana Ward, Lauren Avinoam, Maya Korn: Producer Katie Leary: Executive Producer

J.D. Shields is an award-winning writer/ director from Atlanta, Georgia. Currently a Story Editor on EMPEROR OF OCEAN PARK and Staff Writer on THE COMPANY YOU KEEP, she’s developed projects with Emmynominated showrunner Leslye Headland and Genius Entertainment and has written for DreamWorks TV Animation, Wondery and Sony Pictures Entertainment. An alumna of the AFI Directing Workshop for Women, her forthcoming short film BLUE HOUR is sponsored by Women in Film. J.D. received the HUMANITAS Prize College Drama Award and has participated in the Disney Writing Program, the HBO Access Writing Program, and Film Independent’s Project Involve. She penned the award-winning short film WEDNESDAY, which screened at the LA Film Festival and premiered at the ABFF, later streaming on HBO.

CATCHING

SPIRITS

Since childhood, Destiny has been told she has seizures when she dances. An unexplained phenomena that’s resulted in deep fear and her refusal to dance- despite being drawn to it. What she doesn’t know, is that she has an ancient ability - a birthright of the Haitian women in her lineage going back for ages. Today, in LA, Destiny is still in the dark about her ancestral power but strange things are happening. Destiny is tormented by voices in her head, calling her to “test the waters” and compelling her to stalk someone.

When she’s challenged to face her fear and dance, Destiny makes a decision that could reveal a secret she doesn’t yet understand. Will dancing kill her or unlock something magical?

Vanessa Beletic: Director/Writer

Vanessa Beletic, Natalie Mattozzio: Producer

Vanessa Beletic is a director and writer from Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. Her first narrative short Catching Spirits won the Jury Award Live action Short in 2022, and has screened worldwide at 23+ Academy & BAFTA qualifying fests and genre favorites Telluride Horror and Brooklyn Horror. She was recently named a 2024 fellow of the prestigious AFI Directing Workshop for Women+, where she wrote and directed the supernatural thriller short, “Evil, I”.

Her music video for Run the Jewels “OohLa-La” was nominated for the 2020 MVPA, UKMVA and the 2021 Libera awards and her commercials have crossed platforms from television to digital spaces, being featured during the Emmy’s and outlets like Conde Nast Entertainment, Fast Company Magazine, Rolling Stone and Complex - with ads for Levi’s, Walmart, Esthee Lauder, Nikon and a multi-year campaign starring Regina King for Vaseline.

CONVERTIBLE

6:08 MIN.

Two young hijabi adults, Rida and Jamila attend a party. After the party, Rida discusses her decision to not wear a hijab all the time. Rida then makes a decision about whether to tell her parents that she no longer wears her hijab.

Amirah Adem: Director/Writer

Nathaniel Ronning: Producer

Amirah Adem is a filmmaker working on her MFA at the University of Southern California. She is originally from Stone Mountain, Georgia. She is a first-generation South African and Ethiopian American. Amirah received her BA in Media Studies at Pomona College. She looks forward to being a multi-hyphenate creative in Directing, Cinematography, and Screenwriting. She hopes to represent multicultural stories through every element and genre of film, whether it is sci-fi, thriller, comedy, et

FORSEE

6:03 MIN.

A young woman must begin her natural hair journey shortly after her mother’s death.

Payton Mack: Director/Writer Jane Zhang: Producer

Payton Mack is a 2nd year MFA Film & Television Production candidate at the University of Southern California from Houston, TX with a B.A. from Howard University.

GIVE MY REGARDS TO AFRICA

The Ode family offers an annual college scholarship. This years recipient Ramie has caught the eye of the Ode daughter Mayla. The two connect and Ramie’s visit to the states is highly anticipated. The couple is everything each other expected and more...

Billi Sarafina is a writer, producer and director from Los Angeles. She has been creating Content for 7 years and has a passion for writing. Her work has been showcased at Several film festivals. In 2023 she created a female led production house The Blank Collective. The Collective produced its short film “Thank You Sade” which is currently making its way into film festivals. Billi prides herself in creating content that will be joyed by all demographics. Her plan is to be a writer for a major network and create shows and characters people will love.

HOW I GOT OVER

22:20 MIN.

How I Got over is a powerful short documentary by Valerie Alleyne Udeozor that is not only story of Dr. Dolores Gordon Allene, MD, MPH MBA, but also features prominent Los Angeles doctors and nurses. Dr. Alleyne is the first black woman to graduate from university of Louisville medical school in 1957. Through her story narrated by rap music, we leave feeling like we can all get over, despite any challenge placed in front of us. Dr Alleyne retired from LA County health department in 1999 as the Director of Maternal & Child

health. Currently at 91 years old, she enjoys gardening spending time with her family and grandchildren and attending church. Film Director Valerie Udeozor is her daughter and also a noted registered nurse, nursing, professor, filmmaker and playwright.

Valerie Udeozor: Director/Writer

University Of Louisville: Producer

Valerie Alleyne Udeozor, a graduate of Howard University’s school of Fine Arts, has penned and produced numerous stage plays and films. She has received grant support from the California Endowment, University of Louisville, California Mental Health Services Authority and LA Care HMO via her non-profit: UCARE Foundation.

Valerie has award winning short films Burned Out Nurse, Dirty Thirty and Bougie Ass Brandon and Deleted, currently streaming on TUBI, Screen Indie and BHERCTV. “How I Got Over” will screen this May on Badami TV. Valerie has penned feature films for Glass Slipper Productions on their Black Love and Black Power TV Series and has features in development.

INNER DEMONS

10:58 MIN.

Mya’s forced to confront the darkness lurking within.

Jasmine J. Johnson: Director/Writer

Mary Bonney: Producer

Whitney Fuller, Jasmine J. Johnson: Executive Producer

Jasmine J. Johnson (“Triple J”) is a director, writer and producer. She was an executive producer on THE ANGRY BLACK GIRL AND HER MONSTER (2023), which premiered at SXSW and was subsequently nominated for two NAACP Image Awards following its theatrical run last summer. Additional producing credits include co-executive producer on Peacock’s THE GIRL IN THE WOODS and Facebook Watch’s MIRA MIRA.

As a director, Johnson’s latest short, INNER DEMONS, played in SXSW’s Midnight Shorts Competition and has won numerous awards including the Programmer’s Award for Best Short at the Pan African Film Festival and the jury award for Best Short Film at Salem Horror Fest. This January, she was selected to participate in AFI’s prestigious DWW+ program, launched in 1974 as the Directing Workshop for Women. Her work focuses on themes of grief, discovery and the moments that epitomize human resilience.

IT’S A PEOPLE’S PROBLEM

We follow Richard through different stages in his life, battling with social injustice.

Vera Howard: Director/Writer

Vera Howard, Dajah Wysinger, Khutso Ledwaba: Writers

Vera’s love of filmmaking in digital video production started in class at Cleveland Heights High school, as a student there. From then, she continued her film production education at Cuyahoga Community College and is currently attending Cleveland State University in order to obtain her Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA). With boundless energy and a probing curiosity, she was drawn to the science and technique of committing image to film. Vera has made over 15 films and founded Arev Studios, LLC. She has made a name for herself creating innovative film products, using green screen technology, and shooting numerous music videos. But despite Vera’s wide portfolio of digital content creation, it’s her my role as director that she cherishes the most.

LITTLE LADY

6:00 MIN.

In the heartfelt comingof-age film ‘Little Lady,’ Danelle, a resilient young woman, grapples with her responsibilities as she cares for her bedridden father Lee. When she’s presented with the opportunity to attend college and pursue her dreams, the delicate balance between her father’s needs and her aspirations becomes a soul-searching journey.

Dovely Danelle King: Director/Writer Billy Tsiolis: Producer

Dovely King is a progressive, powerful, and creative artivist from South Los Angeles, studying Film and TV production at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, making films for change and continuing to grow her skills in marketing.

OLLIE AND THE SCARY STORY

7:00 MIN.

Electronics-obessed 10-year-old Ollie can’t sleep one night, so he ask Meelo, his electronic Smart Speaker to tell him a scary story. A frightened Ollie now finds himself haunted by the electronics he once loved, leaving his parents confused by his erratic behavior.

Stacie Hawkins, Heatherr Heath: Producer

Stacie Hawkins is an independent filmmaker from the Chicago area who currently resides in Los Angeles. She received her M.F.A. in Film & TV Production from Chapman University and has written and directed several short films and videos.

10:30 MIN.

Billi Sarafina: Director/Writer/Producer

Her feature, The Rise and Fall of Miss Thang, won awards and played at festivals around the world. It is now available on several streaming sites including Tubi TV and Amazon Prime.

RESPECTFULLY

Keisha is eager to start AP Bio and rushes to class but when she arrives she is greeted not with smiles and welcomes but with questions by her white teacher. How can I help you? What class are you looking for? Keisha assures her teacher that she is in the right place but now her teacher wants her name to check against her class list. Something she didn’t do with any of the other students? No questions and no checking. Keisha must make a difficult decision. Give her name and accept the injustice or stand up for herself and call out the teacher’s bias. A tough decision for any teenager. Luckily, Keisha can lean on the guidance of her ancestors who are always by her side...literally.

Desirae Lee: Director

Kevin Johnson, C.A. Barrow: Writer

C.A. Borrow: Producer

Joe Plummer, Jennifer Westphal: Executive Producer

Desirae (Des) Lee is a filmmaker and creative producer from Jacksonville, FL. Des is an Alumnae of the University of Florida. She holds an MFA in film from Howard University. She is a Blackhouse Foundation Fellow, a Facebook SEEN initiative winner, and a Paul Robeson Awardee. She has had digital art installations exhibited up and down the east coast including the Anacostia Arts Center, Lycoming College, and Miami Soul Basel. She recently completed a film residency in Ghana through a partnership with the Library of Africa and the African Diaspora (LOATAD). She is also the grant recipient of several creative initiatives including Moment Invitational Film Fest, Late Fee Magazine

photography grant, and the inaugural National Black Movie Day Scholarship.

Films directed by Des have screened at national festivals including Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Fest, Pan-African Film Festival, Afrikana Film Festival and the esteemed American Black Film Festival - New Voices Category.

SUPERMAN DOESN’T STEAL

Based on true events, “Superman Doesn’t Steal” is a coming of age story, set during the 1970’s Atlanta child murders- as seen through the eyes of 9 year old Harriet & her brother, who are fascinated with superheroes. However, when they experience a troubling series of events- the impact on their family leaves emotional scars and causes them both to grow up fast as they redefine their definitions of heroes, villains and yes- even Superman.

Tamika Lamison: Director/Writer/Producer

Tamika is a Virginia native who attended The American University & Howard University with a BA in Performing Arts & Theatre while continuing her studies in film at the NY Film Academy and AFI. She worked at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences helping to research & develop the Academy Gold program and currently works as the Exec. Director of the CDDP- Commercial Directors Diversity Program- a diversity and inclusion program she created for the Directors Guild of America and the Assoc. of Independent Commercial Producers. Her first screenplay, JAR BY THE DOOR, was a Sundance Finalist and won several awards including the Gordon Parks Indie Film Award. She won several other fellowships and awards in writing and directing including the ABC/Walt Disney Fellowship in Screenwriting, Guy Hanks and Marvin

Miller Fellowship, the CBS Director’s Initiative and AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women Fellowship in which she wrote, directed and produced the multi-award-winning short film, HOPE. Tamika has produced several other films including the award winning, THE MALE GROUPIE which aired on HBO and SPIN, which she also directed.

TALK TO ME

6:49

A short drama that follows a young widowed mother on a car ride that might be her last.

Paris Nicole: Director/Writer

Paris Nicole, Ben Meredith: Producer

LA Native, Paris Nicole is a tour de force, multi-talented actress, dancer, singer, filmmaker who fell in love with improv while studying at The Second City (Hollywood). She has multiple comedic short films and web series streaming on YouTube including M.A.D., MOMTY, The Ride, and The Visitor.

Since her two-year tour co-hosting for Disney Jr. Dance Party on Tour, Paris has taken LA by storm creating, performing, and building her film company Paris Nicole Productions, LLC.

THE ALLY

10:43 MIN.

Jan Snyder is energetic, helpful, and in love with black culture and hip-hop. She works her dream job at a record label as the Director of A&R’s assistant. Jan knows music, but she can sometimes get too comfortable with her coworkers, especially when it comes to her black co-workers. Jan crosses the line on accident with her new boss Makeba and is at risk of losing her new promotion.

Jennifer Marie: Director/Writer/Producer

Jennifer Marie aka j Marie is a creative ball of energy to keep your eyes on. She is a multihyphenate writer, director, producer, actress, host, and comedian that leaves her all on the stage and screen. j Marie resides in Los Angeles, CA by way of Kansas City, MO. She graduated from the best HBCU in the land, Grambling State University with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication. She never really planned on going to college, but she was awarded a track and field scholarship and that changed her life. She was able to take acting classes and get an official bite of the entertainment world while at GSU.

TRESTLE

6:00 MIN.

After arriving at their motel room for the night, Van and Andrew are adjusting to the new space, while Andy is amazed by the cityscape and unfamiliar luxuries. Andy contemplates what home means to her as she and her family travel through the homeless shelter system.

Alani Marie Smith: Director/Writer Eilythia Penati: Producer

Alani Marie Smith is a junior Film & TV Production major at USC. Originally from New York, she yearns to reshape the constraints of traditional storytelling through a lens that captures not just the beauty in the physical, but the essence of life. As a self taught painter, tattoo artist, and mixed media artist, Alani is now working to develop skills in film directing and cinematography. For her, filmmaking is the journey into the complexities of human experience and she loves how film so effortlessly connects people from every facet of life.

bherc@bherc.org | 323.957.4656

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