UWHFF24 Program

Juneteenth 2024

Welcome to Underground Arts

*Be Kind Tip the Bartender

RUN OF SHOW 4:00 -5:00 - DOORS OPEN, NETWORKING & DRINKS 5:15 -5:20 - MC WELCOME 5:25 -6:30 -ACT 1

6:30 -6:45 -INTERMISSION 6:45 -8:00 -ACT 2

8:10 -9:00 -PANEL DISCUSSION & Q&A 9:00 -9:10 -VOTING AND WINNERS ANNOUNCED 9:10 -10:00 -PICTURES & DRINKS

Ebony Roberts

Colin Pawlowski

Jeta Stephens Onyx

Roberts

UWHFF 2024 Sponsors

GroundFloor Studios (GFS) provides a space for collaboration and accessibility where makers can bring professional-level creative visions to life while making a social impact. This multi-purpose media production studio exists as a partnership between ChatterBlast Media and Big Picture Alliance – made for creatives by creatives. Centrally located and in close proximity to multiple modes of transportation, GroundFloor grants convenience and flexibility in addition to a vast collection of high-end production equipment. GroundFloor also serves as a workforce incubator and source of social impact, allowing for the personalization of the creative process from inception to completion while cultivating a diverse pipeline of emerging young creatives, all in one place.

ChatterBlast is a creative powerhouse with over a decade in business, countless results tracked, memes made, and lifelong friendships forged along the way. Born out of Philadelphia, our team has roots all across the country. We are passionate about the work we do, the communities we live in, and the impact we make. ChatterBlast is a strategic digital marketing agency where people come first, equity is everything, strategy shapes us and creativity is our culture.

UWHFF 2024 Sponsors

Cashman & Associates is a full-service lifestyle marketing and communications agency with a client base comprised of some of the most reputable and well-known global brands. For more than 20 years we have built a reputation as the go-to agency in the region for strategic public relations campaigns, crisis communications, influencer marketing & engagement, social media management, experiential marketing, community immersion, special events, project management, brand marketing, and graphic design. Our firm specializes in connecting upscale lifestyle brands to their consumers in the hospitality, food & beverage, travel & tourism, fashion & retail, sports & entertainment, real estate, civic, and non-profit industries. Cashman & Associates is headquartered in Philadelphia with a network that extends through all major media markets including New York, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Pittsburgh, Boston and Las Vegas.

The beverage business is in our DNA. After growing up in Philadelphia’s Brewerytown neighborhood, John Muller began delivering beer in horse-drawn carriages back in 1938. After serving in World War II, he opened his own distribution business in 1956. Despite starting with only six employees, the company was quickly selling 500,000 cases of beer a year.

Today, Muller Inc. is proud to be a multi-generation family business that supports over 200 employees, sells 8 million cases of beer per year, and supports charitable endeavors through The Muller Foundation.

Master of Ceremonies: Darryl Wyrick

Darryl Wyrick, a Texas native, emerged as a Black creator, standing for the culture almost a decade ago. Over time, he’s used his platform to discuss Black men’s skincare; becoming one of the faces for Rihanna’s Fenty Skin launch in 2020. Outside of that, he addresses Black mental health, fitness, aviation, and most recently participated in Issa Rae and WalMart's Black and Unlimited Digital Development program.

In his 9 to 5, he works at United Airlines primarily as Project Manager but uses that platform through their Black ERG, BEACON (Black Excellence Amplified Continuously on Our Network) to recruit Black and brown people with the dreams of becoming a pilot or an aviation professional in management.

Our Jury

Stephanye Watt

Stephanye Watts is the founder of Be Reel Black Cinema Club, a Brooklyn and Philadelphia-based group dedicated to amplifying independent, rare and previously inaccessible films by supporting Black filmmakers, one monthly meet-up at a time. Stephanye is also a board member of the international coalition of independent film professionals Art House Convergence. The Philly native serves as the Community Engagement Manager for Historic Germantown, a partnership of 19 historic houses and museums preserving the history of Northwest Philadelphia, as well as the Project Advisor for "Resurrecting Voices: The Black Philadelphia Experience", a podcast by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Stephanye also joins her fellow Clark Atlanta University classmate, Muse as co-host of the music podcast, The Psyce.

Thomas Anthony Jones

Thomas Anthony Jones (TJ) is no stranger to a film set. He began his professional career behind the scenes as an intern and production assistant at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California. After a few years, TJ booked roles on sitcoms, print ads and national commercials. He credits his education at Bowling Green State University and its Media Production and Studies program for his early success.

Born and raised in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, TJ moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams to act and produce. When he’s not on TV, TJ’s most likely planning an adventure to another city to explore, eat, and immerse himself in local culture. It's no wonder TJ has family all over: in Cleveland, Chicago, Phoenix, St. Louis, and Alabama. If you’re at the airport, there's a chance TJ could be there, too.

Tennyson Donyea

Tennyson Donyea is a creative storyteller with nearly a decade of experience as a professional journalist. Most recently, he reported on New Jersey and state politics for WHYY in Philadelphia and covered race and identity issues at NJ.com. His career has taken him from New England to California, providing a broad perspective on diverse communities and stories.

In 2021, Tennyson founded Black in Jersey, a pioneering community news organization with a social media-first approach. This initiative focuses on training citizens to become journalists in their own communities, empowering them to tell their own stories. Under his leadership, Black in Jersey was named the New Jersey News Commons' "Partner of the Year" in 2023. He is excited to bring his expertise to the short film festival as a juror.

#UWHFF24 film Lineup

“Condemned to Be Free ”

Why do we live? What is freedom? The filmmaker follows a formerly-incarcerated scholar, educator, and activist telling his story to seek answers to the philosophical questions on humans that are brought upon by his encounter with the carceral system. This short personal documentary creates a filmic dialogue on the experiential and existential, yet poetic narratives of carcerality, becoming free, and desire for life.

Directed by: Rin Jung, Richard Rivera

Rin Jung is a multimedia researcher, DIY doc filmmaker, and tattoo artist from Korea currently based in Brooklyn. Through their research and practice, Rin explores experiential emotions and affect such as personal narrative and memories within the sociopolitical contexts and critical perspectives. By reconfiguring various struggles and violences faced in our time and existence, Rin’s artistic and intellectual becoming wishes to be a radical resilience and liberating force.

Richard Rivera is a formerly incarcerated research scholar, educator, and community activist based in Tompkins County, NY. His research focuses on local ethnography of the marginalized communities and people. He serves on the Board of the Cornell Prison Education Program (CPEP) and works with nonprofits Ultimate Re-entry Organization (URO) and Opportunities, Alternatives, Resources (OAR) of Tompkins County.

“Simmer”

Simmer is a narrative drama concerning a young, black high school student Carter Williams. Although his English teacher pushes him to get involved in a poetry showcase and develop his talents, a racist bully and an avoidant father operate against him. Throughout the story, the conflict blends both real and imagined spaces parallel to Carter’s evolution from repression to expression.

Directed By: Joshua

Afiriyie

Joshua Afiriyie is a writer and director currently residing in Philadelphia, PA. He is the co-founder of Babellion Studios, a film collective specializing in filmmaking and podcast production. He has produced a myriad of content under Babellion and under his own name while providing other students opportunities to showcase their talents. He is committed to telling challenging stories with a focus on social justice, social commentary, and meaningful discourse. He believes that art is a labor of the people and a reflection of the collective.

“A Cup of Tea”

A heartfelt short film about the challenging aftermath for a Black American family whose son was unjustly murdered by the hands of the police. We are invited to witness Jamal’s parents Shannon and Coleman meeting for the first time, years after this life-shattering incident, and their emotionally palpable exploration of grief and forgiveness. Their inspiring reunification brings hope that love overcomes pain, even in the most dire circumstances.

Directed By: Gabriel Noble

Gabriel "Gabe" Noble, originally from Kannapolis, North Carolina, explored various art forms including music, dance, and creative writing throughout high school and college. Nine years ago, he relocated to New York City to chase an acting career, which led him to discover a passion for hospitality, culminating in a successful stint as a bartender in the vibrant New York restaurant scene. In 2022, Gabe decided to follow his deepest passion: film. His debut short film, "A Cup of Tea," marks his first venture into filmmaking. Currently, he is pursuing an MFA in Film at Stony Brook's Manhattan Center for Creative Writing and Film. Gabe is also developing a short script and his first feature film, both inspired by his North Carolina roots.

“

I Just Hope You Listen"

A young activist discusses the ever-changing world he lives in with the people he cares about, in order to save his neighborhood.

Directed by: Marquett

Ferrell

Marquett Ferrell, also known as BIG R3D, is an entertainer of color. Currently studying at Kutztown University, Marquett has been on and behind the camera for his whole life. Known for his music career and theatre performances, he's finally ready to prove he has what it takes to tell his story.

“Waiting Onna Punch”

After recovering Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Steven "WOP" Williams finds his place in the boxing ring. Through hard work, he lands the opportunity to compete for a place on the Olympic boxing team for the upcoming Olympic trials.

Directed by: Victoria Wilcox

Victoria Wilcox is a filmmaker and freelance photographer in Philadelphia. Victoria is currently studying Narrative Directing BFA program at Temple University. Over the years, she has curated a love for capturing moments in time and cultivating empathy within audiences, which has led her to the realm of storytelling. From a single photo, to fiction, to documentary, Victoria seeks to capture the essence of those around her.

“Shopping Spree (Black Friday)”

Jet Black is a frustrated, cashstrapped banker that has discovered a glitch in her bank’s system. By day, she continues to code switch. After hours, she lives out her dream of being the Black Robin Hood, while poppin’ her sh*t with her besties. The result is a glamorous, possibly messy series of events.

“Shopping Spree (Black Friday)” is a companion piece to dramedy series, “American Debt”.

Directed by:

Jeta Stephens, Donnoven Rios

Jeta is a filmmaker & producer. She graduated from Temple University with dual degrees in Public Relations and Spanish. She has produced, filmed and edited a variety of short films. She finds fulfillment in telling financial stories through her art.

“Let it Be a Tale"

'Let it be a Tale' highlights the expressions of Palestinian identity and culture in Washington DC and the wider DMV area with a focus on the Museum of the Palestinian people and local artist Nawaf Soliman.

Directed

by: Omar Ali Khan Hutchins

Omar is a photographer and filmmaker born and raised in San Francisco, California and currently attending Howard University in Washington DC to pursue a degree in Media, Journalism, and Film with an African Studies minor.

“The HoodTrophy Bino Story: Breaking the Generational Curse"

Dive into the captivating narrative of HoodTrophy Binoa California hip-hop artist from the projects of South Central and Palmdale. Destined to overcome the incarceration cycle that has plagued the Black men in his family, Bino is discovered by Soulja Boy while in jail. In this documentary, he opens up about the trials and triumphs that shaped his life - offering insights into the challenges of growing up in a tough environment.

Directed by: Sam "Gebar" Gebremiche

GEBAR (Director/ Editor) is an aspiring film director originally from Eritrea, Africa. Born and raised in Eritrea, he moved to America at age 11 with his family. He pursued his dream of filmmaking while graduating from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cinema. In 2016 he started his own production company called Ordinary Visions. He has directed two short narrative films and a variety of music videos. He started filming music videos in 2016 and has filmed various artists ranging from Blueface, rexxliferaj, Fenix Flexin, Lil Bean, AzChike, Young Slo-be, EBK Young Joc, Rucci, Drakeo the Ruler, and many more. Please see Gebar's instagram account for more:

@g.e.b.a.r

“Inadequate”

A well-intentioned white woman finds her presumptions questioned by her black foster kid's mom.

Directed : Elya

Randrianavio

Growing up in Madagascar, Africa, Elya Randrianaivo started writing and starring in films at the ripe age of 8. She moved to France to study engineering while also selflearning screenwriting. After graduation, she held various position in Commercials production until self-producing her first short-film « L’avenir de mon ex » with her cinematographer brother. In 2019, she attended film school in Los Angeles to acquire a MFA in Film and Television. She completed four shorts of various genre. Her work tackles delicate topics through stories that are authentic, entertaining and profound. Her appetite for difficult subjects such as racism, white supremacy, terrorism trauma, homelessness, is not to denounce but to provide a sensational space for the audience to be fully immersed into living the question and gain greater insight to find strength, freedom and hope.

“Nice To Meet You”

“Nice To Meet You” follows the story of Ricky and Naomi, two young lovers who happen to show up at a restaurant around the same time waiting on their respective dates. As the night progresses, they realize both of them might be getting stood up.

Directed by: Hendreck

Joseph

Hendreck is a South Florida native of Haitian descent who loves to tell stories about his friends and family. He grew up in a Christian Caribbean household, and his stories have been influenced by his upbringing. Hendreck has always been heavily involved in the arts. From yearbook editor, creative writing school blogger, talent show production, and now finally a screenwriter and director. He received his BA in English at Florida Atlantic University in 2014 and went on to get his master’s in Screenwriting in 2023 at Florida State University. Hendreck has written and directed two short films ("You Got The Right One" & "Nice To Meet You" and co-wrote the first feature ("Noseeums”) fully produced by Florida State between 2021-2023. Hendreck’s ultimate goal is to star in either a hit show or a movie that he’s written.

“Pedigree”

A first-time protester sharing her emotional experience with being arrested and disrespected, Pedigree is a solo performance short film about personal acceptance and recovery from the inexplicit influences of racial hatred and violence.

Dircted By :Brittney S. Harris, Russ Fulmore

Brittney S. Harris is an Assistant Professor of Theatre in the Department of Communication and Theatre Arts at Old Dominion University. Featured directed performances/programming include Exodus Homecoming VA (InHEIRitance Project), Hidden History of the Banjo (Zeiders American Dream Theater), Symptomatic: IRL, Echoes: Transcending Through Story (ODURep Mainstage season) and Resilient Stillness: A Project about Stillness and Togetherness for the ODU Summer Arts Series. Her solo performance projects have been featured at several national interdisciplinary conferences and fringe festivals, most recently including the Association for

Theatre in Higher Education Conference (ATHE), Borderlight International Fringe Festival, Rochester Fringe Festival, Mid-America Theatre Conference (MATC), Black Theatre Network, Global Conference on Women and Gender, Racial Disposability and Cultures of Resistance Conference at Penn State University, Richmond Fringe Festival, and the Annual African, African American, & Diaspora Studies (AAAD) Conference at Howard University.