What does it mean to be Black or Brown or White? These seven dramatic shorts explore the shifting dynamics of identity and self, asking us who we are, how we look at each other, and who gets to wear the crown of self-determination.
Films:
Don’t Be a Sucka
A.J. Riggins
After a decade apart, two old friends, John and Brent reminisce over drinks and remember the good ole days of their past. As the drinks flow, Brent takes the opportunity to apologize for his family’s racist tendencies, revealing why their friendship became so estranged. When they switch from beers to something a little stronger, we learn that John’s true intentions weren’t just to catch up with an old friend.
Kindred Kings
Trey Gray
A poetically visual essay that explores freedom and versatility for the black man. Kindred Kings illustrates the journey for us to remember that black men are Kings, Kindred Kings. And as Kings, we get to decide the new narrative for the black man.
Brother
Ya’Ke
After his older brother Casey returns home from a prison sentence, Caleb’s relationship with his best friend Jason is put to the test.
tbh: u cute
Bailey James
A narrative of being a black girl in a black world, and being forced to deal with the reality of being seemingly invisible in the real one.
Augustus
Jon Alston
Augustus, a literate, escaped slave masquerading as a free man in Massachusetts just prior to the Civil War, experiences nightmares of his son’s death and a future America that resembles the struggles of his own time. Augustus soon realizes the horrors of slavery and racial inequality will only continue if he remains complicit. He’s left with one choice; speak out or risk his freedom.
Adullam
Regina Hoyles
A young Chicago woman with a well-kept secret enjoys a typical day in the south suburbs.
Judging Eyes
Joy J. James
We’ve all done it. Looked at someone and formed an opinion. How often have we formed a negative sentiment based on how a person looks? How often have we thought about how that person came to be where they are? Remember: everyone has a story. Spoken Word and Film come together to help us bear witness to harsh truths.
Body So Fluorescent: The Short Film
Amanda Cordner and David Di Giovanni
Desiree and Shenice go out for a fun night of dancing, but when Shenice takes things a step too far, Desiree is confronted with who Shenice really is and how Desiree may be the one responsible for her insidious transformation.