2024 Recap
2024 March On! Fest Recap
Relive the energy and excitement of March On! Festival 2024! From inspiring performances to unforgettable moments, this highlight reel captures the essence of the celebration. Watch as artists, creators, and […]
Presenting Lovely One: A Memoir with Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
This event was a live taping of New York Public Radio’s nationally syndicated podcast, Notes From America With Kai Wright. Host Kai Wright and Justice Jackson talked one-on-one about her […]
2024 Recap
- Emerging Documentary, Filmmaker Competitions
Shape Up: Gay in the Black Barbershop
Directors: Derrick L. Middleton
Shape Up: Gay in the Black Barbershop' is a documentary short set in Harlem, NYC. This film sheds light on the vital role barbershops play within the black community while examining the often complicated relationship that black gay men have with these spaces.
Shape Up: Gay in the Black Barbershop' is a documentary short set in Harlem, NYC. This film sheds light on the vital role barbershops play within the black community while examining the often complicated relationship that black gay men have with these spaces.
- Emerging Documentary, Filmmaker Competitions
One-Two-One-Seven: A Story of Japanese Internment
Directors: Brett Kodama
On February 19th, 1942, Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, an order which allowed the military to forcibly move people of Japanese ancestry into designated 'Relocation Centers' during World War II. Over 100,000 people (citizen and alien alike) were 'evacuated' in the name of national security with no legitimate reasoning beyond war time hysteria.Among the internees was my grandmother, who was only three years old at the time of her incarceration in the spring of 1942. The number '1217' refers to the Family ID Number issued to my grandmother and her family at the Manzanar Concentration Camp.Her story is just one of many from this forgotten and often ignored part of American History.
On February 19th, 1942, Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, an order which allowed the military to forcibly move people of Japanese ancestry into designated 'Relocation Centers' during World War II. Over 100,000 people (citizen and alien alike) were 'evacuated' in the name of national security with no legitimate reasoning beyond war time hysteria.Among the internees was my grandmother, who was only three years old at the time of her incarceration in the spring of 1942. The number '1217' refers to the Family ID Number issued to my grandmother and her family at the Manzanar Concentration Camp.Her story is just one of many from this forgotten and often ignored part of American History.
- Emerging Documentary, Filmmaker Competitions
The Lost Flock: Catholic Gays Struggle Between the Church and Self
Directors: Eric Kruszewski
The Catholic Catechism states that “homosexual acts are disordered, and under no circumstances can they be approved.” Saint Matthew Catholic Church, located in Baltimore, Maryland, has begun a ministry designed to affirm the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) members of its parish family and the broader community. This ministry, known as LEAD (LGBT Educating and Affirming Diversity), strives to offer a sense of home and familiarity to LGBT individuals. Under the direction of Fr. Joseph Muth Jr., LEAD includes about 50 individuals – some of whom fall under the LGBT label, as well as general supporters of the mission. LEAD offers a safe place for the diverse LGBT community to congregate, share, and to find comfort amidst a larger church environment that does not fully accept them.
The Catholic Catechism states that “homosexual acts are disordered, and under no circumstances can they be approved.” Saint Matthew Catholic Church, located in Baltimore, Maryland, has begun a ministry designed to affirm the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) members of its parish family and the broader community. This ministry, known as LEAD (LGBT Educating and Affirming Diversity), strives to offer a sense of home and familiarity to LGBT individuals. Under the direction of Fr. Joseph Muth Jr., LEAD includes about 50 individuals – some of whom fall under the LGBT label, as well as general supporters of the mission. LEAD offers a safe place for the diverse LGBT community to congregate, share, and to find comfort amidst a larger church environment that does not fully accept them.
- Emerging Narrative, Filmmaker Competitions
Nothing Happened- A Short Film
Directors: Ted Schneider
A black artist is stopped and frisked and struggles to determine the place for his experience within the larger social context of racial profiling.
A black artist is stopped and frisked and struggles to determine the place for his experience within the larger social context of racial profiling.
- Emerging Narrative, Filmmaker Competitions
AMERICAN FALLS
Directors: Be' Garrett
In a rural town in Southern Idaho, a Japanese family owns and operates a small motel. The year is 1965, the height of the civil rights era. One night a stranger sporting city clothes checks in, the first African American man that Toru Suzuki's children have ever seen. Yoshiko, Toru's precocious 13 year old daughter, takes it upon herself to solve the mystery of the man, especially after two detectives come knocking on their door in the middle of the night.
In a rural town in Southern Idaho, a Japanese family owns and operates a small motel. The year is 1965, the height of the civil rights era. One night a stranger sporting city clothes checks in, the first African American man that Toru Suzuki's children have ever seen. Yoshiko, Toru's precocious 13 year old daughter, takes it upon herself to solve the mystery of the man, especially after two detectives come knocking on their door in the middle of the night.
- Emerging Narrative, Filmmaker Competitions
Counter Act
Directors: Steven Gottlieb
A jukebox diner. The usual homogeneous crowd. Two unwelcome visitors sit at the counter. Have we seen this play out before?
A jukebox diner. The usual homogeneous crowd. Two unwelcome visitors sit at the counter. Have we seen this play out before?
- Filmmaker Competitions, Student Documentary
Two Marches
Directors: Ray Whitehouse
After attending the Million Man March in 1995, a pastor from Durham, North Carolina strives to recruit 1000 people in his city to attend the 20th anniversary of the march in 2015 and learns about himself in the process.
After attending the Million Man March in 1995, a pastor from Durham, North Carolina strives to recruit 1000 people in his city to attend the 20th anniversary of the march in 2015 and learns about himself in the process.
- Filmmaker Competitions, Student Documentary
Legacy
Directors: Amy Wright
Brooklyn's own Federation of Black Cowboys ride the trails, transport inner-city kids off the streets and onto horses, and work to preserve and celebrate the legacy of the forgotten 1/3 of old west cowboys who were Black.
Brooklyn's own Federation of Black Cowboys ride the trails, transport inner-city kids off the streets and onto horses, and work to preserve and celebrate the legacy of the forgotten 1/3 of old west cowboys who were Black.
- Filmmaker Competitions, Student Documentary
Welcome’ to America
Directors: Gabby Orengo & Scarlet Frias
A young immigrant from the Dominican Republic talks about growing up in Washington Heights.
A young immigrant from the Dominican Republic talks about growing up in Washington Heights.
- Filmmaker Competitions, Student Narrative
My Girl Rose
Directors: Jordan Lewis
Inspired by a true story. Racial tension runs high in 1969 Lakeland, Florida - a small closed minded southern town. Two high school students, Rose and Jude find themselves bonding over a common cause, having an integrated prom.
Inspired by a true story. Racial tension runs high in 1969 Lakeland, Florida - a small closed minded southern town. Two high school students, Rose and Jude find themselves bonding over a common cause, having an integrated prom.
- Filmmaker Competitions, Student Narrative
The Prosecution
Directors: Shiri Nevo -Fridental
Attorney Racheli lev-Ari, a young prosecutor, is determined to bring a defendant accused of grave crimes to a long term detention. Facing the defence counsel, who constantly attempts to throw her off balance, she struggles to convince the detention judge. The more personal this struggle gets, the more aware becomes Racheli to the real struggle in the depths of her soul.
Attorney Racheli lev-Ari, a young prosecutor, is determined to bring a defendant accused of grave crimes to a long term detention. Facing the defence counsel, who constantly attempts to throw her off balance, she struggles to convince the detention judge. The more personal this struggle gets, the more aware becomes Racheli to the real struggle in the depths of her soul.
- Filmmaker Competitions, Student Narrative
[solitary]
Directors: Derek J. Pastuszek
An inmate endures long-term isolation within a prison's solitary confinement unit.
An inmate endures long-term isolation within a prison's solitary confinement unit.
- Filmmaker Competitions, Student Narrative
LAWMAN
Directors: Matthew Gentile
1875, Oklahoma Territory. Bass Reeves, is the first African-American to be deputized by the U.S. Marshal service. His wife, Nellie Jennie Reeves, tries to persuade Bass not to leave for his own safety, but Bass argues that it's the best job he can get to keep a roof over his family's head. When Bass charges into the desert, he engages in a shootout with two outlaws, Maha and Glen Huddleston, also African-American. Bass kills Maha in the gunfight, and arrests Glen, ordering him to carry Maha's body across the desert back to Fort Smith. Over the course of their journey, Glen questions Bass' choice of career and tries to psych Bass out in an unorthodox attempt at escape, a tactic that works as Bass begins to question his own mind in regards to the idea of justice and choosing to fight for a law and a country that may never fight for him.
1875, Oklahoma Territory. Bass Reeves, is the first African-American to be deputized by the U.S. Marshal service. His wife, Nellie Jennie Reeves, tries to persuade Bass not to leave for his own safety, but Bass argues that it's the best job he can get to keep a roof over his family's head. When Bass charges into the desert, he engages in a shootout with two outlaws, Maha and Glen Huddleston, also African-American. Bass kills Maha in the gunfight, and arrests Glen, ordering him to carry Maha's body across the desert back to Fort Smith. Over the course of their journey, Glen questions Bass' choice of career and tries to psych Bass out in an unorthodox attempt at escape, a tactic that works as Bass begins to question his own mind in regards to the idea of justice and choosing to fight for a law and a country that may never fight for him.
- Filmmaker Competitions, Student Narrative
Vitiligo
Directors: Cliff Notez
Vitiligo is a short Psychological Suspense/Thriller that tells the story of a doctoral student who is guest lecturing a series on the inequalities/disparities for African Americans in media representations. This movie will tell the story of the day after a traumatic event has happened to our main character, and we are walking our way through their psychotic break trying to piece together clues that will point us to its cause. We will walk through the protagonists gradual melt down and experience his auditory and visual delusions. We want to tell the story of this student in order to highlight Black mental health, structural racism as it relates to mental and physical health of the oppressed, and the continuous struggle of conscience duality.
Vitiligo is a short Psychological Suspense/Thriller that tells the story of a doctoral student who is guest lecturing a series on the inequalities/disparities for African Americans in media representations. This movie will tell the story of the day after a traumatic event has happened to our main character, and we are walking our way through their psychotic break trying to piece together clues that will point us to its cause. We will walk through the protagonists gradual melt down and experience his auditory and visual delusions. We want to tell the story of this student in order to highlight Black mental health, structural racism as it relates to mental and physical health of the oppressed, and the continuous struggle of conscience duality.
- Filmmaker Competitions, Student Narrative
Time is the Longest Distance
Directors: Bryan Powers
Time is the Longest Distance conveys the importance of familial love and acceptance through the story of three generations of men: thirty-something Adam, his aging father Jack, who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, and Xander, a teenaged boy who serendipitously crosses their path. Adam arrives at his father's nursing home to share news of a major change in his life, hoping to bridge the distance that has opened up between them before Jack's Alzheimer's becomes too advanced. While things do not go as planned, Jack's chance encounter with Xander provides Adam with an unexpected way to find the acceptance he seeks.
Time is the Longest Distance conveys the importance of familial love and acceptance through the story of three generations of men: thirty-something Adam, his aging father Jack, who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, and Xander, a teenaged boy who serendipitously crosses their path. Adam arrives at his father's nursing home to share news of a major change in his life, hoping to bridge the distance that has opened up between them before Jack's Alzheimer's becomes too advanced. While things do not go as planned, Jack's chance encounter with Xander provides Adam with an unexpected way to find the acceptance he seeks.
- Filmmaker Competitions, Student Documentary
A Life Before This
Directors: Steffie van Rhee
Ramarley Graham, an unarmed black teenager, was shot and killed in his Bronx home by a white New York City police officer four years ago. Since then, his mother, Constance Malcolm, has fought to have the officer held accountable. Her struggle for justice has led her to a life of activism and an increasingly significant role as a public figure.
Ramarley Graham, an unarmed black teenager, was shot and killed in his Bronx home by a white New York City police officer four years ago. Since then, his mother, Constance Malcolm, has fought to have the officer held accountable. Her struggle for justice has led her to a life of activism and an increasingly significant role as a public figure.
- Filmmaker Competitions, Student Documentary
Unheard
Directors: Erin Kokdil
Unheard is an intimate glimpse into the life of Teresa Smith, a grieving single mother who finds the strength through music to accept and then confront the injustice in her life. The film contrasts the somber yet healing energy of Teresa's singing against the backdrop of a day in her home with her surviving children. We witness her struggle to transform a devastating haunting trauma into purpose and we watch her emerge as an activist with a voice. Avoiding sentimentality, the film visually reflects the pull between life and loss, senselessness and meaning, a resigned silence and a voice that will be heard. We are left with the profound realization that in the depths of despair, if we can claim our own power -- there is hope.
Unheard is an intimate glimpse into the life of Teresa Smith, a grieving single mother who finds the strength through music to accept and then confront the injustice in her life. The film contrasts the somber yet healing energy of Teresa's singing against the backdrop of a day in her home with her surviving children. We witness her struggle to transform a devastating haunting trauma into purpose and we watch her emerge as an activist with a voice. Avoiding sentimentality, the film visually reflects the pull between life and loss, senselessness and meaning, a resigned silence and a voice that will be heard. We are left with the profound realization that in the depths of despair, if we can claim our own power -- there is hope.
- Filmmaker Competitions, Student Documentary
FEARLESS
Directors: Jasmine
Branden
Yingxu Cannon
Hampton
Hao
10,000 Fearless men and women are determined to empower a struggling community in the midst of gun violence and uncertain conditions on the South Side of Chicago.
10,000 Fearless men and women are determined to empower a struggling community in the midst of gun violence and uncertain conditions on the South Side of Chicago.
- Emerging Documentary, Filmmaker Competitions
They Took Them Alive
Directors: Emily Pederson
In 2014, the disappearance of 43 college students sparked a historic social movement in Mexico. Faced with government obstruction of an international investigation into their disappearance, their families enter a new chapter of uncertainty but refuse to stop seeking justice and closure.
In 2014, the disappearance of 43 college students sparked a historic social movement in Mexico. Faced with government obstruction of an international investigation into their disappearance, their families enter a new chapter of uncertainty but refuse to stop seeking justice and closure.
- Emerging Documentary, Filmmaker Competitions
Honk: A Festival of Activist Street Bands
Directors: Patrick Johnson
Honk! is a festival of activist street bands who reclaim public spaces with their brash sound, political messages, and outrageous community oriented performances.
Honk! is a festival of activist street bands who reclaim public spaces with their brash sound, political messages, and outrageous community oriented performances.
- Emerging Documentary, Filmmaker Competitions
Seven Dates With Death
Directors: Mike Holland
The story of Moreese Bickham, the oldest living survivor of Death Row in the United States. Bickham describes the murders that sent him to Death Row, his life on death row and how he was able to get on with his life after almost four decades in prison.
The story of Moreese Bickham, the oldest living survivor of Death Row in the United States. Bickham describes the murders that sent him to Death Row, his life on death row and how he was able to get on with his life after almost four decades in prison.
- Emerging Narrative, Filmmaker Competitions
LA OPOSICION
Directors: Zoey Martinson
LA OPOSICIÓN explores immigration policy under the new Trump administration. When officers for the Department of Homeland Security are ordered to aggressively monitor immigration targets in the USA, they start to question their own culpability in the new system.
LA OPOSICIÓN explores immigration policy under the new Trump administration. When officers for the Department of Homeland Security are ordered to aggressively monitor immigration targets in the USA, they start to question their own culpability in the new system.
- Emerging Narrative, Filmmaker Competitions
Heterodox HDS
Directors: Michaux Muanda
During her brief time in the police department, Jennifer Abelson a rookie police officer witnessed the deaths of two unarmed black boys just to result in no conviction of the officer involved. To improve police relations with African Americans, she decided to take action to put end to this practice at least in that part of the city.Directed, Written, and Produced by Michaux Muanda
During her brief time in the police department, Jennifer Abelson a rookie police officer witnessed the deaths of two unarmed black boys just to result in no conviction of the officer involved. To improve police relations with African Americans, she decided to take action to put end to this practice at least in that part of the city.Directed, Written, and Produced by Michaux Muanda
- Emerging Narrative, Filmmaker Competitions
Honor Council
Directors: Scott Simonsen
After beating up the school bully with dildo nunchucks, Wren, who dresses as a girl from the waist down and a boy from the waist up, was put on trial with threat of expulsion. As he is tried by the honor council it becomes clear that the situation is not so black and white and that everyone must adjust see through different eyes to understand what is right.
After beating up the school bully with dildo nunchucks, Wren, who dresses as a girl from the waist down and a boy from the waist up, was put on trial with threat of expulsion. As he is tried by the honor council it becomes clear that the situation is not so black and white and that everyone must adjust see through different eyes to understand what is right.
- Emerging Documentary, Filmmaker Competitions
Two Steps Back
Directors: R. Kayeen
Using the perspective of Derrick Bell, this short documentary providing an alternate and challenging perspective of the historic Brown v. Board of Education decision.
Using the perspective of Derrick Bell, this short documentary providing an alternate and challenging perspective of the historic Brown v. Board of Education decision.
- Emerging Documentary, Filmmaker Competitions
When Mother Goes to Work
Directors: Azar
Newark, NJ is one of the most dangerous inner-cities in the United States. Marked by a history of racism and segregation, people of Newark are heavily policed on a daily basis. In this film, three siblings from Newark have to find a way to spend time together in the absence of their mother who is away working three long shifts.
Newark, NJ is one of the most dangerous inner-cities in the United States. Marked by a history of racism and segregation, people of Newark are heavily policed on a daily basis. In this film, three siblings from Newark have to find a way to spend time together in the absence of their mother who is away working three long shifts.
- Emerging Documentary, Filmmaker Competitions
Born to Stay
Directors: Daniela Cruzat, Farrah Lopez
Born To Stay is a documentary that follows Elvia, an American girl, high school senior, class leader, and head of the debate club who is terrified that her mother will be deported just like her dad. Elvia lives in an all-white community in Upstate New York, where she feels no one understands her situation, making her very outspoken. The film shows her tight relationship with her mother, her efforts to inform her peers during the election year and the impact the election results have on her family. The film is an intimate portrait of the fear a family with an undocumented parent is going through in a country where 4.5 million citizens are born in this situation.
Born To Stay is a documentary that follows Elvia, an American girl, high school senior, class leader, and head of the debate club who is terrified that her mother will be deported just like her dad. Elvia lives in an all-white community in Upstate New York, where she feels no one understands her situation, making her very outspoken. The film shows her tight relationship with her mother, her efforts to inform her peers during the election year and the impact the election results have on her family. The film is an intimate portrait of the fear a family with an undocumented parent is going through in a country where 4.5 million citizens are born in this situation.
- Emerging Narrative, Filmmaker Competitions
Riverment
Directors: Shayla
Active during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, Maureen was no stranger to racial injustices and traumatic events during her fight for equal rights. To cope with the trauma she's encountered during her days as an activist, Maureen spends her time at her favorite place of peace, the riverbank. Maureen's granddaughter, Tyna, has become a freedom fighter in her own right, tackling inequalities and discrimination occurring on her college campus. When Tyna decides to take her activism outside the proposed safe boundaries of school, Maureen fears for her granddaughter’s safety, and ultimately her sanity.
Active during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, Maureen was no stranger to racial injustices and traumatic events during her fight for equal rights. To cope with the trauma she's encountered during her days as an activist, Maureen spends her time at her favorite place of peace, the riverbank. Maureen's granddaughter, Tyna, has become a freedom fighter in her own right, tackling inequalities and discrimination occurring on her college campus. When Tyna decides to take her activism outside the proposed safe boundaries of school, Maureen fears for her granddaughter’s safety, and ultimately her sanity.
- Emerging Narrative, Filmmaker Competitions
Crick in the Holler
Directors: Ursula
During West Virginia's 2014 Elk River chemical spill, a first-generation college student charged with the care of her rebellious younger sister instead becomes consumed by an issue with their water supply.
During West Virginia's 2014 Elk River chemical spill, a first-generation college student charged with the care of her rebellious younger sister instead becomes consumed by an issue with their water supply.
- Emerging Narrative, Filmmaker Competitions
Life After
Directors: Ria
“Life After” is about Nisha, a single mother and Indian immigrant, who travels to New York City to clear out her daughter Zara's apartment. Out of her element in the big city, Nisha discovers surprising new details about Zara. With help from her best friend and a stranger, Nisha uncovers the truth about her daughter’s life.
“Life After” is about Nisha, a single mother and Indian immigrant, who travels to New York City to clear out her daughter Zara's apartment. Out of her element in the big city, Nisha discovers surprising new details about Zara. With help from her best friend and a stranger, Nisha uncovers the truth about her daughter’s life.
