The Short Film Fest

I am no stranger to rushing to the movies when a film hits the box office. Yet, this weekend, I feel like I really saw a small glimpse of the L.A. everyone hears about and strives to be a part of. Filmmaking is our trade and my weekend was packed with film and filmmakers. I saw how Black filmmakers take part in this trade, transmuting their ideas onto the reel and sharing them at Blackout Cinema’s Sci-Fi In Color Shorts Fest.

  
Left hand photo credit: Blackout Cinema | Directors Brian Bell & Donovan Vim Crony

Blackout Cinema hosted a screening of five short films by Black filmmakers based in the Greater Los Angeles area and Philadelphia. The organizers of the event, Kingslee Purcell and Lyn Monique, collaborated with the Alkebulan Cultural Center in Pasadena, to showcase the films, a Q&A with two of the directors, and the overall mixer for Black Sci-Fi enthusiasts. Lyn Monique, described the event as one for Black people to get out of the house, which is definitely my speed and I fit the Black Sci-Fi enthusiast description perfectly as well if I do say so myself. Therefore, I’m so glad I was able to venture out to Pasadena for a lovely film-focused Sunday!

The Films & Filmmakers

What I loved about the screening was how each director took the idea of science fiction and ran with it, exploring the genre’s penchant for social commentary in many different ways. Nearly all the films included near future or otherworldly technology –actively portraying AfroFuturism– yet some shorts went in the direction of including aliens, virtual reality, and the repercussions of policing. I loved seeing each creator speak to different aspects of Black culture and experiences with science fiction as their medium of expression.

• Tyranny by Brian Bell – This film is the first episode of a longer web series; it centers on dismantling a system of domination conspired by certain humans and an alien race.
• Departure by Donovan Vim Crony – A moving story about an alien couple embodied in human form, yet when they’re called back home conflict arises.
• Noise Gate by Donovan Vim Crony – An experimental film, with amazing camera angles and costumes, about the search for ultimate reality and self-discovery and empowerment.
• Immersion by Mikheal Bassilli – A concise and well-paced story that dives into a virtual reality scenario and stark reality of a high-tech prison industrial system.
• Resistance: The Battle of Philadelpia by M. Asli Dukan – A compilation of Dukan’s web series, focused on the rising fight against police brutality in a near-future Philadephia.

A Few Shorts Instantly In My Heart

Two of the most striking films for me were created by Donovan Vim Crony. His films Departure and Noise Gate were conceptually and visually stunning. I loved how he incorporated music to enhance the mood and storytelling of his films. This is no surprise since Crony describes his style as resonating ” the truth of Rock & Roll.” He definitely has an AfroFuturist vision, crafting the outstanding costumes, masks, and props himself in Noise Gate, yet there is also a touch of spirituality to his work.

He isn’t afraid to delve into the strange or weird as he’s expressing Black love and self-discovery in a visual and sensational thrill ride. During the Q & A, which Kingslee so masterfully facilitated, Crony mentioned how much he loved production, creating the film with his cast and crew, being on set, and much more. I think the love of collaboration and creating something from the heart was clear to see. Crony even mentioned that in his films he “wants to show freedom…show the possibilities of life”.

In regard to his films, Crony also stated “I like the ability to re-imagine things. It’s a story and I can tell it again, change it all the time”. This was an inspiring takeaway for me as a writer and creator. You always have creative freedom with your work, so let your ideas go to new heights. His joy for the process of creating art, whatever the medium, was fantastic to see on screen and hear in person.

If you are interested in meeting up with other Black people interested in all things film, Blackout Cinema is the mixer for you. I appreciate the organizers creating space for vendors, filmmakers, and film lovers!

Go out and support short films! You just might see the next best director or film in action!

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Best,

Kai 😀