Safiyah Chinere’s YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIKE ME

screening is SOLD OUT

We are hyped to bring you the return of FRESH BLACK FILMS - now taking place in the Northeast and Southeast USA!

This series exposes fresh audiences to new, dynamic work from emerging Black filmmakers, and Black filmmakers and creatives to more of each other’s original work.

Our first edition takes place in The Luminal’s birthplace - Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn!  Join us for six films from Northeast USA born and based filmmakers that include comedies, dramas, documentaries, and experimental fare.

post-screening Q&A moderated by

Melisssa Lyde of ALFREDA’S CINEMA

Why Emerging Filmmakers for FRESH BLACK FILMS

It’s literally in the name of our series.  We define "emerging" as filmmakers, regardless of age, who are fairly new to directing & producing cinema, and have had only intermediate success on the film festival circuit, and also may have not had films acquired by major distribution or streaming platforms.  All our selected filmmakers have unique perspectives that are aching to be seen and discovered and supported by audiences like you and film industry professionals.  

This edition of Fresh Black Films is sponsored in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and COSA-NY, with sponsorship prizes for the Audience Favorite film from Final Draft and Coverfly.

event music provided by SONIC BLACKNUSS

musicologist and DJ Ann Charles (aka The Black Connection)

LINEUP

LONG STORY SHORT by Roshumba Tyra Llewellyn

An exploration of the unique experiences of folks with “unusual” & “ethnic-sounding” names, intended to evoke cultural and aspirational intentions, yet they often catalyze both problems and unique journeys of self-determination.

OCEAN’S 24/7 by Samara Huckvale

In this spoof at the intersection of stoner comedies, heist films, and the French New Wave, two twenty-something amateurs decide to run a heist with 24 people in 7 days on a local grocery store chain, Ocean's, after a store employee publicly embarrasses them for smelling like weed. 

GO SWIFTLY ALONG by Jason R.A. Foster

When the director and the two lead actors behind a cult film record the audio commentary for a special edition release, old wounds are reopened. 

INTERCEPTION: JAYNE KENNEDY • AMERICAN SPORTSCASTER by Safiya Songhai

When a bronze-skin bombshell rocks the world of Sunday Morning Football, millions tune in... but few know the tumultuous story of Jayne Kennedy, the first Black woman to boldly run an interception on the racial lines of American sportscasting.

30-LOVE by Jeffrey Darin McCready

A homage to the play, heartbeat and rhythm of tennis.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO LIKE ME by Safiyah Chiniere

A journey in which self-discovery isn't merely a reflection in a window, but a profound realization of self-worth. It is a reminder that there is immense value in embracing and celebrating the diverse manifestations of womanhood. It’s a testament to the resilience, beauty, and strength of those who defy societal expectations, shedding light on the many facets of being a woman in a world that so often attempts to define and confine them.

About FINAL DRAFT

The first-choice tool of professional screenwriters everywhere, Final Draft is the industry standard for seamless script writing.  Used by screenwriters, studios and production companies around the world, it's the only tool that lets you fully customize your writing environment, streamlines your process, maximizes your productivity, and correctly formats your work. All so you can focus on what matters most—writing.  

About COVERFLY

Coverfly allows you to build your screenwriting resume, connect with other writers and industry professionals, access exclusive resources and opportunities, and find the best competition and coverage options for you. Take charge of your screenwriting career with Coverfly.