A collection of short films curated by director/producer Zanah Thirus – watch her introduction above. These films were chosen to represent a cross-section of emerging Black creative talent, spanning budgets, genres, and moods. In this moment of anti-racist awareness, Zanah wanted to share with the Utah Film Center a breadth of filmmaking and storytelling that goes beyond the headlines and reductive narratives that we often see portraying Black voices. Prior to the pandemic, the Film Center was slated to screen Zanah’s feature Black Feminist, which we look forward to playing in a theater when we’re back in (physical) business.
MEMAW
Directed by Zanah Thirus – 14:41
A young woman finds out she is pregnant the same week her grandmother is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
FEMME NOIR
Directed by Maiya Shackelford – 2:11
An experimental art film that explores free Black Women experiencing joy in a self-created safe space.
CELESTIAL
Directed by Michael Chris – 6:20
Motivated by their separation, a young man and a young woman with special abilities find a way to be together.
THE RIGHT SWIPE
Directed by Justin Casselle, co-created by Kyra Jones and Juli Del Prete – 14:50
When best friends India and Margo start a business fixing men’s dating app profiles, how much will they f&*k up their own love lives in the process?
DO: XYX
Created by Myles Evans and Khalimah Gaston – 11:56
A special agent leads on her new crush until things get complicated with her next target.
LAUNDRY DAY
Directed by Olamma Oparah – 4:07
A conceptual film around Victoria P. Allen’s poem, “Mother’s Stain”. The film focuses on generational gaps between mother and daughter.
VALENTINES DAY FIRST DATE
Directed by Justin Casselle – 5:00
A first date on Valentine’s Day – What could go wrong?
LIAR
Directed by Jessica Tolliver – 5:30
Set in the classic 1950’s noir era, a fed up woman sets out to confront her lover and his new dame after speculating infidelity in their relationship.
