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LOS ANGELES---To film nerds and cinephiles everywhere, Micheaux Film Festival has just finished boarding for its 2023 run.
Celebrating its 5th year serving as a platform for filmmakers to share their unique stories, Micheaux Film Festival is in full swing here in Los Angeles, California holding screenings at Regal Cinemas & Culver theater.
Named after Oscar Micheaux, a pioneering African-American independent filmmaker, this festival has become a beacon for emerging talent and underrepresented voices.
Boasting a numerous amount of films from a diverse group of filmmakers, below are a few of my favorites from the week long festival.
Don't Worry About It - Directed and written by Melissa Kong, produced by Grace Hahn - Part of the collection: Therapy Sessions Vol. 1
In "Don't Worry About It," director Melissa Kong brings us a short film that deftly balances comedy and seriousness, exploring the far too often touchy theme of OCD. With a unique blend of awkwardness and humor, the film manages to shed light on a serious subject while providing moments of laughter. My personal favorite part included the montage where Hannah helped other patients through their troubles.
Kong's storytelling prowess is evident as she employs a clever visual metaphor: a cookie sitting on a toilet seat. This unexpected image serves as a symbol of the protagonist's struggle with OCD, lingering in its permanence.
The underlying message of the film is clear: life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Highlighted on an encouraging Post-It note, Kong challenges viewers to step outside their own boundaries, portraying the elusive nature of perfection. By addressing the seriousness of OCD through humor, the film urges us to embrace imperfections and embrace the discomfort that comes with personal growth.
The ending of Hannah slowly coming to terms with and controlling her condition is well done, concluding with her visiting her father's grave and making peace with her own misgivings.
Kingdome - Directed and produced by Shawn Antoine II - Part of the collection: Leaving The World Better Than We Found It
"Kingdome," directed by Shawn Antoine II, delves into the significance of community and the sport of basketball. Through this short documentary, Antoine showcases the bonds we build with others and how they contribute to our survival and endurance.
The narrative revolves around the often underrepresented voice of Harlem, a symbol of resilience and determination. It's a tale of people and brotherhood.
Antoine masterfully captures the essence of this iconic neighborhood and the role basketball plays in its identity. By intertwining personal stories with the larger context of community, the film reminds us of the power of unity and the ability to leave a lasting impact, especially the impact we as individuals can make.
One of the most captivating sequences was when an altercation on the court escalated to the point where founder Terry Cooper had to call off the game. Amidst the pandemonium, the sheer importance of something like Kingdome can hold. It is stories like that shown in Kingdome that make us remember the beauty of humanity in simple details, spoken by those who don't always get the mic.
Photos taken from IMDb.
Daylight - Directed, written, and produced by Yaa Asantewaa Faraji - Part of the collection: Time to Choose You
In "Daylight," director Yaa Asantewaa Faraji crafts a compelling narrative centered around the theme of choosing one's dreams over societal and parental expectations.
The film seems bleak, with the protagonist repeating their daily routine as if trapped in some sort of Groundhog Day-esque adventure. With an enthralling plot twist, the film unveils the protagonist's faked rejection letter, effectively challenging the audience's assumptions and emphasizing the central theme of following one's passion.
The film also delves into the protagonist's struggle with sexual assault, exploring the underlying emotional journey in a sensitive and poignant manner. Faraji's direction brings depth and nuance to the story, shedding light on the protagonist's resilience and her unwavering commitment to her own path. "Daylight" is about the light at the end of the tunnel, and how we can all make our own choices to get there.
Why Me!? - Directed, written, and produced by Delores Flynn - Part of the collection: Time to Choose You
In "Why Me!?", Delores Flynn takes us on a raw and emotional journey through the story of Nicole, a single mother's experience with domestic abuse. However, the film also delves into her husband's, Jason, struggle with drugs, providing a multifaceted exploration of personal struggles and the choices we face in marriage and life.
Flynn's decision to shoot the film in black and white adds a layer of visual intensity, amplifying the weight of the story. The monochromatic palette effectively captures the stark realities faced by the characters, enhancing the incredible performances from both Jason and Nicole, immersing the audience in their experiences.
The acting in "Why Me!?" is particularly commendable, with the cast delivering compelling depictions of troubled people and an almost unnerving kind of authenticity that evoke empathy and connection. Through their portrayals, the film sheds light on the complexities of abuse and addiction, ultimately highlighting the strength it takes to leave someone and urging its audiences to choose themselves for their own sake.
We also want to extend very special thank you to the Micheaux Film Festival for their warm welcome to Tangent!
Tangent Zine’s Audrey Jones (L) and Kat Roska (R) poses with Emmy nominated director & Micheaux Film Festival Co-founder Noel Braham. Photo Credit: Audrey Jones.
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