Harlem Kick Off 2026 – @Maysles Documentary Center
Join Reel Sisters for our Harlem Kick-off on Oct. 13, 2026
Featuring I know It’s Me, Tigueronas and, our opening night film, Psycho Side Chick.
Join us for an evening of films at Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series on Tues, Oct. 13, 2026.
We are proud to open Reel Sisters 29th Anniversary season with two powerful short films I Know It’s Me directed by Astin Rocks and Tigueronas directed by Imani Celeste.
Our opening night feature film is Psycho Side Chick, a new Tubi original film directed by Booker T. Mattison and written by Lynette J. Blackwell with story by Octavia Singleton. Enjoy this Tubi thriller film with your Reel Sisters family before it premieres online on Oct. 16, 2026!
Seating is limited, get your tickets now!
Save $100+ with All Access Passs and enjoy our in-person and virtual showcases. The day pass admits you to all screenings and workshops.
Psycho Side Chick
Director: Booker T. Mattison
Producers: Donte Lee, Tressa Azarel Smallwood and Jacobo Rispa
Writer: Written by Lynette J. Blackwell, Story by Octavia Singleton
narrative, 92 min.
After being dumped by her married lover, a crazed woman fights to win him back and will get rid of anyone who stands in her way. The film stars Najah Bradley (Kelsey), Blair Anthony Hall (Mario), Tatiana Le’Joy (Chloe) and Niles Austin (Jerrell).
I Know It’s Me
Director/Writer: Astin Rocks
narrative, 4:37 min.
Karina makes an important decision about her mental health on the dawn on her new abilities.
Tigueronas
Producer: Flor de oro Tejada
Director/Writer: Imani Celeste
14 min., narrative
After ending an abusive relationship with her narcissistic boyfriend, Aaliyah and her friends hatch a bold plan for revenge on a girls’ night out, igniting a journey of self-empowerment and sisterhood.
About the Presenters
Booker T. Mattison
Director/WriterBooker T. Mattison is a screenwriter, director, and novelist. He wrote and directed the BET+ original film The Sound of Christmas, starring Grammy-winning recording artist Ne-Yo. The New York Times called it “a charming, new holiday film.” It was the #1 movie on BET+ in December 2022 and was submitted for Emmy consideration for Outstanding TV Movie in 2023.
He also wrote and directed the psychological thriller Twisted Marriage Therapist, a Tubi original film that posted one of the platform’s highest completion rates in September 2023. His legal thriller, the Tubi original film An Unusual Suspect, premiered on the streamer in April 2025.
Mattison produced and directed the short documentary Beyond the Movement for WABE, Atlanta’s PBS station, which aired in September 2025.
He previously wrote and directed the film adaptation of Zora Neale Hurston’s short story The Gilded Six Bits, which aired on Showtime and stars Chad L. Coleman, T’Keyah Crystal Keymah, and Wendell Pierce. The Hollywood Reporter wrote, “Mattison’s direction and feel for her characters match up to Hurston’s sterling piece of fiction… full of atmosphere and strongly developed characters.”
Lynette Blackwell
Director/Writer
African Voices Communications, Inc. is a nonprofit arts organization devoted to presenting art, literature, and films by artists of color. African Voices publishes a literary magazine and presents literary readings, art exhibitions, and artistic workshops throughout NYC. Visit: www.africanvoices.com.
The organization sponsors Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series, the first Oscar-qualifying film festival in the nation devoted to women of color. Visit: www.reelsisters.org.