Best Narrative Short - Oscar Qualifying Award
Jellyfish and Lobster
Producer: Elizabeth Rufai
Director/Writer: Yasmin Afifi
narrative, 20 min.
A magical realist, dark comedy/drama set within the backdrop of a gritty British care home.
When two old and terminally ill patients discover a magical pool that restores them back to their younger selves beneath the water, they are forced to reconcile with the inescapable truth of their mortality, or drown in the illusion of their past.
Best Screenplay Award
Ya Hanouni
Directors/Writers: Lyna Tadount, Sofian Chouaib
narrative, 2:38 min.
While the Mom and the Dad try to put their baby to sleep, a competition arises between them: who will manage to get the baby to say the first word?
Best Director Award (Tie)
Brownies
Director/Writer: Aisha Ford
Producers: Preston Lee, Carole Murphy
narrative, 13 min.
Set in 1983 at camp, Snot (12) and her all-black girl scout troop seek revenge on an all white privileged troop for calling them a racial slur. However, things take a left turn which leads to a shocking truth.
Superman Doesn’t Steal
Director/Writer: Tamika Lamison
Producers: Chris Beal, Dominique DeLeon, Carol Shine, Ben Ephraim
narrative, 19 min.
Based on true events, Superman Doesn’t Steal is a coming of age story, set during the 1970’s Atlanta child murders- as seen through the eyes of 9 year old Harriet & her brother, who are fascinated with superheroes. However, when they experience a troubling series of events- the impact on their family leaves emotional scars and causes them both to grow up fast as they redefine their definitions of heroes, villains and yes- even Superman.
Reel Sisters Spirit Award (Tie)
Remote Paradise
Writers: Tazia Harris, Troy Crossfield
Producer/Director: Sheronna Shakara Osbourne
narrarive, 14:20 min.
After 6 months of working remotely from a tropical location Denise gets word from her Ai manager Mark that she must return to the office immediately. Disgruntled and unprepared, Denise is willing to do anything to keep her slice of Paradise.
The Solace of Sisterhood
Director: Geneva Peschka, Anna Andersen
Producers: Geneva Peschka, Anna Andersen, Jeremy Blum
documentary, 10 min.
The Solace of Sisterhood follows the Caramel Curves, an all-Black female biker crew in New Orleans, as they defy societal norms by embracing their multifaceted identities. This short documentary explores the lives of co-founders Shanika “Tru” Beatty and Nakosha “Coco” Curry, uncovering their authenticity and vulnerability. The Solace of Sisterhood stands as a compelling testament to the pursuit of finding freedom through legacy and the art of riding.
Honorable Mention
Grace
Director/Writer: Natalie Jasmine Harris
Producers: Natalie Jasmine Harris, Julia Kennelly, Morgan Powell, Samiyah Wardlaw, Latavia Young
narrative, 13 min.
Sixteen-year-old Grace prepares for her baptism in the rural 1950’s South. When she learns she must repent before the ritual, Grace contemplates her romantic feelings toward her best friend Louise.
Best Documentary Feature Award
Chocolate Milk
Producer/Director/Writer: Elizabeth Bayne
documentary, 92 min.
Chocolate Milk explores racial inequities in birth and breastfeeding in the US by following the stories of three Black mothers in South Los Angeles over multiple years – a new mom, a WIC employee and a homebirth midwife.
Best Documentary Short Award
A Race in the Sun
Producer/Director: K. Nicole Mills
documentary, 20 min.
An exploration of cycling culture through the eyes of Ayesha McGowan who rose through the ranks of the New York City underground cycling world to break barriers as the world’s first African American woman to become a professional cyclist.
Best Short Comedy Award
Kurta Pants
Director/Writer: Chhaya Shirish Nene
Producers: Chhaya Nene, Linda Palmer, Deon van Rooyen and Andrew Onochie.
comedy, 5 min.
A girl is bringing her boyfriend home for dinner. But will her family accept him for all of who he is? In this fast-paced comedy, two people from two different backgrounds test their relationship like it’s never been tested before.
Best Animation Award
Oren’s Way
Director: Keika Lee
Producer: Eun Bi Chang
Writer: Anna Thorup
animation, 17 min.
A clever princess must capture a magical Golden Fox in order to save her kingdom from eternal sadness but on her journey, she conquers obstacles – the last of which reveals a hidden truth about herself.
Best Experimental Award
CENTERPLAY
Writer: Vie Boheme
Directors: Vie Boheme, Charles Fatunbi.
Producer: Vie Boheme
experimental, 20 min.
CENTERPLAY is an enigmatic one-woman performance featuring vignettes that blend storytelling, song, dance, and poetry. It weaves a rich emotional tapestry, immersing viewers in the dark, pivotal moments of questioning and growth in the lives of four Black women.