Black Lens Spotlight Night: Shorts
various
A selection of short documentary, narrative, and animated films that highlight the black experience and black filmmakers.
shorts included:
UNCAGED
Directed by Jay Richardson
5:19 • United States
A young NIL student-athlete grapples with anxiety, identity, and survivor's guilt as he navigates the hidden costs of success.
Vainglorious
Directed by Oshiomati Gabriel Ugbodaga
8:15 • United States
When a skilled young boxer and a determined father clash in a traditional Nigerian boxing match, their resilience and pride are put to the ultimate test.
Bloqué
Directed by Miguel Ortiz
6:39 • United States
A drummer with a creative block visually takes the audience down his own memories into the heart of his emotional blockage.
House of Modern Art
Directed by Matthew Mugweru
5:39 • United States
In "House of Modern Art," an obsessive cult from diverse trades and backgrounds gathers to perform a grotesque ritual, constructing a distorted piece of artwork that serves as their idol of worship.
Heavy Is the Head
Directed by Chap Edmonson
9:24 • United States
An experimental exploration of identity as a young black man learns to navigate the world and the expectations that weigh upon him.
American Dignity
Directed by Hanson Hosein
19:59 • United States
Filmed during the first weeks of 2025, "American Dignity" captures a nation in flux. This short documentary is both a snapshot of a critical moment and a meditation on the enduring tension between progress and backlash.
Livestreams with GrandmaPuzzles
Directed by Emily Sheskin
6:00 • United States
A lifelong hobby becomes a lifeline for an unexpected Twitch streamer.
Voices of the Academy
Directed by Latoria Hicks
13:14 • United States
Three professors explore the history, significance, and ongoing challenges of African American Vernacular English in education and the United States and reflect on its cultural impact and the fight for linguistic acceptance.
Teddy
Directed by Lauren Santucci
15:55 • United States
Meet Timothy Gant, Jr., "Teddy," a male birth doula working to improve birth outcomes for Black women in Houston, Texas. As a doula working predominantly with Black women, Timothy helps his clients achieve a positive, safe, and empowering birth on their terms.
A selection of short documentary, narrative, and animated films that highlight the black experience and black filmmakers.
UNCAGED
Directed by Jay Richardson
5:19 • United States
A young NIL student-athlete grapples with anxiety, identity, and survivor’s guilt as he navigates the hidden costs of success.
Vainglorious
Directed by Oshiomati Gabriel Ugbodaga
8:15 • United States
When a skilled young boxer and a determined father clash in a traditional Nigerian boxing match, their resilience and pride are put to the ultimate test.
Bloqué
Directed by Miguel Ortiz
6:39 • United States
A drummer with a creative block visually takes the audience down his own memories into the heart of his emotional blockage.
House of Modern Art
Directed by Matthew Mugweru
5:39 • United States
In “House of Modern Art,” an obsessive cult from diverse trades and backgrounds gathers to perform a grotesque ritual, constructing a distorted piece of artwork that serves as their idol of worship.
Heavy Is the Head
Directed by Chap Edmonson
9:24 • United States
An experimental exploration of identity as a young black man learns to navigate the world and the expectations that weigh upon him.
American Dignity
Directed by Hanson Hosein
19:59 • United States
Filmed during the first weeks of 2025, “American Dignity” captures a nation in flux. This short documentary is both a snapshot of a critical moment and a meditation on the enduring tension between progress and backlash.
Livestreams with GrandmaPuzzles
Directed by Emily Sheskin
6:00 • United States
A lifelong hobby becomes a lifeline for an unexpected Twitch streamer.
Voices of the Academy
Directed by Latoria Hicks
13:14 • United States
Three professors explore the history, significance, and ongoing challenges of African American Vernacular English in education and the United States and reflect on its cultural impact and the fight for linguistic acceptance.
Teddy
Directed by Lauren Santucci
15:55 • United States
Meet Timothy Gant, Jr., “Teddy,” a male birth doula working to improve birth outcomes for Black women in Houston, Texas. As a doula working predominantly with Black women, Timothy helps his clients achieve a positive, safe, and empowering birth on their terms.