Shorts Program: Somebody Like Me
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Welcome to Afrotree
The story starts with Janet and Steven in an office, listening to a pitch from one of the staff members. Janet is skeptical, since she has never heard of a gated community occupied by black residents only. The staff member speaks about the rich culture that has come to Afrotree and why it’s an amazing choice. Steven and Janet are convinced and sign the papers to move in. When they move into their new home, they’re visited by Janet’s half-sister Imani. Imani and her husband Malcolm welcome them to the community. They invite them to a dinner party later that evening. Janet declines but Steven says it would be good to get to know some of their neighbors. Steven goes as far as to invite them to their home for a “housewarming”. Two nights later, they have a few residents of the community come over for a housewarming party. They talk to each other. Slight tension grows as the residents get to know Steven and Janet more. Steven and Janet mention things that don’t make them seem “Black enough”. That same night, while Steven and Janet are in bed, they hear a noise. Steven goes down to check it out. There’s a scream and Janet calls out for him. She doesn’t hear a word. She goes down to check on him, but is soon captured as well. When the hood is pulled from Janet's head, she discovers that she's in a darkened basement, sitting next to her husband. They both are scared. Soon her half-sister comes in, confronting her, telling her that she's become too uppity: She needs to realize where she’s come from and what her roots are. Steven and Janet mention that they’re Black and know they’re Black. Then a man comes from the shadows and explains to them why they’re sell outs. After the speech. They “torture them” into blackness. The next morning Janet comes outside to pick up the mail her half-sister walks by and puts up the black power fits. Janet looks scared at first... then smirks and throws up the black power fist as well.
Filmmaker: Chase Parker
Runtime: 21 min
Program Block Title: Somebody Like Me
Screening Date & Time: Saturday 12:30
Location: 1708 Gallery 319 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220 [map]
Country: USA
Year: 2022
Gotcha
Tiara and Grady, a happily married black couple, experiences terrifying psychological encounters after being attacked by micro aggressions from their coworkers in Corporate America. Tiara works remotely while Grady works in the office. They both notice these encounters separately but feel the same effects. Through Grady’s friend and coworker, Brandon, they notice that they don’t have much time before these effects from the micro aggressions become permanent. They’re terrified that their place in Corporate America will change for the worse if they don’t put up a fight. At home, Tiara and Grady develops a plan that scares their coworkers and proves their real self and humanity.
Filmmaker: Latoya Franklyn
Runtime: 23 min 20 sec
Program Block Title: Somebody Like Me
Screening Date & Time: Saturday 12:30
Location: 1708 Gallery 319 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220 [map]
Country: USA
Year: 2022