Bite-Sized Storytelling: Short Film Recommendations Featuring Black Talent

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By: Myriam Akbar


I’ve always loved bite-sized storytelling, whether on the screen or page. Since I was a child, anthologies have been one of my favorite narrative forms. Twilight Zone, Goosebumps, Creepshow, Trilogy of Terror, Tales From the Hood. Contained, thematic, and addictive. This pushed me to study short stories while pursuing my degree in Literature and Creative Writing. However, strangely enough, it wasn’t until about a year ago that I began watching short films. As a script writer and an aspiring filmmaker, it only made sense that I study that narrative form in addition to full-length projects. It has been such a fun and rewarding experience. 


In honor of BHM, I have compiled a list of short films featuring Black talent–whether it be lead actors or filmmakers. WAKE by Bree Newsome; for example, is a favorite of mine that I’ve been rewatching every year. The films on this list are mostly of the horror genre but there’s also some thriller, comedy, and sci-fi mixed in. They’re available to watch for free on YouTube and explore a range of concepts, themes, and tone. It’s always nice to have a watchlist of films you can check out when you don’t have time to engage with something full-length. 

 

1) WAKE by Bree Newsome (Horror)


2) Tongue by Christina Alexandra (Horror / Comedy)


3) Cabbage by Destinee McCaster (Horror)


4) Hair Wolf by Mariama Diallo (Horror / Comedy)


5) Who’s There? by Ryan Doris (Horror)


6) Mama Agnus by Alexanderthetitan (Horror)


7) Other Side of the Box by Caleb J. Phillips (Horror)


8) The Dummy by NellyVidz (Comedy / Horror)


9) Who’s There? by Ryan Doris (Horror)


10) Peephole 1 & 2 by Venture Quest Films (Horror / Thriller)


11) Skintight by Ciara Boniface (Horror)


12) Knock Knock by Kennikki Jones-Jones (Horror)


13) Departure by Donovan Vim Crony (Sci-fi / Afrofuturism)


14) Woken From a Dream by Taj Kokayi (Afrofuturism)


15) Afronauts by Nuotama Bodomo (Afrofuturism)







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