Co-presented by the Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement.
Shorts Lineup:
Until Further Notice
His Name is Eku
When Big People Lie
Bagay La Nou Pòté (The Things We Carry)
Jamarcus Rose & Da 5 Bullets
The Baltimore Barber
Followed by:
Q&A, moderated by Charmain F. Jackman, Ph.D. of InnoPsych
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UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Directed by Thato R. Mwosa (USA 2025, 14:35 mins).
When a trans African salon owner in Boston receives her asylum denial, she must choose between abandoning the life she's built or staying and risking deportation to a country where her identity could get her killed.
RoxFilm Alum. -
HIS NAME IS EKU
Directed by Thitu Muiruri (USA, Kenya 2025, 11:18 mins).
A young man struggles to overcome a childhood trauma that strains his romantic relationship. -
WHEN BIG PEOPLE LIE
Directed by Gianfranco Fernández-Ruiz (USA 2024, 13:36 mins).
Eight-year-old Elvis’ world begins to sink when his mother marries an immigrant stranger for money.
RoxFilm Alum. -
BAGAY LA NOU PÒTÉ (THE THINGS WE CARRY)
Directed by Kyvon Edwin (USA 2025, 15:19 mins).
A rising cricket prodigy forgoes his dreams and sets out to bring peace in his home from the clutches of his toxic father. -
JAMARCUS ROSE & DA 5 BULLET HOLES
Directed by Marcellus Cox (USA 2025, 23:00 mins).
Inspired By True Events following a talented MLB Prospect as he spends the day with his Mentor from the Big Brothers of America Program.
RoxFilm Alum. -
THE BALTIMORE BARBER
Directed by Chaseedaw Giles (USA 2026, 5:56 mins).
Anthony Evers is the best barber in West Baltimore and a pillar of his neighborhood; confidant, mentor, and man who believes deeply in the futures of the young people who sit in his chair. His shop is a sanctuary where clippers hum and clients share their dreams.
Charmain F. Jackman, Ph.D.
Charmain F. Jackman, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist of Barbadian heritage and the Founder & CEO of InnoPsych, Inc. Growing up in a culture where the stigma of mental health was pervasive, but images of therapists of color were not, she decided that she was going to change that. Dr. J has spent the last 20 years working with people of color (POCs) in hospitals, clinics, courts, and schools, and one consistent point that she has observed is that POCs long for therapists who look like them—who understand them and who will do right by them! That knowledge has inspired Dr. J to make it easier for POCs to find therapists of color! She also wants to change the negative views of therapy and to educate POCs about the necessity of taking care of their mental health and to empower communities to heal.