This first of two shorts programs features recent works by African American directors and animators who are expanding the perception of Black Cinema, exploring new themes and forms of storytelling and leading a generation of diverse voices in independent cinema.

“MonKKey ‘500’,” 8 min. Dir. A.M. Frasier. A young girl witnesses 500 soldiers desperately attempt to apprehend one lone monk .

“The Truth About Beauty and Blogs,” 13 min. Dir. Rosalyn Coleman Williams. A social media diva is thrown off her game when her boyfriend starts acting up on Facebook.

“Love Lockdown,” 18 min. Dir. Nadia Hallgren. Shoshana is a young mother from the Bronx who is fighting to keep her family together while awaiting the fate of her fiancé Felix, who is locked up and on trial.

“Vision,” 3 min. Dir. Lemuel Thornton III. An autobiographical experimental journey.

“This Weekend Update,” 5 min. Dir. Victor Dean. A weekly web news show as only Paul Mooney, Jr. can bring it!

“Mourning News,” 9 min. Dir. Kimberly Denise Sanders. Laurie, an overworked and underappreciated stay-at-home mom, find her day taking a turn for the worse when two cops show up at her doorstep with news.

“Solace,” 13 min. Dir. Tchaiko Omawale. Sole, a socially awkward recluse, discovers through her window-watching that her pretty and popular neighbor Jasmine has a secret.

“Fanti Love Song,” 4 min. Dir. Sam Kessie. Ghanian artists M3NSA has to choose between two loves - his career or the woman in his life.

“Salvation Road,” 18 min. Dir. Ka’ramuu Kush. Business becomes unusual when an unsuspecting hit man senses that he’s been witnessed executing his traitorous mentor.