BlackStar Film Festival

Shorts: Physiography

Expired September 8, 2021 10:59 PM
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8 films in package
UXO
An island's microcosm shaken by the constant detonations of UXOs is captured in a brief composition of sublime yet forceful sound and image. For over 60 years the island of Vieques was used as a bombing range by the United States Navy. Now its inhabitants are left to cope with the aftermath of war.
Testimony: 52nd St. and the Invisible Violence of UPenn
UPenn employee Amelia tells the story of her experience during the May 31, 2020 police attack on 52nd St. After she finds out that university police participated in the crackdown she reflects on the white supremacist conditioning that leads to complicity in the face of institutionalized violence.
Inheritance
On Norra's 25th birthday, she and her brother inherit the deed to their family's small cabin. With this auspicious birthday, she starts seeing the spirits that have been haunting her brother and father for years.
Closed captions available
Heaven Reaches Down to Earth
After Tau comes to a realization about their sexuality, it sets in motion a cascade of thoughts and emotions in Tumelo - nothing will ever be the same between them.
Softer
Softer examines the demands of "softening" that are requested of Black women's bodies in society---from job prospects to romantic ones---be that in their voice, their manners, and, critically, their hair. The experimental short plays upon the grooming rituals of softening that are terrifyingly rough
You Can't Stop Spirit
You Can't Stop Spirit centers the Baby Doll Mardi Gras masking tradition; a group of self-liberated black women that created an alternative social space where they are encouraged to be free.
Miss Panama
In 1980, Gloria Karamañites made history by becoming the first Black woman to be named Miss Panama. Through her story, the film explores race, national identity, and the effects of a white standard of beauty in a country that is largely Afro-descendant.
Q&A: Physiography
Closed captions available
This film is eligible for audience awards. Unlock it to vote.

“You want to fly, you got to give

up the shit that weighs you down.”

— Toni Morrison.

Nominated for Best Short Narrative


After Tau comes to a realization about their sexuality, it sets in motion a cascade of thoughts and emotions in Tumelo - nothing will ever be the same between them.

  • Year
    2020
  • Runtime
    10 minutes
  • Country
    South Africa
  • Premiere
    Philadelphia
  • Director
    Tebogo Malebogo