BlackStar Film Festival showcases diverse short films

The 15th annual BlackStar Film Festival featured various short film blocks, including 'Quintessence' and 'Luminiferous Shorts,' showcasing diverse narratives of identity, energy, and resilience.

The Quintessence block included the horror film 'The Keeper' by Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes. Based on a 2022 graphic novel, the story follows 10-year-old Aisha and her connection to a supernatural amulet following the death of her grandmother. During a Q&A, Due noted the film's roots in personal childhood fears regarding mortality.

The Luminiferous Shorts block featured the documentary 'Free Joan Little' by Yoruba Richen. The film explores the historical case of Joan Little, a Black woman incarcerated in North Carolina in the 1970s. Through archival footage and interviews, the documentary examines the intersection of racial and gender justice, featuring commentary from figures such as attorney Karen Bethea-Shields and activist Angela Davis.