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Pictures Only

Synopsis

Set in 1950s Bronzeville, Louise Parker is facing eviction from her home. Desperate to keep her independence and status, she is introduced to a lucrative performing opportunity. While attempting to keep this new venture a secret, she simultaneously gains popularity, risking being exposed to and disowned by her mother. After being offered a promotion, she is left with two choices, become the headliner, or allow her family to lose everything.

Review

5/5
Female empowerment and race intertwine in this stylish short set in the 50s.
Directed by Charles A. Honeywood, from a screenplay by Honeywood, Rachel Soland and Kheirra M. Peggs, ‘Pictures Only’ is a short drama film set between the Emancipation and the Civil Rights movement of the 50s & 60s. Deja Anderson Ross stars as Louise, a young black woman who turns to Burlesque dancing after losing her job. Jessica Gillespie co-stars as Josephine – Louise’s friend/roommate. The film tastefully explores themes of race and female empowerment.

The 20-minute film opens as Louise returns home from losing her job. She confides with best friend/roommate Josephine – who recommends her a waitressing job at “Mr Bookers”. Her desperation escalates when a tenancy notice declares a 60% rent increase. Josephine (Gillespie) doesn’t shy away from stating racial discrimination as the cause – which sparks a determination and fight in Louise. Despite potential outcry from her local community, Louise embraces her new career with pride.

Pictures Only - Short Film
Visually, ‘Pictures Only’ is a gorgeously filmed short – with spectacular cinematography and production design (stylishly 1950’s) throughout. Charles A. Honeywood and his cast/crew have delivered an empowering film with praiseworthy performances from the entire cast. Narritavely, the storyline is flawless – boldly highlighting Americas dark past with a victorious ending. A charming, albeit powerful film. Highly recommended.

Cast/Crew

Director(s): Charles A. Honeywood
Writer(s): Charles A. Honeywood, Kheirra M. Peggs, Rachel Soland
Cast: Darian Tene, Deja Anderson Ross, Estavion White, Jennifer A. Goodman, Jessica Gillespie, Melba Brown
Producer(s): Charles A. Honeywood, Jennifer Goodman, Ryan Atkins
Director of Photography:
Editor(s):
Animation:
Sound:
Music:
Miscellaneous:

Specifications

Genre: Drama
Subjects: Body Image, Dance, Ethnicity, Female Empowerment, Identity, Mother and Daughter, Race
Country: United States
Language: English
Year: 2021
Publication Date:
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Cast/Crew

Director(s): Charles A. Honeywood
Writer(s): Charles A. Honeywood, Kheirra M. Peggs, Rachel Soland
Cast: Darian Tene, Deja Anderson Ross, Estavion White, Jennifer A. Goodman, Jessica Gillespie, Melba Brown
Producer(s): Charles A. Honeywood, Jennifer Goodman, Ryan Atkins
Director of Photography:
Editor(s):
Animation:
Sound:
Music:
Miscellaneous:

Specifcations

Genre: Drama
Subjects: Body Image, Dance, Ethnicity, Female Empowerment, Identity, Mother and Daughter, Race
Country: United States
Language: English
Year: 2021

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Pictures Only

Synopsis

Set in 1950s Bronzeville, Louise Parker is facing eviction from her home. Desperate to keep her independence and status, she is introduced to a lucrative performing opportunity. While attempting to keep this new venture a secret, she simultaneously gains popularity, risking being exposed to and disowned by her mother. After being offered a promotion, she is left with two choices, become the headliner, or allow her family to lose everything.

Review

Female empowerment and race intertwine in this stylish short set in the 50s.

5/5
Directed by Charles A. Honeywood, from a screenplay by Honeywood, Rachel Soland and Kheirra M. Peggs, ‘Pictures Only’ is a short drama film set between the Emancipation and the Civil Rights movement of the 50s & 60s. Deja Anderson Ross stars as Louise, a young black woman who turns to Burlesque dancing after losing her job. Jessica Gillespie co-stars as Josephine – Louise’s friend/roommate. The film tastefully explores themes of race and female empowerment.

The 20-minute film opens as Louise returns home from losing her job. She confides with best friend/roommate Josephine – who recommends her a waitressing job at “Mr Bookers”. Her desperation escalates when a tenancy notice declares a 60% rent increase. Josephine (Gillespie) doesn’t shy away from stating racial discrimination as the cause – which sparks a determination and fight in Louise. Despite potential outcry from her local community, Louise embraces her new career with pride.

Pictures Only - Short Film
Visually, ‘Pictures Only’ is a gorgeously filmed short – with spectacular cinematography and production design (stylishly 1950’s) throughout. Charles A. Honeywood and his cast/crew have delivered an empowering film with praiseworthy performances from the entire cast. Narritavely, the storyline is flawless – boldly highlighting Americas dark past with a victorious ending. A charming, albeit powerful film. Highly recommended.

Recommended

5/5

An Island Drifts

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  • Singapore
  • 2021
Set in Singapore, a young teacher presses for the truth from a maladjusted student, the act leads to devastating results and they suffer the ignominy of losing everything that matters to them. The story holds a mirror up to society, where a mistake can derail a life in an…
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