AfroComicCon International Film Festival 2024

Thank you

to everyone for coming / being a part of AFCCIFF '24

The AFCC International Film Festival is a showcase of innovative filmmaking from talented filmmakers, content creators, and screenwriters. AFCCIFF is a division of AfroComicCon and our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that features contemporary and interactive works of visual art showcasing films that reflect a number of genres including horror, science-fiction, comic book, animation, superhero, and fantasy.

AfroComicCon’s 2024 International Film Festival features a jury composed of media and filmmakers, scholars, curators, and archivists who determine all awards, with the exception of the audience award winner, which will be determined by the audience on the day of the actual film festival.

These topic-related films and their filmmakers are focused on bringing about diversity and inclusion, with a special focus on women and POC. Films submitted to the festival had to be between 3 to 20 minute short(s) and animations that reflect and honor Afrofuturistic representation. Please note only films that fell into the broad category of Afrofuturism and in the genre categories of science-fiction, speculative Black fiction, Horror, fantasy, Anime, superheroes, and comic books were considered for inclusion in the festival.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2024 ACC
FILM FESTIVAL WINNERS

FILM

DIRECTOR

AWARD

Public Criticism

Chris Chatmon

Winner

A Day In The Life

Marcus D. Newsome

Winner

Dawn

Gary Telly JEANNOT

Winner

Superman Doesn't Steal

Tamika Lamison

Winner

Get Doe The Money Chase

Ricky Antonio

Winner

Sweet Santa Barbara Brown

Eric Dyson

Winner

Squawk-Man

Blake Williams

Winner

Lake Merritt Monster

Benjamin Mulholland

Winner

X: The Interview

RJ Barnes & Anthony Rose

Winner

Thank You to our 2024 FILM FESTIVAL Sponsors

FILM FESTIVAL SELECTIONS

FILM

DIRECTOR

CATEGORY

Sahara's Poem

Storm Cuff

Trailer

No Heroes in the City

Dexter Pierce Jr.

Action/Adventure

Claudia

Benjamin Kuffuor

Science Fiction/Fantasy

Hekima ya Usawa

Telly Gary Jeannot

Trailer

Tender Living

Omar Wilder

Trailer

Where are all the Gay Superheroes?

Tom Paul Martin

Comic Book Theme

Train of Thoughts

Camila Garcia Frausto, Syrus Roja

Student

Broken Beat Part 1

Anthony Tyrell Turner

Comic Book Theme

Fried Chicken & Latkes

Melique Berger

Animation

Too Reckless

Putagang Qi, Kiko Valle

Horror/Suspense

Rise Up & Fight

Nolan Williams, Jr.

Animation, Social Justice/Culture

A-Train: New Beginnings

Chris Carthern

Comic Book Theme

Food Run

Evan R Lee

Action/Adv

A Mother's Journey

Miranda Beth Kahn

Documentaries

if(fy)

Lesego Vorster, Ross Lelliott, Osiokeh Ikharo

Animation

Baggage Claim

Eric Dyson

Animation

The Lost Comb of Mawu

Kwame-Michael Brako

Animation

RING THE
ALARM

Directed by

FILM SYNOPSIS

Suicide has been silently & disproportionately affecting Black Children for years. Through interviews with Educators,Elected Officials, Clinicians, Suicide-Bereaved Families and first hand accounts of Survivors of youth suicide, Ring The Alarm spreads awareness of racial disparity in Mental Healthcare.

WELCOME
HOME

Directed by

FILM SYNOPSIS

A rebellious teenage girl with pastor parents orchestrates a surprise for her brother on Halloween.

THE FEELING OF BEING THE REVOLUTION

Directed by

FILM SYNOPSIS

America. I address you with intent and purpose. I am the one who will always speak to you with a sharp tongue and the words to make you think. I create and express and tell stories with the intention and purposeful efforts in hope that what I say and how I say it and when I say it, is the only thing that will be left behind. Eventually, I will be the next to go, but while I am here and while I am the voice of my people, you WILL come to understand that the revolution will not end with me. You have lied, you have killed, you have stolen, and you have deceived and somehow you can look us in the face and deem yourself the greatest country. It is heartbreaking. But what you will come to realize and maybe this will take generations, and maybe this will take centuries, and maybe this will take another war. But you will come to realize that you have never been the image you have tried to paint.

Afrolistic Black Healing From Zimbabwe to the Bay

Directed by

FILM SYNOPSIS

Black American healer shares about her practice and explores traditional healing, music, and dance in Zimbabwe.

CAMPGROUNDED

Directed by

FILM SYNOPSIS

After winning a contest to a tech retreat, an impatient young man and his older brother must find the campsite before sundown.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Directed by

FILM SYNOPSIS

This animated movie is about a kid from Compton that lives in the darkest time.

KINNECTED

Directed by

FILM SYNOPSIS

After closing their eyes with thoughts of attempting suicide, Yin and Yang, estranged twins with polar opposite personalities, find themselves tied up together in a basement. Through this forced conversation, they meet with conflict and discover their identity. Their quarrel emerges into a connection, which begs the question: are there two women or is it the same woman experiencing inner turmoil with different versions of herself?

THE SPLINT

Directed by

FILM SYNOPSIS

A robotic truck driver, on a dirt road, is replacing old wooden power poles with new concrete ones when he hits two birds.

BREATHE RITE

Directed by

FILM SYNOPSIS

Breathe Rite follows Agent Malcolm Brooks as he returns to the field to expose a twisted aromatherapist with an evil agenda to detox the human race.

2024 SPECIAL GUESTS, HOSTS & DIRECTORS

Headshot of 2024 Afrocomicon Film Festival Cultural Ambassador Ciera Foster

Ciera Foster

Cultural Ambassador

Ciera Foster is a trailblazing actress, activist, educator, and public speaker, renownedfor her role as “Livewire” making her the first woman of color to lead a superhero franchise. Much like the superheroes she portrays on screen, Ciera is dedicated to uplifting communities and using her platform to create lasting change.

Her work extends beyond entertainment into advocacy and education, where she hasbecome a real-life hero for marginalized voices. As an educator and former World History teacher, Ciera has focused on preserving Black history and empowering future generations. Through her children’s book, The Super Marvelous World of Black Inventors, she aims to inspire young readers—particularly Black children—to see themselves as marvelous inventors, pioneers, and superheroes in their own right.By celebrating Black excellence, Ciera encourages all children to recognize their potential while preserving the legacy of Black innovation!

Ciera’s activism is far-reaching. She has worked with the REFORM Alliance, co-founded by Jay-Z, Meek Mill, Robert Kraft, and Michael Rubin, to transform the criminal justice system and advocate for systemic reform. She has currently partnered with the White House, focusing heavily on keeping communities, schools, teachers, and children safe. Her dedication to justice and safety has been a central theme in her work as both an activist and an educator.

Globally, Ciera has taken her advocacy to the world stage, contributing to climate change initiatives at the United Nations in Dubai, continuing her mission to protect and empower communities everywhere.

With expertise in psychology, ethnic studies, and gender studies, Ciera Foster is not just a superhero on screen—she is a real-life champion for change. Her work exemplifies the power of storytelling, education, and advocacy, and her commitment to preserving the rich history and excellence of the Black community continues to inspire all and empower future generations.
Afrocomiccon 2024 Film Festival CO-Director Mirage Thrams

MIRAGE THRAMS

Co-Director

Mirage Thrams is a dynamic force in the world of film, comedy, and activism. As a director, cinematographer, and creator of ClipTease Productions, she’s known for blending humor with social commentary, particularly through her work in laughtivism—activism through comedy. Thrams is a Second City director, and has trained with the NTC. She is the creative mind behind Just Like A Mirage Productions wher she champions diverse voices in film. Her portfolio includes a range of projects, including the BlackVerse Comedy Show and other works focusing on uplifting marginalized voices in entertainment.

Afrocomiccon 2024 Film Festival CO-Director Juan Davis

JUAN DAVIS

Co-Director

Juan Davis is an award-winning independent filmmaker and technology professional who has carved a unique path in the creative realm. His journey began in Virginia, where he nurtured his passion for storytelling, leading him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Media Production from East Carolina University in North Carolina. Fueled by an unwavering desire to excel in the world of filmmaking, he further honed his skills by earning a Master of Fine Arts in Directing for Motion Pictures and Television from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

Before embarking on his filmmaking journey, Juan served honorably in the United States Air Force, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to service.
Juan’s filmmaking prowess has garnered recognition at over 30 film festivals in the U.S and internationally, including the prestigious Hollywood Black Film Festival and the SF IndieFest. His films have captivated audiences with their poignant narratives and thought-provoking themes, reflecting his deep understanding of the human experience.

Juan’s commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond his filmmaking endeavors. In 2022, he received a prestigious Webby Award for his series #IamaGDE, a groundbreaking project that highlights the work of developer experts from around the globe, showcasing their contributions to the tech industry and promoting inclusivity within the field.

Recently, Juan’s expertise has led him to work as a content producer for tech giants like Apple and Google where he created impactful and innovative content that shaped the digital landscape.

Juan was also an adjunct professor at SAE Expression College where he taught digital filmmaking to prospective bachelor student candidates. He is the current Co-Director of the AfroComicCon International Film Festival. A film festival that highlights Afrofuturism and
showcases diverse content.

Headshot of 2024 Afrocomicon Film Festival Red Carpet Host Wing Qi

QING QI

Red Carpet Hostess

(she/her) is a notable Bay Area Rap Star and acclaimed performer. She makes grassroots anthems like “IDWIW” & “Big D” that permeate. She is a visual artist, comedian, director, promoter, actor, and the Founder of femme rap community Putang Clan and events team #PuTangParty. Qing Qi is a Bay Area staple like beans and rice! Using her life experiences as inspiration, she speaks candidly about taboo topics with witty lyrics, catchy hooks, and authentic Hyphy energy over hard hitting beats. A full time Laney College student, she is a passionate and focused academic and will be transferring in 2025 with an Associates Degree in Social Sciences. Soon to graduate from the Maynard Institute’s Oakland Voices Community Journalism Program, she uses her pen to cover stories about Bay Area underground nightlife and the West Oakland Community. Her feature film debut role as Ally in Donna and Ally is now streaming on Tubi and Amazon Prime and was a 2023 recipient of the Indie Memphis Craig Brewer Emerging Filmmaker Award. Qing Qi is a free radical working to earn her descendants a lifetime of rest.

Headshot of 2024 Afrocomicon Film Festival Red Carpet co-Hostess Stoni

STONI

RED CARPET HOSTESS

Danielle Clark, known as Stoni, is a dynamic rapper, actor, and signed songwriter with Text Me Records. Born and raised in Oakland, CA, she blends her artistic talents with entrepreneurship as the founder of Keep It Simple Juice (KIS Juice). With a passion for music and a commitment to healthy living, Stoni continues to make waves in both the entertainment and wellness industries.

James Head

Fashion Designer

Fashion Designer and icon James Head from Oakland, California has a career that spans over 30 years in the fashion industry. He has designed for celebrities, worked with fortune 500 companies and private individuals. James is well known as the featured designer for MC Hammer at the height of his popularity. His style inspirations are futuristic, contemporary and eccentric. Headworks Designs was established and his brand hip-hop styled “Sag Wear” jeans clothing line could be found in major department stores JC Penny, Dillard’s and over 1,000 stores and every mall in America. His designs have graced the cover of publications such as Rolling Stone, People, Ebony, Jet, Essence and Right On Magazines.

James became the creator of Skin Is In, Northern California’s Largest Fashion Show. He then went on to create and design costumes for events such as: The Grammy’s, Billboard, and the American Music Award Shows. executive producer and the lead designer of His work has also been featured on Oprah and The Arsenio Hall Shows. James has designed clothing for the NBA, The Golden State Warriors Cheerleaders and the Sacramento Kings Dance Team. In 2012 he had the honor and opportunity to work with the legendary Jimi Hendrix family to create the total fashion concept designs for the re-release of the video Dolly Dagger. In 2018 he was a featured designer during Oakland Fashion Week as well as creating fashions for AfroComicCon, Haute Couture and Black Panther Fashion Shows.

 

Swaggcreator by Lynell LS

Fashion Designer

Dorothy (Athena) Pulling is a dynamic freelance creative and fashion director witha  passion for storytelling through style. Having navigated the challenges of being a former foster youth, Athena draws inspiration from her unique experiences to create impactful and innovative work in the fashion industry. With three years of experience as of 2024, she has collaborated with Hiphoptv, where she infuses her creative vision into every project, blending contemporary trends with cultural narratives. Athena believes in the power of fashion as a form of self-expression and empowerment, using her platform to advocate for underrepresented voices and promote inclusivity within the industry. Her work reflects a commitment to authenticity and creativity, resonating with audiences and clients alike. As she continues to grow in her career, Athena aims to inspire others to embrace their individuality and share their stories through the art of fashion. When she’s not working, she enjoys exploring new artistic mediums and supporting initiatives that uplift youth in foster care. Athena’s journey is a testament to resilience and creativity, proving that personal experiences can shape remarkable artistry

Headshot of 2024 Afrocomicon Film Festival MC Brick Jackson

BRICK JACKSON

MC

Brick Jackson is a comedic writer who has appeared in several TV shows including the award-winning series GREY’S ANATOMY (ABC), FROM SCRATCH (NETFLIX), HOME ECONOMICS (ABC), BARRY (HBO), and NCIS (CBS) as well as films GOOSEBUMPS 2: SLAPPY’S REVENGE and WE HAVE A GHOST (NETFLIX). In addition, Brick regularly performs live comedy as a host, sketch performer/writer, stand-up comedian, and improviser throughout Los Angeles.

Headshot of 2024 Afrocomicon Film Festival Comedian Papp Johnson

PAPP JOHNSON

COMEDIAN

Oakland native Papp Johnson will be hitting the stage with his razor-sharp wit and unique brand of “thoughtful stupidity” that’s as funny as it is spot-on. Winner of San Francisco’s Death at a Funeral comedy contest, Papp’s deep voice and signature delivery will leave you laughing at every clever, politically incorrect punchline.

KIAZI MALONGA

MUSICIAN

Kiazi Malonga is a second-generation Congolese American born into a family of artists. He was first introduced to the Ngoma drum at age two by his father Malonga Casquelourd, a world-renowned traditional drummer, dancer and choreographer from Congo Brazzaville. Casquelourd traveled to the US in 1972 and shortly thereafter began to build his exceptional legacy in the traditional arts in the US. 

In addition to music, Kiazi founded and runs a US-based nonprofit social enterprise, Pelisa Energy (https://www.pelisaenergy.com/support). Pelisa Energy aims to close the energy gap in Central Africa by supplying solar-powered technologies that have immediate benefits to the health, education, and livelihoods of the Central African people. 

Kiazi will be accompanied by musician Mohammed Kouyate.

2024 JUDGES

Joy’s dynamic and charismatic presence has captivated millions worldwide through her imaginative voiceover work in children’s animation, games, and commercials, as well as her popular digital comedy shows like Dating Unsettled and Who Needs This. With a dedicated community of over 300,000 online followers and collaborations with top brands like Disney, Dove, Skybound Entertainment and AT&T, Joy remains dedicated to her mission of activating the unique healing power of humor.

Lathan Hodge started his television career at CBS/WBBM-TV. As an Executive Producer, he headed the Children and Entertainment department at BET. He worked with personnel on a number of television series and developed the special projects division. He also supervised offices in Burbank, California, and Washington DC, where he programmed and produced advertising support movie specials with all of the major US film studios.

He left BET to become Co-founder of mise en scene Filmwerx, a commercial production company. The Chicago native served as executive producer for television specials for Columbia, Paramount and Disney. He also produced television commercials for BET, and Americans for the Arts.

The award-winning producer has garnered three NAACP Image Awards, Two Emmy Awards and the NEA Award for his work in television. He produced “State of Emergency” for Rockstar Games and the documentary “Public Enemy: Welcome to the Terrordome” which examines the relationships of Chuck D, Flavor Flav and Professor Griff over a twenty-year period.

Emmy Award and NAACP Theatre Award-winning actor, Jason E Kelley is a multi-hyphenate artist with a career spanning two decades across stage, TV, voice performance and producing who continues to reach further and expand his range. He recurs in Season 1 of Taylor Sheridan’s gritty for-profit-prison dramas Mayor of Kingstown has premiered as the #1 original scripted series on Paramount+ for three seasons running.

In 2021, he cemented himself as a go-to leading man in the gaming world with his hilariously brooding portrayal of ‘Colt Vahn’ in the hit title, Deathloop, earning 7 official Best Lead Performance nominations including the BAFTA Games Awards and The Game Awards. He followed up this performance by landing plumb roles in Horizon: Forbidden West, Starfield, Fallout 76 DLC, and as the legendary Doom Slayer in the current DOOM Gaming Universe.

A versatile performer, he co-founded LA’s first all-black coed improv troupe TuskegeeXperiment as an alum of The Second City and was cast in the ensemble of Kemp Powers’ original stage production of One Night In Miami. From Arrow to Grown-ish to Wu-Tang: An American Saga this brotha just works! Catch him mid-season on 9-1-1 and in 2025 on a Netflix Demon Hunter animated series and three AAA gaming titles.

A native of the DMV, Kelley resides in Los Angeles with his wife who is from The Bay…making him Bay Adjacent!

Tony Phruishun Spires is a veteran filmmaker, television producer,singer/songwriter/recording artist, poet/spoken word artist, a longtime theater artist and teaching artist.

Tony’s feature films include: The romantic comedy, ​She Wins, the teen thriller, A Hot Night In The Valley, ​The Pan African Film Festival’s Best
Feature Film nominated Tears Of A Clown, and the gritty, urban crime drama ​Two Degrees. His short films include: ​Joke Thief, The Three-Legged Crow and ​Marvin Road. He directed the 12-episode romantic web series, ​Pillow Talk and was the pioneering director of the
experimental new media film, ​Necessary Drama, one of the first live-streamed movies ever filmed and screened simultaneously.

In television, he was executive producer for two seasons on the non-scripted comedy talkshow, ​Gimme Five, starring comedian/actor BT
Kingsley. Currently, Spires is co-creator, executive producer and director of the Los Angeles-based, non-scripted show, The SituationShift with Zo Williams, a relationship talkshow and The Unc And Fab Show, an Oakland-based, hybrid sitcom/reality show starring Bay Area music icon Mistah F.A.B.

In the world of Stand up Comedy, Tony is the Founder/Executive Producer
of ​the Bay Area Black Comedy Competition & Festival​, which helped launch the careers of many of today’s leading comedic talents including:
​AcademyAward winner Jamie Foxx, Chris Tucker, D.L. Hughley, Sheryl Underwood,Nick Cannon, Don “D.C.” Curry, Mike Epps, Katt Williams, Mark Curry, Lil Rel Howery, Laura Hayes, Luenell, Deon Cole, Arnez J, Rodney Perry, Matt Rife, Nate Jackson ​and many others.

Along with his wife Rhonda Spires, he’s the Co-Founder of multi-disciplinary performing arts organization, ​Full Vision Arts Foundation​,where he serves as​ Producing Artistic Director. ​Also a teaching artist, he serves as an artist-in-residence and film instructor for ​Making Movies That Matter Youth Film Festival, in Los Angeles.

Kenneth Brown grew up in a family that loves to entertain. A graduate of Second City Hollywood, he uses a keen eye to make light of common observations in everyday life and then turn it on its head. He’s appeared in films like Boyz N the Hood and Disney Channel’s P.U.N.K.S. and participated in the Second City Director’s Showcase. Kenneth is a part of the improv team The Regina Kings of Comedy which performs regularly at The Ledge Theatre and invades social media with comedic videos commenting on today’s pop culture. He’s collaborated with Disney Plus and YouTube hosting Disney Plus Deets, and co-hosts a podcast called My Fave available on all podcast platforms. His passions in life are improv, travel, and food, but especially food. Ken is a dedicated father of 2…dogs and quite possibly the nicest guy you’ll ever meet.

Vivian Lamolli is a Latin American actress, singer and producer born and raised in Miami, Florida. After graduating from the University of Florida, Vivian toured the entire west coast of the United States performing in over a dozen musicals; now pursuing film and television in Los Angeles, CA. She is the second daughter of Michael and Jacqueline Lamolli.

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