NAACP Announces Cinematic Shorts Competition at 109th Annual Convention

The NAACP, the country's original social justice organization proudly announces the 2018 Cinematic Shorts Competition, taking place at the 109th annual NAACP Convention in San Antonio, Texas, July 14 to 18.

Presented in partnership with Ford Motor Company, the Cinematic Shorts Competition gives three young filmmakers, Nadia "Nerdia Cat" Gonzales, Darrell Wayne Goodloe Jr., and Sultan Ali, the opportunity to tell their Social Justice and Civic Engagement stories and a chance to win a $7,500 budget to produce an extended version of their short film. The filmmakers will shoot their shorts over the course of the Convention and premiere their stories to thousands of Convention attendees.

"Ford is proud to partner with the NAACP to highlight the importance of civic engagement," said Pamela Alexander, director of Community Development, Ford Motor Company Fund. "The NAACP's Cinematic Shorts competition sparks conversation through storytelling that hopes to move us all forward and drive positive impact in our society."

"This is the second annual Cinematic Shorts Competition and every year, I am amazed by what these talented young filmmakers of color produce," said Robin Harrison, director of the NAACP Hollywood Bureau. "By giving people who are traditionally underrepresented in mainstream Hollywood an opportunity to demonstrate their ability, we are showing the world that Black and Brown filmmakers exist! It's up to us to cultivate and nourish that talent and create more opportunity. I could not be more proud of this initiative."

Ford also supports the ongoing work of the NAACP's Hollywood Bureau and Civic Engagement programs within the NAACP and its Strategic Plan: GAME CHANGERS for the 21st Century Initiative.

The competing filmmakers represent diverse backgrounds. Nadia "Nerdia Cat" Gonzales, is an elementary teacher by day and a filmmaker by night. She has worked on many indie films, features, commercials, and documentaries. Nerdia Cat is also a licensed makeup artist that proudly uses ethically conscious, cruelty-free, sustainable products.

Former rapper, Darrell Wayne Goodloe Jr. aka Dat Mayne DeeWayne, decided to follow his dream of being a filmmaker and started directing films, organizing showcases and coordinating screening events in San Antonio. Influenced by Black Hollywood and encouraged by their persistence, Dat Mayne DeeWayne sought to tell stories of underrepresented communities.

Brooklyn College Film Production student Sultan Ali has loved cinema and theatrical arts from a young age. In 2014, Ali created his own production company called "Tabula Pictures." Most recently, Ali's short film won first prize for "Best Emerging Media" at the 2018 "AT&T Create-A-Thon."

Each filmmaker will be given video equipment and work under the guidance of a producer-mentor to create a 5-7 minute short film over the five day Convention. The short films can be narrative, documentary, or avant-garde, and will center on voting and people of color.

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