ShortFilmsMatter.com

Pictures Only

5/5
Female empowerment and race intertwine in this stylish short set in the 50s.

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

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.

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:
Animation (if applicable):

Specifications

Genre:
Country:
Language:
Year:
Runtime: 21 min

Recommended

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.

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:
Animation:

Specifcations

Genre:
Country:
Language:
Year:
Runtime: 21 min

Recommended

Pictures Only

5/5

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

Lola Still 2 e1651756558210
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.

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

Search