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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.

Lola Still 2 e1651756558210
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:
Subjects: , , , , , ,
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2021
Runtime: 21 min

Recommended

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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:
Animation (if applicable):

Specifcations

Genre:
Subjects: , , , , , ,
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2021
Runtime: 21 min

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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.

Lola Still 2 e1651756558210
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

Frequently Asked Questions

Short Films Matter is an online short film platform that reviews independent short films from across the globe.

We are proud to feature the work of up-and-coming talent as well as established filmmakers.

Unlike other curated short film platforms, we never reject short films. All films submitted are guaranteed to be showcased on our website.

 

You can submit your short film for review using our submission form. Our submission fee is $50. 

Any submissions received via email or social media will be not be accepted.

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If you would like to make any changes to your review page/or request deletion, you can do so via email.

1. All short films must be publicly hosted on YouTube or Vimeo. If your short film is currently in a festival season. you can submit a trailer. This can be and changed later once your festival season has concluded.

2. Short Films must be 40 minutes or less.

3. You can submit a film that was produced/released in any year, country or language.

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6. Subtitles are required if the film is not in the English language.

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