Written and directed by Ryan Watson, ‘Paper Line’ is a short action film that delves into the rite of passage to a top-secret college fraternity. The exclusively African-American fraternity. – Alpha Omega Sigma – which is set in a fictional Florida-based HBCU, throws a puzzling initiation request to seven newcomers. Starring an all African-American cast, the film explores themes of brotherhood, psychology, identity and culture. ‘Paper Line’ is a riveting watch of high action combat with a comical underbelly.

The 32-minute film opens with the seven newcomers in discussion about what to expect from the classified hazing ceremony. At the fraternity, they are greeted by the “big brothers” – before they are given the task: simply sign a document or remove a headband from a “big brother”. The psychological challenge shines a light on their preconceptions of initiations and their prior delinquencies.