Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Director's Showcase
Now in its third year, the Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Director’s Showcase is a national competition celebrating independent filmmaking and diverse stories about Black men as fathers. In partnership with Walmart, this competition champions storytelling that uplifts and honors the role of Black fatherhood. From the pool of submissions, three directors were selected to each receive industry mentorship, a $10,000 cash award, and the opportunity to attend and screen their films at the 2025 American Black Film Festival. The following films represent the 2025 official selections in this category:
Freshman. Again.
USA | 20 min
“Learning has no age limit.”
Director: Aji Bass | Writer: Geeta Gandbhir | Producers: Mikha Grumet, Geeta Gandbhir | Cast: Lenny Bass, Deva Grumet Bass
Laundry
USA | 18 min | WORLD PREMIERE
After his son’s tragic accident, a husband struggles to save his marriage and himself, until a chance encounter at a laundromat shows him that even in grief, hope and healing can all come out in the wash.
Director: Okema T. Moore | Writer: Alterik Miller | Producers: Alterik Miller, Okema T. Moore, Wink Woodall | Cast: Danielle Monè Truitt, Tobias Truvillion, Aaron Kingsley Adetola
Reconciliation
USA | 16 min | WORLD PREMIERE
A young man reconnects with his father after many years of distance. In the process of reconciliation, he decides to make a film about it.
Director: Ian Phillips | Writer: Ian Phillips | Producer: Ian Phillips | Cast: Elijah Gbotoe, Nathan Gbotoe, Gershan McKenzie