This past weekend, the Micheaux Film Festival celebrated independent films with exclusive premieres, informative panels, and awards ceremonies. We had the opportunity to screen The Interview, Flight 182, and I’m in Love, three very different films that had us on the edge of our seats in unique ways.
FLIGHT 182
This dramatic short film takes a look at the most violent airplane attack before 9/11. Based on the true events of Air India Flight 182 in 1985, we follow a man who must decide whether to visit his ailing mother one last time in Delhi, India, or heed his wife’s warnings about traveling during political conflict on another passenger’s canceled ticket. Directed by Rippin Sindher, this short packs an emotional punch within a roughly 17-minute runtime. We see devoted father and husband Jeet (Gurinder Sindher) determined to make his flight to visit his mother, who has just experienced a second stroke. His wife Mandeep (Sundeep Morrison) is concerned, believing that not only are the current political tensions a bad omen, but also the fact that his ticket originally belonged to another passenger who cancelled.
Sindher delivers a wonderfully layered performance, heightening the suspense as he searches for his misplaced ticket all while trying to lovingly convince his wife that he’s only doing what’s right. Morrison complements his acting, realistically conveying the struggle of a pregnant wife trying to keep the household together while battling her own intuition. I found myself stunned as the film ended, as I’d been thoroughly engrossed in watching the story unfold. The cast’s performances, the film’s score, and the overall story left me deeply invested in each character’s outcome. A standout that has debuted 40 years after the real-life tragic events involving Air India Flight 182, this film lingers with you even after the credits have rolled.
I’M IN LOVE
Havilah Malone stars in this short film that brings her spoken-word poem “I’m in Love” to life. Directed by Roberta Sparta, this stunning piece takes us on a journey as we follow Malone’s narration, guiding us along the characteristics and traits of her intimate love letter. Visually, we’re treated to a vibrant setting as our Hero (Malone) follows a treasure map, leading her to a mirror as the climax of the poem’s narration reveals its truth: this is a story about self-love. In the reflection, we see the younger version of her (London Payne) during this revelation.
Admittedly, this short left me with the biggest smile on my face as the film ended. Malone’s inspiring and uplifting words left me no choice but to feel empowered and confident, all while taking in the stunning beauty of the vibrant colors and settings used throughout the journey. When we realized that it’s a love letter to oneself at the end, I was simply beaming. And staying through the credits, I caught the little Easter egg that alludes to what’s next in store for Malone.
Malone is an award-winning actress and best-selling author. Her work also includes spoken word, and her craft includes appearances on FOX, NBC, ABC, HBO, and more. I’m in Love is one of the tracks from her album Proof of What’s Possible, which is under consideration for a Grammy.
THE INTERVIEW
Leonard Robinson stars in this fast-paced, action-packed short film. The Interview explores a major financial opportunity presented to ex-con Tyson Babineaux (Robinson), but it’s quickly clear that it entails more than he bargained for when he realizes he must fight to the death for a chance at a better life. With solid acting and physical performances from the entire cast, this film expertly combines storytelling with action.
Co-written by Robinson and Kai Kim, we open on a father who’s struggling to find work make his way to a dilapidated warehouse for an undisclosed interview. We know something’s not quite right when he’s immediately asked to surrender his phone, wallet, and keys before being allowed in. While he initially struggles with this request, he relents and soon finds himself signing a NDA that he doesn’t read in exchange for $5,000 in cash. Once the interviewer Bernice (Leslie Stevens) leaves the room, he then finds himself in a fight to the death in order to make his way out.
Not only did I enjoy not being able to predict what would come next in this film, but I also appreciated the extensive fight choreography. It was evident that both Robinson and his antagonists are skilled in fight training, as the camera doesn’t shy away from the different sequences. From existential questions about morals to dynamic fight choreography, we had an opportunity to chat with the star himself about how this film came to life.
You can watch our discussion with Robinson below.
