Film Showcase: Reimagining, Processing, and Transforming

Step into a cinematic space where storytelling becomes a bridge between the personal and the universal. These short films were carefully selected for their ability to process real-world experiences, reimagine possibilities, and spark transformation in both creators and audiences. Each piece invites us to reflect, to feel, and to explore new perspectives on life, love, family, and community — showing how art can be a powerful tool for healing, insight, and envisioning a better world.

After the screenings, stay for conversations with the filmmakers and community leaders behind these works. Hear firsthand how they turned lived experiences, social issues, and imaginative “what ifs” into stories that move, challenge, and inspire. These discussions will give you tools, insight, and inspiration to see storytelling as a practice of transformation — for yourself, your community, and the world we are co-creating.

Because the films aren’t just to watch… they’re an invitation to process, reflect, and step into the possibility of change. Through the lens of these stories, you’ll witness how art can teach, heal, and open the door to a new way of seeing ourselves and the world.

Filmmakers:

Alterik Miller – A multi-talented filmmaker, musician, and artist from Newark, NJ, Alterik is a self-taught powerhouse in writing, directing, cinematography, and music composition. His award-winning shorts, including LAUNDRY, EXPIRATION DATE, and MOONLESS NIGHTS, explore themes of family, safety, love, and justice. Alterik’s feature BY DECEPTION debuted on Peacock and Tubi, and his home invasion thriller ONE WAY OUT is currently in post-production.

A’sia Horne – Editor, writer, and producer, A’sia brings precision, creativity, and a unique voice to every project. Her short film hello.goodbye, streaming on ALLBLK, showcases her talent for crafting emotionally resonant stories. She has also worked across television, film, and digital media for projects like Young Rock, Grey’s Anatomy, The Woman King, and TikTok campaigns, blending technical mastery with storytelling that connects deeply with audiences.

Jack Manning III is a Bloomfield Hills, Michigan native whose love for photography and film began early, nurtured by a family of artists. While studying Graphic Design at Hampton University, he refined his skills in the darkroom, shot for the campus yearbook and newspaper, and developed his style under Virginia-based photographer Jenell Webb, while learning business strategy from Dexter Cohen. After moving to Atlanta in 2009, Jack expanded his photography portfolio to include weddings, portraits, events, products, and celebrity shoots, earning a notable publication in Ebony magazine through a collaboration with Elaine Welteroth. In 2016, he transitioned into filmmaking, co-founding Tyler Street Films and completing his first short, Flipped, in 2017 alongside Tiffany Elle Burgess and Lawrence “Law” Watford. Today, Jack continues to grow his photography business while developing multiple film and television projects, balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with his life as a husband and father.

Moderator:

Penni Malloy-Harper – A nurse, media consultant, and founder of Pennbrook Consulting Corp. and Pennbrook TV, Penni brings expertise in health, storytelling, and media strategy. She has directed and produced multiple short films, hosts the NYWIFT Podcast and For Your Thoughts Podcast, and serves on the board of the New York Black Nurses Association. Penni bridges healthcare, media, and storytelling, providing insight into the ways narratives can educate, inspire, and heal communities.

Join us to experience films that do more than entertain—they challenge us, heal us, and open doors to new ways of seeing and being. Witness the transformative power of storytelling and engage directly with the creators shaping the narratives of today and tomorrow.