Spring 2026
Welcome to Black Light: A Howard Short Film Showcase.
This two-night program brings together undergraduate students, MFA filmmakers, alumni, and members of the Howard University Film Organization (HUFO). Black Light brings student films from the classroom to the big screen, creating space for emerging filmmakers to present their work to an audience and in conversation with one another. These films are built through collaboration and persistence. Each one represents the time, effort, and commitment of the students behind it.
Spring 2026 Trailer - Edited by Isabella Spencer
Program Overview
Official Poster — Spring 2026 Edition
Two-night public showcase at the Miracle Theatre (April 30 – May 1, 2026)
Over 200 attendees across two nights
27 undergraduate student films
Undergraduate directors, MFA alumni, and HUFO
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6:00 PM
Doors Open & Audience Seating
6:30 PM
Welcome Remarks by Prof. Akosua Adoma Owusu (Founder & Artistic Director)
6:40 PM -7:35 PM
Undergraduate Showcase, Block I
Selected shorts from Directing for Film & TV students (Class of Spring 2026)
7:35 PM - 7:55 PM
Howard University Film Organization (HUFO) Spotlight + Screening
Introduction by HUFO President
Screening of Where’s Everybody At? Volume II
7:55 PM - 9:20 PM
Undergraduate Showcase, Block II
Selected shorts from Directing for Film & TV students (Class of Spring 2026)
9:20 PM - 9:30 PM
Closing Reflections from Prof. Akosua Adoma Owusu
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6:00 PM
Doors Open & Audience Seating
6:30 PM
Welcome Remarks by Prof. Akosua Adoma Owusu (Founder & Artistic Director)
6:40 PM - 8:40 PM
MFA Film & Alumni Showcase, Programed by Zion Murphy
Featuring selected MFA alumni films
8:40 PM - 9:20 PM
MFA Film Roundtable, Moderated by Zion Murphy
MFA Filmmakers reflect on their work and progress
9:20 PM - 9:30 PM
Closing Remarks & Thank You by Prof. Akosua Adoma Owusu
9:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Networking
Participating Filmmakers
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One More Minute - Mecca Ali
Exhale - Huntah Anarkelda
The Chaser - Kendall Barlow
Safe Food - Sanai B. Betts
My Dearest Witness - Lena Blondell
Oh, F*** You! - Jaysolin “Jaycee” Bolton
Surviving College 101: Dorm Life Edition - Kelis Caesar
Second Dose - Mirakohl Coates
A Dream Deferred - Hanna Dessie
Another Monday - Baylor Diamond
CONSUMPTION - Ne’Vaeh Dudley
How We Speak - Kennedi Espy
Make a Wish - Amera Fields
Blue Reverie - Josiah Hampton
Echo - Eryka Heard
Citrus - Leah Herring
Seriously?! - Angel James
Saturday Morning - Olivia Michaela Mundy
Tokening - Noah Pierson
En Passant - Victor Ray
You Don’t Believe Me? - Kaila Ruffin
Stained Glass - Ja’dori Scott-Stanley
Second Sunrise - Ayana Thomas
Forever Yours - Jayda Thomas
A Table For Two - Ashia H. Upshaw
The Bus Stop - Brandon Williams
YNA - Sobeana Woodley-Sobers
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Tobacco Road (2025) - Kiara Danae Mangum
ODE (2023) - Christopher Juwain
Terminal (2025) - Larry J. Sanders
601 (2025) - Ry’n Good
Distance (2020) - Richard Schertzer
Nightmare Therapy (2025) - Zion Binet Murphy
Private Lessons (2025) - Tamia Edmonds
Sky & Jay: A Love Story - Khalil Gamble
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Where’s Everybody At? Volume II — Lauryn Johnson
Cousin Walk — Miles Guihard
Belle En Scene — Rachel K. McCain
Photos by Zenobia Kelley & Nylah Statley
