Short Film Program

In a Whole New Way

Directed by Jonathan Fisher (USA, 2021, 31 min.)

Ensnaring almost four million Americans, probation has evolved from a second chance to avoid prison to a sanction that actually feeds mass incarceration. Supported by neighborhood allies and equipped only with cameras, some people of color set out to change all this in a whole new way.

Behind These Walls

Directed by Allison Chernow, Susan Margolin, and Karen Young Shiel (USA, 2021, 5 min.)

Behind These Walls documents the experience of Sean “Dino” Johnson through his own unsparing words. Johnson served a 15-year prison sentence for a drug-related charge. His conviction occurred during the national war on drugs, and before New York State began to reform its notorious Rockefeller drug laws. While incarcerated at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, Johnson discovered the prison’s theater program and how the dramatic arts impacted his ability to self-correct and express empathy.

If My Voice Rang Louder Than My Skin

Directed by Kyra Peters (USA, 2021, 3 min.)

If My Voice Rang Louder Than My Skin brings to life the story of a teenage boy who craves a life where his skin no longer affects his daily life or how others perceive him. Using 2D animation, the film follows him through the streets of the Bronx, trying to unite his community through music to rally against divisive hate.

Becoming Black Lawyers

Directed by Evangeline M. Mitchell (USA, 2021, 25 min.)

When these five Black lawyers set out on the path toward their professional legal education, they did not realize that they would have struggles even more challenging than the rigors of learning the law in a hypercompetitive environment. They discover the contradictions of studying in an institution that idealistically represents “justice” for all.

Festival Passes

If you wish to see multiple films in the Roxbury International Film Festival lineup, purchase a festival pass!

There are separate passes for in-person and online screenings. To access all in-person and online events, please purchase both passes.

In-Person Pass

$165; available through June 25, 5 pm

The In-Person Pass grants access to all events in the festival, including those at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Hibernian Hall; the Boston Public Library’s Roxbury branch; and ArtsEmerson. See a full list of in-person screenings at roxfilmfest.com.

Note that additional venues will be listed on your pass purchase as Non-MFA screenings.

ROXFILM@Home Pass

$50; available through June 30, 11:59 pm

The ROXFILM@Home Pass grants access to all online screenings.