All Library Shows are Free Admittance!

BREAKING BOUNDARIES (California 2024)

Dir. Dina Burlis

African American teenager, Nastasya Generalova, was raised by her single white Russian mother, Olga who enrolled Nastasya in rhythmic gymnastics when she was four years old as a way for her to connect to the homeland. This film looks at Nastasya's personal journey of expression as the only black girl in Team USA, as well as her relationship with her mother in the stressful lead up to Tokyo Olympics qualification.

Three's A Crowd (Los Angeles 2024)

Dir. Chanessa Richa'rd

A teenage girl tries to navigate the tension between her abusive home life with her mother and the shifting dynamics at her father's house, where her new brother has just moved in. The film explores themes of longing—for change, connection, and a sense of comfort—that always seem just out of reach. Intimately told and emotionally resonant, this story unfolds with sharp editing and a compelling narrative that keeps the viewer engaged from beginning to end.

Welcome to Afrotree (New York 2023)

Dir. Chase Parker

Steven and Janet are fed up with gentrification, whitewashing, and code switching in the big city. They move to Afrotree, an experimental, gated community populated by only African-American residents. Their dream of living in a cultural oasis suddenly becomes a nightmare when they discover they might not be “Black” enough.

Don't Hang Up (Missouri 2024)

Dir. Diamond Batiste

In rural Hayti, Missouri, matriarch Elizabeth Holiday confronts her past when an unexpected call from her former student, Jeremy, disrupts her routine. As they navigate their shared history and the challenges of their community, they're forced to confront harsh realities, igniting a journey of reconciliation and redemption.

A Different Kind Of War (Fort Wayne 2024)

Dir. Jamel King

A gay veteran returns home after the war, grieving the loss of his battle partner and love interest. Struggling with PTSD and the trauma of combat, he faces a new battle: reconciling his sacrifice for a country that doesn’t fully accept him. As he confronts both his personal pain and the weight of societal rejection, he embarks on a journey of healing and self-acceptance in a world where freedom isn’t always equal.

Some Kind of Heavenly Fire (Detroit 2023)

Dir. Eric Vincent Riley

In the summer of 2003, on the east side of Detroit a Grandfather tries to hide his daughter’s incarceration from his young grandson in the midst of a city wide blackout and alien invasion.

Shows at Third Mind Books are Free Admittance!

Stay Out of the Sun (Los Angeles 2024)

Dir.  Zola Franchi, Vivienne Ayres & Nidhi Kumar

A visual scrapbook of individuals' memories of colorism, recounting the messages they received about skin tone during their youth and examining how these experiences have left lasting imprints on their lives today.

Our Backyard Hist’ry (Ann Arbor 2024)

Dir. Christopher Thomas Anderson

A Conductor of Ann Arbor's Underground Railroad Tour and a sole survivor of the greatest generation that ever lived, Scott F. McFadden's graphic description of history tells it like it was, and still is. A voice, so clear and with such passion, it speaks for an era without bitterness or self-pity among the dying and already dead. take a tour with us as we share Our Backyard Hist'ry.

Delong’s (Ann Arbor 2024)

Dir. Kameron Donald

The story of DeLong's Bar-B-Q Pit, one of Ann Arbor's most famed bygone eateries.  In a history told by Diana McKnight-Morton, one of DeLong's founders, we learn about the idea for the restaurant being born out of the many heads that popped over the backyard fence during family barbecues and hear about the many people, Ann Arborites and those much more far-flung, who numbered it among their favorites.

a film called black: King's Speech (Chicago 2024)

Dir. Cam Be

‘a film called black’ is an evolving film. Each screening presents different elements to an ongoing conversation. Blackness. ‘King’s Speech’ is a short film that resides within the entirety of ‘a film called black.’ ‘King’s Speech’ centers around the conversation of Blackness - What is Blackness? Who gets to define it? Additionally asking Black father’s what it means to be a king? All while telling the parallel story of Chicago artist Cam Be & Neak’s creation of the song and visual story of ‘King’s Speech.’

The narrative aspect of the film adorns different black faces with custom crowns made by artist Simone Yael.

Relentless Warrior: Al Wheeler - Ann Arbor's First Black Mayor (Ann Arbor 2024)

Dir. Carole Gibson

It's been 50 years since Al Wheeler’s historic campaign for Mayor of the City of Ann Arbor. 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of his death. Relentless Warrior lifts up little-known facts of Dr. Wheeler’s amazing saga.  From humble beginnings to a whirlwind tour of top educational institutions, we share how Professor Wheeler shaped and shared a life of firsts with his equally impressive wife, Emma, and their accomplished family. We also hear from some of the people who knew Al best and helped him become the first Black Mayor of Ann Arbor, as well as win re-election with a one vote, precedent-setting result.

Finding Hero (Baltimore 2025)

Dir. Matt Coole

A young man struggles to silence his inner voices and schizophrenia diagnosis to unleash his musical genius. Meanwhile his mother fights the stereotypes and inherent prejudice to find him the best treatment while simultaneously trying to hold her family together

Grieving Brothers (California 2025)

Dir. Jere'Miah McGhee

Two brothers grieve the loss of their sibling, each wrestling with guilt and unspoken emotions. As their sorrow deepens, they’re forced to confront the roles they played in his life—and in each other’s. A tense argument erupts, but through the pain, they find connection and solace. The film’s single-location setting intensifies the drama without distraction, allowing the story to shine. This is a powerful meditation on grief, forgiveness, and the importance of leaning on family in times of need—a must-watch for intimate drama lovers.

Huey (Los Angeles 2023)

Dir. Ken Gregory & Dave Mack III

Huey, the short film looks at the final days of Dr. Huey P. Newton’s life to try and look at the plausible possibility, “Was Huey P. Newton randomly murdered or was it an orchestrated assassination by the United States government?” By taking public information from government agencies and private sources such as news agencies and media outlets and publications who have interviewed key players as well as Dr. Newton’s loved ones and personal friends, this film revisits the days and month leading up to the fateful day he was murdered and the circumstances surrounding his death/execution.

All Library Shows are Free Admittance!

Timal Brothers (Guadeloupe 2023)

Dir. Marine Ottogalli

Timal brothers were born when the traditional Gwoka drums met the electronic music. These two musicians made for the stage got together and travelled back into the history of the Ka, a formerly forbidden instrument, to share its story through vibrant and contemporary musical creations.

The Life, The Legend, The Man: Reggie McKenzie (Farmington Hills 2024)

Dir. James C Turner

Reggie McKenzie was the NFL Offensive Lineman for the Buffalo Bills who encouraged OJ Simpson, and the Bills organization, to rush for 2003 yards in 1973. Not only was he the key person clearing a path for OJ to run, he was the inspirational leader powering the attack.
McKenzie also made history as a member of Bo Schembechler's first team at Michigan. The team that won the historic 1969 football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes.
At the height of his career, McKenzie immediately returned to his hometown of Highland Park, Michigan with the entire NFL roster in tow. He started a football camp and had NFL stars come coach the kids in the community. The impact was profound!
The camp is over 50 years old, has impacted thousands of children's lives, and is still going today. This film is a small testament of how this one man changed the world.

Shows at Third Mind Books are Free Admittance!

Stay Out of the Sun (Los Angeles 2024)

Dir.  Zola Franchi, Vivienne Ayres & Nidhi Kumar

A visual scrapbook of individuals' memories of colorism, recounting the messages they received about skin tone during their youth and examining how these experiences have left lasting imprints on their lives today.

Our Backyard Hist’ry (Ann Arbor 2024)

Dir. Christopher Thomas Anderson

A Conductor of Ann Arbor's Underground Railroad Tour and a sole survivor of the greatest generation that ever lived, Scott F. McFadden's graphic description of history tells it like it was, and still is. A voice, so clear and with such passion, it speaks for an era without bitterness or self-pity among the dying and already dead. take a tour with us as we share Our Backyard Hist'ry.

Delong’s (Ann Arbor 2024)

Dir. Kameron Donald

The story of DeLong's Bar-B-Q Pit, one of Ann Arbor's most famed bygone eateries.  In a history told by Diana McKnight-Morton, one of DeLong's founders, we learn about the idea for the restaurant being born out of the many heads that popped over the backyard fence during family barbecues and hear about the many people, Ann Arborites and those much more far-flung, who numbered it among their favorites.

a film called black: King's Speech (Chicago 2024)

Dir. Cam Be

‘a film called black’ is an evolving film. Each screening presents different elements to an ongoing conversation. Blackness. ‘King’s Speech’ is a short film that resides within the entirety of ‘a film called black.’ ‘King’s Speech’ centers around the conversation of Blackness - What is Blackness? Who gets to define it? Additionally asking Black father’s what it means to be a king? All while telling the parallel story of Chicago artist Cam Be & Neak’s creation of the song and visual story of ‘King’s Speech.’

The narrative aspect of the film adorns different black faces with custom crowns made by artist Simone Yael.

Relentless Warrior: Al Wheeler - Ann Arbor's First Black Mayor (Ann Arbor 2024)

Dir. Carole Gibson

It's been 50 years since Al Wheeler’s historic campaign for Mayor of the City of Ann Arbor. 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of his death. Relentless Warrior lifts up little-known facts of Dr. Wheeler’s amazing saga.  From humble beginnings to a whirlwind tour of top educational institutions, we share how Professor Wheeler shaped and shared a life of firsts with his equally impressive wife, Emma, and their accomplished family. We also hear from some of the people who knew Al best and helped him become the first Black Mayor of Ann Arbor, as well as win re-election with a one vote, precedent-setting result.

Driving the Green Book (Long Island 2024)

Dir. Mike De Caro, Alvin Hall, & Saro Varjabedian

Broadcaster and author Alvin Hall and his two young mentees Chrissy and Jaron travel across Long Island (NY) looking for locations once listed in The Negro Motorist Green Book. They retrieve hidden stories about how Black travelers endured segregation during the years the Green Book was published (1936 - 1967) while also uncovering new subtle ways in which the issues continue today. Location after location, our road-trippers create an exciting, emotional and inspiring travelogue.

Stoop Chat with Maani & Mr. Sweat (Brooklyn 2025)

Dir. Marj Kleinman & Christine Thomas Yoon

"Stoop Chat with Maani and Mr. Sweat" brings you to the Brooklyn stoops of Mr. Sweat, a dapper neighborhood elder and Vietnam veteran with old school swagger, and Maani, a young aspiring entrepreneur. Against the vibrant cultural backdrop of Bedford-Stuyvesant, this documentary captures the power of mentorship and the enduring spirit of Black identity. Through the simple act of playing stoop ball, wisdom is passed down, dreams take shape, and the lessons of the past help to guide the future. Exploring faith and masculinity, the short film tells the heartwarming story of the strength found in community, the lessons shared between generations, and the amazing transformative power of love.

LRSC (Land Rivers Spaghetti Catfish) (Chicago 2024)

Dir. Derek Anthony Holland

“Land Rivers Spaghetti Catfish,” is a short film and community centered research project done in conjunction with Fellows in the Black Midwest Initiative Fellowship. At its genesis, The fellows were asked to answer the question “What does the Midwest mean to you?” Fellow’s responses guided the form and narrative structure of the work configured by Derek with the use of only adapted footage from the midwestern United States. The film itself is an attempt to answer and further question the “midwest,” as a geopolitically, socially and culturally through people born and or raised there and those who recently migrated to or are transiting through the region. This project continues Derek’s research into modes of articulating fissures in everyday occurrences to question and criticize the modern world and identity.

Stay Out of the Sun (Los Angeles 2024)

Dir. Zola Franchi, Vivienne Ayres & Nidhi Kumar

A visual scrapbook of individuals' memories of colorism, recounting the messages they received about skin tone during their youth and examining how these experiences have left lasting imprints on their lives today.

All Library Shows are Free Admittance!

Bankie Banx: King of the Dune (Anguilla 2024)

Dir. Nara Garber

An exploration of the life of Bankie Banx, a man whose brain never turns off. The child who could not sit still became the ten-year-old who built his own guitar, who became the first Anguillian to make a living playing music, who became a local legend and an artist/entrepreneur who answers to no one while opening doors for friends and family and a generation of younger musicians. Bankie’s restless energy and creative drive forged paths where there were none, and he continues to find an outlet in his music, his ever-evolving beach bar, his music festival, and his regular tirades against corruption and neocolonialism. In spite of a world filled with obstacles, Bankie’s story and music will inspire you and other dreamers to stay the course and envision a better world.

Shows at Third Mind Books are Free Admittance!

Stay Out of the Sun (Los Angeles 2024)

Dir.  Zola Franchi, Vivienne Ayres & Nidhi Kumar

A visual scrapbook of individuals' memories of colorism, recounting the messages they received about skin tone during their youth and examining how these experiences have left lasting imprints on their lives today.

Our Backyard Hist’ry (Ann Arbor 2024)

Dir. Christopher Thomas Anderson

A Conductor of Ann Arbor's Underground Railroad Tour and a sole survivor of the greatest generation that ever lived, Scott F. McFadden's graphic description of history tells it like it was, and still is. A voice, so clear and with such passion, it speaks for an era without bitterness or self-pity among the dying and already dead. take a tour with us as we share Our Backyard Hist'ry.

Delong’s (Ann Arbor 2024)

Dir. Kameron Donald

The story of DeLong's Bar-B-Q Pit, one of Ann Arbor's most famed bygone eateries.  In a history told by Diana McKnight-Morton, one of DeLong's founders, we learn about the idea for the restaurant being born out of the many heads that popped over the backyard fence during family barbecues and hear about the many people, Ann Arborites and those much more far-flung, who numbered it among their favorites.

a film called black: King's Speech (Chicago 2024)

Dir. Cam Be

‘a film called black’ is an evolving film. Each screening presents different elements to an ongoing conversation. Blackness. ‘King’s Speech’ is a short film that resides within the entirety of ‘a film called black.’ ‘King’s Speech’ centers around the conversation of Blackness - What is Blackness? Who gets to define it? Additionally asking Black father’s what it means to be a king? All while telling the parallel story of Chicago artist Cam Be & Neak’s creation of the song and visual story of ‘King’s Speech.’

The narrative aspect of the film adorns different black faces with custom crowns made by artist Simone Yael.

Relentless Warrior: Al Wheeler - Ann Arbor's First Black Mayor (Ann Arbor 2024)

Dir. Carole Gibson

It's been 50 years since Al Wheeler’s historic campaign for Mayor of the City of Ann Arbor. 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of his death. Relentless Warrior lifts up little-known facts of Dr. Wheeler’s amazing saga.  From humble beginnings to a whirlwind tour of top educational institutions, we share how Professor Wheeler shaped and shared a life of firsts with his equally impressive wife, Emma, and their accomplished family. We also hear from some of the people who knew Al best and helped him become the first Black Mayor of Ann Arbor, as well as win re-election with a one vote, precedent-setting result.

Our Backyard Hist’ry (Ann Arbor 2024)

Dir. Christopher Thomas Anderson

A Conductor of Ann Arbor's Underground Railroad Tour and a sole survivor of the greatest generation that ever lived, Scott F. McFadden's graphic description of history tells it like it was, and still is. A voice, so clear and with such passion, it speaks for an era without bitterness or self-pity among the dying and already dead. take a tour with us as we share Our Backyard Hist'ry.

Something in the Water (Milwaukee 2024)

Dir. Nateya Taylor

Five water justice advocates discuss how Milwaukee’s Black communities are disproportionately being lead poisoned, and the debilitating effects it has on residents' health, with hopes to see equitable change that will heal the water and Black resident’s relationship with it.

St. John Street: Story of a Neighborhood (Flint 2023)

Dir. Justin Rodney Brown

In the city of Flint, Michigan there was once a thriving neighborhood of predominately Black citizens known as St. John Street. But that all changed when urban renewal and the highway came through the city. Displaced and forgotten for over 60 years, see the story of a community that no longer exists, forgotten in time, until now.

All Library Shows are Free Admittance!

Timal Brothers (Guadeloupe 2023)

Dir. Marine Ottogalli

Timal brothers were born when the traditional Gwoka drums met the electronic music. These two musicians made for the stage got together and travelled back into the history of the Ka, a formerly forbidden instrument, to share its story through vibrant and contemporary musical creations.

The Life, The Legend, The Man: Reggie McKenzie (Farmington Hills 2024)

Dir. James C Turner

Reggie McKenzie was the NFL Offensive Lineman for the Buffalo Bills who encouraged OJ Simpson, and the Bills organization, to rush for 2003 yards in 1973. Not only was he the key person clearing a path for OJ to run, he was the inspirational leader powering the attack.
McKenzie also made history as a member of Bo Schembechler's first team at Michigan. The team that won the historic 1969 football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes.
At the height of his career, McKenzie immediately returned to his hometown of Highland Park, Michigan with the entire NFL roster in tow. He started a football camp and had NFL stars come coach the kids in the community. The impact was profound!
The camp is over 50 years old, has impacted thousands of children's lives, and is still going today. This film is a small testament of how this one man changed the world.

OBJECT PERMANENCE (New York 2025)

Dir. Juan Lopez

A memorial and testament to the absurd nature of loss.

The film functions as allegory, memory, poetry - a motif or representation of a body that is no longer there.
How do we - the living - reconcile that absence?
How do you reconcile that absence when you see yourself reflected in that loss?
Grief is confusing and grief is non-linear.
Object Permanence is a haunting, not a resolution.

Songs From the Sky (Grand Rapids 2024)

In this emotionally charged short film, a mother named Phylis discovers that her daughter Cecilla has secretly learned to read—a dangerous act for enslaved people in the South. Caught between pride and fear, Phylis struggles with whether to encourage her daughter’s growing intellect or suppress it to keep her safe. The film offers a compelling dual perspective, allowing viewers to understand both the mother’s internal conflict and the daughter’s quiet defiance. A thought-provoking and visually striking film that is well worth the watch.

Say Your Name (Massachusetts 2024)

Dir. Matthew Francis Kerr

This powerful film follows a young man, Marcus Jones, as he navigates the emotional and psychological hurdles of pursuing a career in acting. As he chases his dream, Marcus is forced to confront his personal demons, making for a deeply human and relatable journey. The film stands out with its strong cinematography and a compelling plot that unfolds with sincerity and heart. With a beautiful and moving ending, it’s filled with heartfelt moments that resonate. A must-watch for those who appreciate realistic stories of struggle and perseverance, this film is both inspiring and rewarding.

Bad Day: Good Man Gone Bad (Farmington Hills 2024)

Dir. Kendrick McLin

Gabriel, a federal agent has had a troubled personal life, despite being a talented and highly decorated agent. Things are about to change in a major way, when Gabriel is faced with a choice. Continue on the straight and narrow, or take a ride down a dark path of corruption, crime and no return.

evergreen (Baltimore 2024)

Dir. Cierra Andrea Gladden

During her final Thanksgiving as a college student, Andrea struggles to see eye-to-eye with her mother, Victoria, sparking an argument that will critically define their relationship from that night forward.

EVERGREEN grounds all-too-familiar coming-of-age fears and anxieties within a narrative that tests the patiences of a mother and a daughter at odds with one another, unsure if either will rise above themselves to see the bigger picture.

Mind Games (Los Angeles 2024)

Dir. Paula Walker

A date gone awry. Two lonely people meet at a hotel in a desperate attempt to find love. Neither get what they expect.

All Library Shows are Free Admittance!

Three’s A Crowd (Los Angeles 2024)

Dir. Chanessa Richa'rd
A teenage overachiever attempts to reconcile the relationship between her dad and newfound brother while dealing with sexual abuse in her mother's home.

Bankie Banx: King of the Dune (Anguilla 2024)

Dir. Nara Garber

An exploration of the life of Bankie Banx, a man whose brain never turns off. The child who could not sit still became the ten-year-old who built his own guitar, who became the first Anguillian to make a living playing music, who became a local legend and an artist/entrepreneur who answers to no one while opening doors for friends and family and a generation of younger musicians. Bankie’s restless energy and creative drive forged paths where there were none, and he continues to find an outlet in his music, his ever-evolving beach bar, his music festival, and his regular tirades against corruption and neocolonialism. In spite of a world filled with obstacles, Bankie’s story and music will inspire you and other dreamers to stay the course and envision a better world.

Join us for a discussion with Nastasya Generalova and documentarian Dina Burlis about their film Breaking Boundaries.

Californian teenager, Nastasya Generalova, was raised by her single white Russian mother, Olga who enrolled Nastasya in rhythmic gymnastics when she was four years old as a way for her to connect to the homeland. This film looks at Nastasya's personal journey of expression as the only black girl in Team USA, as well as her relationship with her mother in the stressful lead up to Tokyo Olympics qualification.

Click on the link below to join us. Limited capacity available.