UnShushed! Film Festival
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October 25, 2026
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UnShushed! Film Festival | October 25, 2026 |
Bold stories. Authentic Voices. Cinematic Impact.
Rooted in the power of non-fiction, horror, fantasy, Southern Gothic, and Afrofuturism, we cultivate space for imagination to flourish and voices to rise.
Image: Blue Supper (2024) Director: T. Ami Upshur Cast: Mikhayla Dunston, Naomi Carey
The Program | UnShushed! Film Festival
Now, Always | Sci-fi Afrofuturistic Block
Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 7:30 PM | AFI Silver III
Sisters of the Shattered Moon (2025) - Dir.: Michael Welleneiter | Cast: Taylor J. Mitchell, Michael D. Robinson II, Lindsay Smiling, Hannah Gaffney, Peyton Carson, Frank Sellers
Exiled from her corrupt cloud paradise to a dark underworld, a teenage girl must unite with allies to rescue her sisters from ruthless overlords.
Sci-Fi | Thriller | Feature
*DMV Spotlight Actor - Michael D. Robinson II
SYZYGY (2026) - Dir.: J. Michael Hayes, Neskeshia Hayes | Cast: Lola Flash, Zoe Fletcher, Brian Daye, Rosalyne Charles
Inspired by Lola Flash's photography, this Afro-surrealist short follows a multi-dimensional being journeying from 19th-century Senegal to space in 2626, demonstrating how Black and Queer love, peace, and joy fuel liberation.
Sci-Fi | Afrofuturism | LGBTQIA+ | Art House | Short
I Know Your People |Shorts Block
Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 9:30 PM | AFI Silver III
Bad Dad (2026) - Dir.: Chisa Hutchinson | Cast: Brian McManamon, Jason Babinsky
After retreating to a lake house for post-divorce peace, Warren welcomes a stranger in need, sparking a tense psychological standoff that exposes dark secrets.
Thriller | Drama | LGBTQ | Short
Just Another Day in the Park (2026) - Dir.: Christian L. Scott | Cast: Deanna Reed-Foster, Billy Budinich, Fiona Dorn
Conflicted hitman Santos seeks quiet in a park, only to encounter a chatty old woman tied to a secret from his past. As her true identity comes to light, a deadly game of cat and mouse unfolds, turning an ordinary day into anything but.
Thriller | Short
Family Made | Shorts Block
Behind The Door (2026) - Dir. Leonardo Valenti| Cast: Perrine Valenti, Anna Valenti, Nino Valenti
Trapped inside a hotel room, Leo runs late for his train, and a simple problem becomes something far more disturbing.
Horror | Supernatural | Comedy | Short
French, Italian with English Subtitles
Time-Girl: Queen of the Continuum (2025) - Dir.: Ashley Karp | Cast: Soda Persi, Shira Persi, Lizette Santiago
No pre-teen thinks their mom is cool. But what if when you fall asleep your mom becomes a super cool Super Hero?
Fantasy | Animated | Short
DMV Spotlight | Shorts Block
The Way She Fell Apart (2022) - Dir. Jay Najeeah | Cast: Alloire Thomas, Keisha White, Isabel Jackson, Philip Gragg, Savannah Summerlin
A visual poem that follows the cyclical decline of a woman’s mental health.
Southern Gothic | Short
Reception | Networking 7:00 PM
Artists Talk | Q&A 9:15 PM
Closing | Awards 10:30 PM
Join us for the 3rd Annual UnShushed! Film Festival
October 25, 2026
7 pm - 11 pm
AFI Theater & Cultural Center
8633 Colesville Road,Silver Spring, MD
Upcoming Events
October 25, 2026
UnShushed! Film Festival is a premier platform dedicated to celebrating horror, fantasy, Afrofuturism, Southern Gothic, and thrillers created by Black women and emerging artists.
OWW! members gain the information and skills they need to prep for, shoot, edit and share their short documentary films.
PAUSE offers a gentle space to unwind, reflect, and reset. Join us to shed old stress, reconnect with yourself, and invite more joy and calm into your daily life.