An astronaut's hidden truth and a slightly uncomfortable pool party feature in the tales presented by NFMLA's InFocus: Indigenous Cinema - MovieMaker Magazine.

      Awkward encounters at a pool party, a hidden secret in space, and body horror linked to breakups were among the themes showcased in a vibrant NewFilmmakers Los Angeles program titled InFocus: Indigenous Cinema.

      The November festival spotlighted the contributions of Indigenous filmmakers both in front of and behind the camera, featuring writer-director Omar S. Kamara’s acclaimed debut narrative, African Giants, alongside a selection of short films.

      The program kicked off with November Shorts, a diverse array of narratives that elicited laughter, satire, connection, self-awareness, curiosity, and fear.

      Continuing the day's events, InFocus: Indigenous Cinema presented a collection of short films that explored deep connections with nature, the preservation of Indigenous languages, and the journey of returning home for healing.

      The evening wrapped up with African Giants, offering a sincere and intimate portrayal of the bond between two first-generation Sierra Leonean American brothers as they navigate adulthood and evolving dynamics. This film claimed the audience award at last year's Slamdance Festival.

      NFMLA presents films from filmmakers of diverse backgrounds year-round, including both general and InFocus programming. All filmmakers are invited and encouraged to submit their projects for consideration for future NFMLA Festivals, irrespective of the InFocus programming schedule. This initiative celebrates diversity, inclusion, and regional representation by highlighting filmmaker communities within our cinematic landscape as part of our monthly offerings. The exhibition is partially funded by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

      Below are biographies and interviews with NFMLA filmmakers and details about their films. Congratulations to all involved.

      “Plantasy,” directed by Peyton Tenison

      About Peyton: Peyton Tenison is an actor, producer, and writer based in Los Angeles. From a young age, he developed a strong passion for both prose and cinema, frequently watching Denzel Washington films and writing haikus for his crushes. He began pursuing filmmaking in high school through an acting class, ultimately falling in love with the medium. His credits include performances in feature films such as 2024’s Home by Sunday, directed by Will Gundlach, and 2023’s Pregame, directed by Peter Gold. His directorial debut, “Plantasy,” is currently making its rounds in the festival circuit.

      About “Plantasy”: A plant-woman suffering from agoraphobia is thrown into a nightmare when her water supply is abruptly cut off. Accompanied by her houseplant Peperomia, her only friend, she must confront her fear of the outside world to avoid dire consequences.

      Watch the NFMLA interview with Peyton Tenison, director of “Plantasy.”

      “To All the Girls I Could’ve Loved Before,” directed by Adolfo Mena Cejas

      About Adolfo: Born in Cuba in 1987, Adolfo Mena Cejas is a Cuban-American filmmaker residing in New York City since 2016. His film journey is grounded in his theatrical background, notably as Assistant Director at Havana’s Teatro El Público. He has also performed in acclaimed Broadway and Metropolitan Opera productions, including the 2020 revival of West Side Story directed by Ivo Van Hove.

      Adolfo’s shorts have been featured in prestigious film festivals globally. He holds a position as Senior Video Editor at Spectrum News and has received Emmy nominations for his work. In parallel, Adolfo is also engaged in an independent feature film project he aspires to make his debut.

      About “To All the Girls I Could’ve Loved Before”: In New York City, Raúl, a self-assured gay man, finds himself at a turning point, torn between an unexpected connection with a woman and an enticing opportunity for a threesome, delving into themes of love, desire, and self-exploration.

      Watch the NFMLA interview with Adolfo Mena Cejas, director of “To All The Girls I Could’ve Loved Before.”

      “Ripper Was Here,” directed by Joel Kazuo Knoernschild

      About Joel: Joel is a multi-hyphenate filmmaker of half-Japanese descent and a two-time Emmy Award winner, dedicated to giving a voice to marginalized communities. He recently won at the 76th Emmy Creative Awards for The Making of Shōgun, marking his second Emmy win and sixth nomination. Joel worked as a shadow director for the final two episodes of FX’s upcoming show, Shōgun, alongside director Frederick E.O. Toye, in Vancouver, Canada. His directorial credits include a trailer in Tokyo for Apple Music with Eikichi Yazawa and the Up Next series featuring X-pop group XG.

      Currently, Joel is set to direct an untitled TV show created by his sister Katie Malia, with Rene Gube (The Bear) serving as showrunner. His web series Almost Asian, co-created with Malia, addresses the complexities of ethnic identity and personal struggles. Joel’s documentary work includes contributions to Netflix/Ryan Murphy's The Boys in the Band: Something Personal, featuring various