NFMLA Introduces the 2026 InFocus: Black Cinema Initiative

      An alien invasion that unites strangers at a convenience store, a tense encounter at a funeral, and a queer thriller centered on GPS applications were among the noteworthy highlights as NewFilmmakers Los Angeles showcased its InFocus: Black Cinema program.

      The February festival highlighted Black narratives and emerging Black talent both in front of and behind the camera via two short film blocks, alongside select short films from NFMLA’s ongoing monthly showcases.

      The February shorts program featured a diverse array of films, including dark comedy, horror, drama, and musical tributes. The segment titled InFocus: Black Cinema Shorts I began with a collection of films created through Black Girls Film Camp, an incubator aimed at nurturing the next generation of storytellers. This program invited Black high school girls from across the U.S. to pitch their story ideas.

      The evening’s lineup concluded with InFocus: Black Cinema Shorts II, presenting narratives filled with joy and confrontation. Characters faced their fears, the spirit realm, prejudiced family members, systemic issues, and their history, all while discovering happiness in their talents, friendships, and glimpses of a brighter future.

      NFMLA highlights films created by filmmakers from various backgrounds year-round across both general programming and InFocus features. All filmmakers are invited and encouraged to submit their works for consideration in upcoming NFMLA Festivals, irrespective of the schedule for InFocus programming, which emphasizes representation by promoting different filmmaker communities as part of the NFMLA Monthly Film Festival. This initiative is supported partly through grants from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

      Below are details about the films and their creators, as provided by NFMLA.

      “Émigré/Americana,” directed by Usman Ally

      About Usman: Usman Ally is a writer-director whose works focus on underrepresented lives influenced by pivotal moments in America. Originally from Eswatini with Pakistani roots, he spent his formative years in Southern and Eastern Africa before residing in the U.S. for the past 25 years, shaping his perspective as a third-culture storyteller. An established stage and film actor, Usman has transitioned to directing, earning a jury nomination for “Émigré/Americana” at the Palm Springs International ShortFest, developing his debut feature “Mimi and Saad: An American Love Story,” noted on the Black List, and completing a second short film currently featured in festivals.

      About “Émigré/Americana”: A Pakistani asylum seeker's long-anticipated approval is interrupted by a racist assault, resulting in an unforeseen and transformative encounter.

      Watch the NFMLA interview with Usman Ally, the director of “Émigré/Americana”.

      “Ree’s Destiny,” directed by Steven Jamal Mosley

      About Steven: Steven Mosley is a filmmaker, painter, and marketing executive whose works reveal a spectrum of human experiences through observational visuals and lively dialogue. His varied film portfolio includes comedy, horror, and coming-of-age genres. His latest project is the coming-of-age film “Ree’s Destiny.” Steven's previous works include the award-winning short “Baladi: My Country,” which he executive produced, and the “Going Both Ways” web series he directed, both of which received top honors at the Big Apple Film Festival. The marketing campaigns he directed for ABC (Abbott Elementary, Dancing with the Stars), Hulu (The 1619 Project), and HBO (I Know This Much is True, Between the World and Me) earned him multiple Promax and Clio awards.

      You can find his work at oncelegends.com.

      About “Ree’s Destiny”: On the day of her debut performance, Ree, a 43-year-old aspiring rapper, faces sabotage from her rebellious daughter Destiny.

      Watch the NFMLA interview with Steven Jamal Mosley, the director of “Ree’s Destiny”.

      “Zari,” directed by Shruti Parekh

      About Shruti: Shruti Parekh is a Brooklyn-based filmmaker focused on narratives of self-discovery and subversion. MovieMaker Magazine recognized her as one of the Austin Film Festival’s 25 Screenwriters to Watch in 2025. Her narrative short “ZARI” received funding from CAPE and Janet Yang Productions, earning seven awards at international festivals. Shruti’s earlier short, “ESPERANZA,” was showcased at over 20 festivals worldwide and is available for streaming on PBS. Her most recent work, “HOMEBODY,” was funded by the NYC Women’s Fund for Media, Music, & Theatre. Shruti holds a BA from Brown University and an MFA in Directing from UCLA.

      About “Zari”: While preparing for her sister’s wedding in India, young American Neelu unexpectedly connects with Zeyb, a quiet sari store clerk harboring a secret.

      Watch the NFMLA interview with Shruti Parekh, the director of “Zari