WASHINGTON, March, BET J today announced the six finalists from the digital channel's first ever short film competition entitled, THE BEST SHORTS. This extraordinary competition gives up and coming filmmakers a shot at showcasing their cinema shorts on the "Cool Like That" channel, as well as a chance to claim the coveted title of winner of the $20,000 and $10,000 cash prizes.
THE BEST SHORTS film competition encourages the brightest emerging filmmakers to profile their short films that not only highlight the Black experience, but also provide the best in drama, comedy, horror and suspense. "BET J is the perfect vehicle to host a film competition that showcases an impressive mix of cutting edge short film that both entertain and socially impact viewers," stated Ralph Scott, executive producer of THE BEST SHORTS.
After receiving and carefully reviewing a vast number of short film submissions, the six finalists are: Aimee Dixon (Washington, DC) "Vivian;" Leigh Dana Jackson (Los Angeles, CA) "The First Three Lives Of Stuart Hornsley;" Stephanie Jones (Glendale, CA) "Gabrielle;" Tamika Miller (Los Angeles, CA) "Gift For The Living;" Jeff Shepherd (Kent, OH) "Squirrel Man;" Ya'Ke Smith (San Antonio, TX) "Hope's War." "We are proud to give an opportunity to propel the careers of these talented filmmakers as well as continue to provide BET J viewers with our ground-breaking and unique programming," stated Sean Joell Johnson, executive producer of THE BEST SHORTS.
BET J looked for short films that not only expressed a filmmakers' vision, but also evoked a myriad of emotions that resonate with culturally fresh storylines. A renowned panel of judges, all of whom are notable figures in the entertainment industry, reviewed the finalists' films, they
are: NAACP Image Awards producer Vick Bullock; Lee Daniels Entertainment's senior vice president of production, Lisa Cortes; William Morris agent Charles King; executive producer Effie Brown; Black Critics Association's
Wilson Morales and Gil Robertson; Code Black Entertainment's Tracey Edwards; and Monifa Suber.
BET J will announce two winners of the THE BEST SHORTS film competition on Friday, March 9 at 10:30 a.m. from Harlem's Moca Club located on 2210 8th Avenue between 119th Street and Frederick Douglas Street. Both winners will be officially presented with a check for their winning short films; the second place winner will receive $10,000, and the first place winner will be the recipient of the coveted $20,000 prize. The six finalists' films will air on BET J throughout the month of March, and the winning films will be featured in THE BEST SHORTS first episode of the second season's competition launch on April 1.
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