Morgan Rojas

'White Agbada' Review: Answering the Call of One's Ancestors

There are times when a supernatural sighting may be just the thing to effectively snap one out of a downward spiral. This is true in writer/director Lande Yoosuf's short film, White Agbádá, an intimate look at a woman striving to reclaim peace in her life. The film recently made its World Premiere at the 2025 Woodstock Film Festival.

The Unconventional Path Towards Healing

The film begins with the dictionary definition of the word "agbádá". Most likely a foreign word to many, the meaning translates to a prestigious, traditional robe worn by men in West Africa. Many wearers of the garment also belong to spiritual communities. This information sets the scene for what's to come when we meet Ibironke (Idara Victor). Ibironke is a Nigerian-American woman stuck in a cycle of self-destructive habits. With unemployment paperwork cluttering her living room, the lack of urgency to recalibrate her life is obvious.

Watch the White Agbádá trailer here.

After turning down her sister’s plea to join a spiritual family trip to Nigeria, Ibironke spends a day running errands. While out, she runs into some fellow Nigerians, whose presence offers a subtle reminder of her heritage and the importance of embracing her community. But her downward spiral isn't finished yet, as Ibironke continues to engage in an affair with her soon-to-be-married business partner. It is then that Ibironke has a surreal vision of a cloaked man in her room. The experience freaks her out enough to finally take action by kicking her situationship out of both her bedroom – and her life– for good. It also acts as the catalyst for accepting her sister's invitation for a spiritual trip, hopeful that this will be the necessary change to better her life.

Director's Statement

"Loosely inspired by my own struggles—with food addictions, fruitless relationships, and ill-fitting therapy—it reflects the integrated path to healing I only discovered once I embraced my ancestral lineage from Yorubaland, Nigeria. This film asks what it means to be a first-generation American, balancing two identities whose values often collide. Many of my peers have chosen assimilation, yet I see how that void of unanswered questions persists. For me, the “call” to return to my Yoruba roots grew louder the more I resisted, until I could no longer ignore it."

Takeaway

Running 12 minutes long, White Agbádá is a solid output by filmmaker Lande Yoosuf. The material is cerebral and spiritual, yet accessible enough to relate to and empathize with. High production quality and a strong performance from lead actor Idara Victor ground this supernatural drama in reality. The quietly dramatic score by composer Dolapo Akinkugbe also plays nicely against Daniel Patterson's cinematography.

by Morgan Rojas

'Dangling Carrot' Review: The Messiness of Millennial Dating

Looking for love in the city that never sleeps is a Herculean feat, as seen in filmmaker Taylor Ghrist's feature film Dangling Carrot. Ghrist writes, directs, and stars in this complicated story about a young man searching for love in all the wrong places. This dramedy isn't afraid to get graphic as it dives deep into the messiness of the NYC millennial dating scene.

The Downside of a "No Strings Attached" Dating Scene

Taylor (Ghrist) is a queer, sober, and unemployed millennial who is always searching for the next guy. He should be job hunting, but instead is app-swiping. Our introduction to Taylor is extremely memorable, as we see him servicing random men for the thrill of it. It's obvious that this type of one-sided sexual behavior is demoralizing for Taylor, but it's become a pattern he seems to not be able to break. Throughout the film, Taylor meets up with a variety of men. Two of them initially stand out as decent guys with long-term potential; however, Taylor quickly learns that both are emotionally unavailable. Adding to his spiraling situation, these relationships also threaten to derail his mental health and sobriety.

A Big Story Told on a Micro Budget

Dangling Carrot is full of raw and intimate experiences between our protagonist and his dates. Conversations quickly turn into graphic, physical acts that always leave Taylor feeling empty. It's sad to see how this cycle continues to destroy what little self-respect he has left, but nevertheless, we continue to root for him to find his strength and confidence. Filmmaker Taylor Ghrist channels a Sean Baker-type of energy with the raw subject material. Aiding in this is the electric score by composer Donald Cumming.

Director's Statement

Says Ghrist, "An urgency following multiple heartaches, a frustration with sex culture, and a much-needed self-introspection was the advent for Dangling Carrot. In a sense, it’s my New York City love letter for the times we live in and an unabashed depiction of a young gay man’s life, mostly sourced from experiences of my own, while not entirely factual. I have always struggled to connect with many gay characters in cinema, and thought writing my own experience would not only be cathartic but be a great film.

As a gay man myself living in Manhattan, I have always had a puzzling relationship with sex and, yes, my own gay identity and connection to other men... In a way, Dangling Carrot is a (late) coming-of-age story that touches upon these subjects. My intention is to portray a certain millennial ache where it’s so easy to meet people but so hard to get to know someone, especially in a city like New York."

Takeaway

Regardless of sexual orientation, Dangling Carrot offers a universal statement on the importance of human connection and the lengths some go to attain it. In today's world of growing isolation, it resonates now more than ever. The film made its World Premiere yesterday at the Downtown Festival in New York City.

by Morgan Rojas

'Gay, Asian, Immigrant' Review: Self-Degradation Comes with a Price

Ushmey Chakraborty brings a lighthearted point of view to a typically taboo topic in his short film Gay, Asian, Immigrant. The multi-hyphenate filmmaker not only acts as the film's writer, director, and producer, but he also stars in this indie comedy. The result is a personal and eye-opening account of the risks and, ironically, the occasional payoffs of perpetuating a stereotype to get ahead.

Self-Degradation Comes with a Price

The film opens with an upbeat theme song, much like the beloved sitcoms from the 90s. Think, Family Matters or Full House. The theme song does more than catch our attention. It entertainingly gives us the backstory about our protagonist, Ravi (Chakraborty), a privileged Gay, Asian, Immigrant. Through a comical and brightly saturated montage, we see Ravi walking the streets of Beverly Hills as well as driving his Mercedes-Benz while the lyrics and catchy melody inform us that he comes from a life of privilege. Despite his familial wealth, Ravi seems sweet and genuine. The next scene shows Ravi at home with his date, Ben (Dre Matthews), enjoying a quiet afternoon. However, they are soon interrupted by a knock on the door from Ravi's boss, Cheryl (Janet Carter).

Cheryl's unexpected visit throws Ravi for a loop and unintentionally forces Ravi to confront the thing he's been hiding: his true identity. Ravi opens the door and begins talking to Cheryl in a comically exaggerated Indian accent. To clarify, Ravi has never had an Indian accent. Ben is rightfully confused, questioning why Ravi is acting as a caricature. Ravi pulls Ben aside and explains that perpetuating the facade of being a "Gay, Asian, Immigrant" stereotype was the only way he could keep his job in a white-dominated space. Unconvinced, Ben reiterates the importance of defying these harmful expectations and stereotypes. He then issues an ultimatum: "me or the lie."

Authenticity in Front of and Behind the Lens

For a film about exploiting perception, Ushmey Chakraborty brings a great deal of personal authenticity to the project. As a queer filmmaker, Chakraborty crafts a dialogue that is rarely covered in mainstream Hollywood: exploiting stereotypes to get ahead. The struggle with personal identity is a common theme, but Chakraborty cleverly flips the script on traditional expectations. A tight three-person cast brings out the best in this ultra indie, hitting the comical and serious tones with finesse.

Director's Statement

Says Chakraborty, "Using the trope of a situational-comedy, I explore a theme that many People of Color feel in predominantly white rooms, which is, “code switching” - subtle changes in the way we talk and behave, just so our white counterparts don’t say anything casually racist: such as, “You speak such great English coming from India” (classic). But this time, the agency is given to the Person of Color. My primary visual motif is color: Initially, we see everything in bright, pulpy colours symbolising the fake world the protagonist has built for himself, but when the truth starts to emerge, the color fades to resemble reality. In the end, the choice is presented: live in truth or lies... hopefully, we all make the right choice."

Takeaway

Gay, Asian, Immigrant tells an unexpectedly poignant story about the consequences of "code-switching." Using comedy as an entry point, the film's deeper themes of stereotypes and cultural expectations are issues worth pondering.

by Morgan Rojas

'Whisper Breach' Review: When AI Falls Into the Wrong Hands

There is a new reason to fear AI's growing capabilities in filmmaker Craig Cockerill's action thriller Whisper Breach. And while no one is denying that the technology is incredible, Cockerill is more interested in exploring what happens when it falls into the wrong hands. A cautionary tale for enthusiasts and skeptics alike, Whisper Breach will send your pulse racing. Now available to rent and buy on Prime Video and Apple TV, streaming for free on Tubi.

AI Has a Dark Side

Sandy (Chelsea Gilson) and Kent Collins (Mike Markoff) are ex-Navy SEALs who have since moved on from the battlefield and into a relationship. One evening, they invite their friend, Winston Burns (Garon Grigsby), over for a night of lighthearted fun. No one expected what would happen next. A day or so later, while out spearfishing, Sandy becomes entangled in the reef and drowns. Kent is devastated, and Winston is quick to console him. In the midst of his grief, Winston floats an idea by Kent, one that only he has the power to harness.

Winston introduces Kent to "W.B.," or "Whisper Breach," a powerful black ops AI that has the capabilities to completely dismantle democracy as we know it. "When fully activated," says Winston of WB, "the powerful will crumble and never know what hit them." Kent accepts his role as WB's handler, believing that he is contributing to a good cause. However, Winston has more sinister plans for WB. The AI entanglement begins to completely overtake Kent's life, leaving him questioning what is reality and what is fabrication. As the web of lies and deceit exposes itself, Kent realizes that his relationship with Winston is not what it seems, and the battle between loyalty and betrayal has just begun.

A Wild Run With Numerous Twists and Turns

Writer/director Craig Cockerill crafts this fast-paced thriller that will have you guessing what happens next until the very end. Strong performances by the three leading actors anchor the plot in reality, while the score by composer Jeff Toyne adds an electrifying sense of cinematic spirit.

Director's Statement

Says Cockerill, "I set out to make a film that thrills but also troubles viewers, sparking conversation about the world we are racing toward. The tone is bold because the subject demands it. We really are flirting with something powerful and possibly dangerous, summoning demons we may not control. In the end, Whisper Breach is as much cautionary tale as entertainment. I invite audiences to see how things can go wrong and to feel why it matters long after the credits roll."

Takeaway

Amidst a backdrop of moral conflict, Whisper Breach boldly explores our potential reality with an AI-driven crisis of trust.

by Morgan Rojas

'Little Mother Lies' Review: A Portrait of Unconditional Maternal Love

Stories of addiction within complicated family dynamics are often difficult but necessary watches. With so many people suffering from substance abuse in silence, seeing these stories reflected on screen offers a greater sense of understanding. The short film Little Mother Lies, directed by Amanda Deering Jones and written by Kitty Edwinson, acts as a beacon of light for those who find themselves struggling with dark times.

Facing Your Demons Amidst Family Dysfunction

Little Mother Lies is a micro-indie that features three actors. Dorie (Pascale Roger-McKeever) and Marinka (Emilie Talbot) are sisters and third-generation descendants of exiled Russian aristocrats. The women sit around a dining room table, clearly engaging in somewhat uncomfortable dialogue. As they converse over bowls of borscht, a signature Ukrainian soup. Dorie's son Owen (Elliott Thomas West) is in the middle of violent withdrawals. His isolation from the family hurts Dorie tremendously, and nothing Marinka says or does is of any help. Eventually, it's discovered that Marinka may be more of an enabler than a dependable resource for support.

The 14-minute short is based on the filmmakers' conceptual feature film Mother Lies, a full rendition of this family’s story. Amanda Deering Jones plays with the themes of heritage and societal hardship with equally dramatic stakes. The tension between the sisters hits its peak when Dorie realizes that, despite Marinka being family, she may not be capable of maintaining their relationship during this difficult time with her son.

Director's Statement

Says Jones, "As we connect with these characters and their guards come down, we become aware of some deeply held assumptions about the origins of substance abuse and our current approaches to treatment. We see the consequences of the one-size-fits-all system through the suffering of this family. They elicit our compassion and help us realize that inflexibility has no place in a system that so often fails the people who depend on it."

Takeaway

A mother's commitment to her children never expires, and Little Mother Lies is proof of this unconditional love. Little Mother Lies will have its World Premiere at the 2025 Soho International Film Festival.

by Morgan Rojas

'All American' Review: The Mental and Physical Battle of Women's Wrestling

A few months ago, the NCAA formally included women's wrestling as its 91st championship sport. After debuting at the 2004 Olympics, it has skyrocketed in popularity among women and girls. This meteoric rise is wonderfully captured in filmmaker Mark Andrew Altschul's documentary, All American.

The Mental and Physical Battle of Women's Wrestling

In All American, Altschul crafts an inspiring, family-friendly sports film that will have you on the edge of your seat. The documentary offers an in-depth look into women’s wrestling through the lens of three high schoolers breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport. Altschul's subjects consist of three immigrant and first-generation American teenagers. Each girl details the challenges that come with entering what has long been considered a male-dominated sport, in addition to their underlying struggles with family, cultural assimilation, and identity.

One young woman, Arham, acts as the film's protagonist. She is Muslim, and in her community, wrestling is seen as violent and no place for a young girl like herself. However, her passion far outweighs any obligation to her family's strongly held religious beliefs. Faced with a heartbreaking ultimatum, Arham makes the difficult decision to move out of her family home and into a shelter, all to pursue her wrestling career.

A Love Letter to an Underdog Sport

The production ran for five years and thoroughly explains the sport's rise in popular culture. Interviews with wrestling legends, including Sue Roshan, add urgency to the momentum of overcoming the taboo of women athletes. Director Mark Andrew Altschul uses both traditionally shot footage as well as mixed media animation to portray the incredible physical and psychological tolls the sport requires.

Takeaway

All American is a powerful story of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of the American dream. It's an inspiring watch as these unrelenting young women chase their dreams. The film is screening at the Heartland Film Festival beginning October 10th.

by Morgan Rojas