Young, Black filmmakers establishing their footprint in Hollywood

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Black-owned and operated film production companies are making a splash in the entertainment industry. 

On Saturday, August 13, 2022, PYNC Studios and CAN I FILM Productions are hosting the Indie Series Premiere at The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center in Chicago. The event will feature and debut film pilots, The Other Wife and Maniacs, and will also showcase projects from other creators.

PYNC studios was founded by Chicago native, Shaquille Roberts. Shaquille is a Writer, Director and Producer of independent films who leads with a passion for storytelling and the vision of diversifying the images of the Black experience on screen. Her mission is to fill the screen with a new perspective, presenting a unique and underrepresented portrayal of Black families, friendships, relationships, careers and everyday life.

The all women-led company has received several awards including best writing, best original idea and was nominated for best actor at the Indie Film Awards. And along with The Other Wife (which is about the legacy of a dead man, his secrets and lies), some of PYNC Studio’s other projects include Let Go, The Dinner Party, and the webseries Durag Bae, which was created by the event’s host, Brittany L. Hogan.

Black filmmakers making major waves

Also hailing from Chicago are Candace Johnson and J.C. Watkins, the Founders of another Black-owned production company, CAN I FILM. 

At CAN I FILM, the creative duo of Johnson and Watkins aims to produce great visual storytelling through soulful artistry and create films in their own image.  

CAN I FILM’s production of Maniacs is a psychological thriller that kicks off with a couple colliding into a woman who’s been abducted. The company also has a web series called Love Me.

If you’re looking to support young, Black filmmakers and entrepreneurs, PYNC Productions and CAN I FILM Productions is where it’s at. For more information about the event, check out Indie Film Premiere w/Shaquille Roberts and J.C. Watkins on Eventbrite.