Descry

I was lucky enough to see Descry at The Holly Shorts film festival in their prime time block. Descry is as poignant as it is intense. The acting is raw and real, never shying away from the painful truth about the subject matter. Taking inspiration from The Dutchman, a play written in the 60's during the peak in the fight for civil rights, Descry shows what life can all too often be for a young black man in America. Visually, it looks beautiful and there is something about the juxtaposition between the bright sunny day in the background and the darkness that unfolds, that affects me. I would love to see all the players, especially Jenna Bleecker and Quincy Ndekwe, on the big screen again and look forward to more great work by David Yohe and the rest of the talented crew.

Great film. Well acted. It speaks multi-layered to the issues of our times. It deals head-on with race and identity. It also speaks smartly on judgment we can easily inflict. The performances were surprisingly raw. The writing kept us guessing, many twists and turns. The cinematography was rich. The editing clear and well cut. It's difficult for a short film to surprise us these days. This film did exactly that. Never went too long, and definitely not too short. The quick pace also kept the audience guessing. Pivotal depths reached by the lead actor. Unflinching, in your face drama, but the audience never backed down, and neither did the film. I am proud of being an actor and filmmaker when I see films like this out there. Motivates me to do more.

Incredibly well written and acted short film that touches upon a serious topic in this country. The lead actor, Quincy Ndekwe, gave America a glimpse into the lives of African American people, the fear of being treated as less than, the anger and pain when we are. And also, the desire to be seen as just a human, a man or woman who is their own individual, not the sum of a million stereotypes. I, as an African American woman in America, know these moments well, and they hurt every time. As an African American actor, I look for roles that tackle social injustices and help to show to the world that people are more than their skin colors or religions. I love that this film can initiate a needed conversation. I recommend this film to anyone wanting to expand their minds. Great job to the cast and crew!

What an amazing little film! It makes you think about stereotypes and real racial tensions in ways that I haven't seen in a long time, and definitely not in such an artistic fashion. The performances are moving and the filmmaking/writing is superb! My only critique is that I would've loved to have seen even more of these issues brought to light... other races, etc. But it is a short. Perhaps it should be made into a feature length film, and we could follow one or more of the characters outside of the diner. I loved the main character, perhaps he can be the focus of a longer plot. Or maybe there's a "Crash" like element in the longer plot, focusing on all of the characters in the diner. Keep up the great work!

My incredible friend Jenna Bleecker created this stunningly powerful and thought provoking film that's been killing it at the festivals and most recently at the historic Chinese Theatre here in Hollywood.

Descry Short Film speaks to the inexcusable ethnic discrimination, stereotypes, and positions that people take, in both active and passive ways and it made me devastated, angry, disgusted, uncomfortable and indignant. There are truths about the way that the Asian American is represented and I stand taller every day because of it. I won't say what or how, just that you should see if for yourself. Congrats to Jenna, cast, crew, Anthony Gilardi for making / being a part of something so very painstakingly raw and in your face -- literally. It moves me to tears.

If you come across an opportunity to see and support Descry and female filmmakers, I recommend doing so. You will leave feeling ____________.