Free State Festival presents a virtual screening of the new short film, Now What? followed by a Q&A with the creative team on Facebook LIVE.

ABOUT THE FILM: As social media floods with adult-driven information, misinformation, opinions, and witness recorded killings; it begs the question – How are the youth digesting these times? Jamal experiences watching a Black man murdered for the first time. In result he grapples with what his identity means in a polarized society.

Now What? was created in response to the turmoil felt as the world witnesses the habitual police killings of unarmed people of color. Created by Marcus Guider, DeVonte Brown, and La’Ron Cooper, the short film explores the psychological effect that these murders have on children. As social media floods with adult-driven information, misinformation, opinions, and witness recorded killings; it begs the question – How are the youth digesting these times? Jamal, the film’s young black protagonist, experiences watching a Black man murdered for the first time. In result he grapples with what his identity means in a polarized society. Through the story, the filmmakers aim to create cross-cultural empathy in a time when it’s needed the most.

* This film contains firearms and subject matter that may be disturbing to some audience members. Viewer discretion is advised.