As announced last week, SOLmont Events, the organizers of HollyShorts Film Festival, the largest short film festival in Los Angeles, will open this year’s event with the world premiere of Chadwick Boseman’s Heaven, a short film the actor directed (his second directorial effort).

The star of this year’s Jackie Robinson biopic 42 (a film that grossed over $95 million at the domestic box office and is currently available on home video) will be present at HollyShorts to present the film at the festival, as well as participate in the Q&A following the screening, which takes place on Thursday, August 15th at the TCL Chinese Theatre. 

Written by Javon Johnson, and starring April Parker-Jones and Walter Fauntleroy, Heaven tells the story of an ex-con troubled by his inability to return to his pre-prison sexual orientation. He orders an aging call girl whose life depends on him wanting her. 

The film was produced by Beatriz Eliza and Logan Coles, who also serve as executive producers.

Joining Heaven on opening night, will be Dan Carrillo Levy’s Zero Hour starring Camilla Belle, Jaime Camil, written by Guillermo Arriaga, as well as Thomas Jane’s and director Phil Joanou’s Punisher: Dirty Laundry.

Promising something for everyone, opening day of the festival will also include a screening of David Rodgriguez’ feature film Last I Heard, making its LA premiere, which stars Paul Sorvino, Michael Rapaport, Renee Props, Andrea Nittoli, and Lev Gorn, and which will precede the festival’s short film evening showcase.

“We are thrilled to world premiere Chadwick Boseman’s short film HEAVEN during our opening night celebration. Not only is he a talented actor but also an accomplished director and playwright and we can’t wait for our filmmakers to see his latest project,” said festival co-founders and co-directors Daniel Sol and Theo Dumont, in a statement.

The HollyShorts Film Festival is an annual short film festival showcasing the best and brightest short films from around the globe, 30- minutes or less. 

For more information please visit www.hollyshorts.com.

Up next for Boseman, will be Lionsgate’s sports drama Draft Day, in which he plays Vontae Mack, a linebacker with NFL dreams, co-starring alongside Kevin Costner.

Below is your first look at the trailer for Heaven:

Heaven Trailer 23 from Sun of the Griots on Vimeo.