This is installment #2 of Shadow And Act’s #ShortFilmShoutout series.

The Boondocks‘ most famous episode, “Return of the King,” gives viewers a look at how tired and cynical a modern-day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would be about Black America’s predicament regarding the shifting masks racism, self-hate and discrimination wear in this country. Interestingly enough, it seems like Malcolm X would have the same cynicism as imagined by director and actor Will Catlett (Love Is__) in his short film, Malcolm.

In the short film, Catlett, who has worked on Black Lightning and Love Is__, gives us a view of what Malcolm X might say if he were to come back to life in 2019. The film made its debut on Malcolm X’s birthday, May 19, and stars Todd Anthony (who also co-wrote the film with Catlett) in an eerily accurate representation of the titular freedom fighter and activist.

The film also stars Jay D. Henderson and Demarius Mack as two interviewers who seek to know what Malcolm X thinks about how far Black America has come, or if it has come far at all. The film also dives into a deep discussion about some of what Black America could do to help break more figurative chains holding the community back, including investing in the community and helping lift each other towards higher heights. With music by the tragically-killed Nipsey Hussle, Malcolm aims to hit all socially-conscious cylinders with its viewers.

Check the film out below.

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Black Filmmakers, Submit Your Film To #ShortFilmShoutout

Photo: GreyArts Productions

Todd Anthony

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