ArtCenter x NFMLA Black History Month Screening & Panel Discussion

The Center for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion has teamed up with NewFilmmakers LA to provide four on-campus film screening/panel events throughout the year, curated by NFMLA to bring new and exciting filmmakers to campus to engage and network with ArtCenter students.

The first of which, is in celebration of Black History Month and features four amazing short films (program below) by up and coming directors. In addition to the screening, we will be joined by award winning filmmakers Gianfranco Fernandez and Yusuf Nasir for a short panel discussion (moderated by Dr. Aaron Bruce) about their films and creative process.  Afterward, please join us for light refreshments outside the auditorium.

All students, faculty, staff and Alumni are welcome!

Program Schedule

• The Bond - Jahmil Eady - 16 min
• Jerome - Gianfranco Fernandez - 15 min
• A Blossom in the Night - Tayo Amos - 17 min
• Regret to Inform You - Yusuf Nasir - 13

Gianfranco Fernández-Ruiz is anbased writer, director, and producer. His coming-age short film JEROME was a finalist for the HBO Short Film Award and will be on MAX in 2024. His satirical Horror-Comedy short SABORRRR! is the most diverse BIPOC crew in the history of Utah film, according to the Utah Film Commission, a need he continues to advocate for in the industry.  His short film DEAD FLESH is a finalist for the Louisiana Film Prize. His feature film script SUMMER OF MERCEDES is a quarterfinalist in the Nicholls Screenwriting Competition. He holds an MFA in Directing from the AFI Conservatory, and his thesis film WHEN BIG PEOPLE LIE, premieres at the 2024 AFI Fest. Gianfranco is a Boston native and a proud father to Irish twins.

Yusuf Nasir's love for dance and art is infectious and can be felt far and wide. His career spans film, television, and stage as a Dancer, Choreographer, and Director. His credits include EUPHORIA, THE MASKED SINGER, PROM, SPONGEBOB SQUARE PANTS 3, THE L WORD REBOOT and THE GREATEST SHOWMAN as well as working with musical artist notably figures such as Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Miley Cyrus, Wayne Brady, Neil Patrick Harris, Kylie Minogue and for brands such as FORD, SAMSUNG and FIAT.

Dr. Aaron Bruce is vice president and chief diversity officer at ArtCenter College of Design. With more than 20 years of experience leading initiatives focused on campus diversity, inclusion and international engagement, Bruce joined ArtCenter in 2018 to lead the establishment of a new Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Art and Design. Since 2008, Bruce served as the chief diversity officer at San Diego State University where he led the implementation of that University’s diversity strategic plan.  Bruce holds a PhD from the University of Rhode Island and a masters of international business administration from United States International University (Alliant).