Midwest Premiere
Showings
April 16, 2026
1:35 pm – 3:20 pm
Playhouse Square Campus
Allen Theatre
Streaming Opens
April 19, 2026
12:01 am – 11:59 pm
About This Film
Festival Year: 2026
Run Time: 16 Minutes
Film Type: Short
Animated: No
Genre: Drama
Interests: Black Cinema
Countr(ies): USA
Language: English
English Subtitles: No
Captions: Open
Release Year: 2025
Film Overview
An unexpected power outage. A juvenile detention center suddenly unlocked in the dark of night. An incarcerated kid seizes an opportunity to escape. This is the story of Kadeem when he is confronted with the harshness of WHAT FREEDOM means in his reality as a young black teen in both the juvenile and foster care systems.
Cast & Crew
Directed By
Paul James
Produced By
Jessica Kelly, Findley Davidson, Joseph Restaino, Tony Stopperan
Screenwriting
Meghan Best
Cinematographers
Pascale Williams
Editors
S. Robyn Wilson
Principal Cast
Arthur McAlpine III, Ashley Park, Cedric Joe, Bashir Salahuddin