CAB, Film Makers Club host African American student showcase

Kendell Berry and Prosp3r discussing the song and music video "Love You No More." (credit: Jack Barrett)

James, a character in the "The USB Drive," laying on his couch.

James, a character in the short film "The USB Drive," reclining on his couch. (credit: Jack Barrett)

London Scott, the director of "The Siren," discussing the film.

London Scott, right, the director of "The Siren," answering questions after the film's showing. (credit: Jack Barrett)

By JACK BARRETT - Posted March 1, 2024

Cleveland State’s Campus Activities Board (CAB) and CSU's Film Makers Club hosted an African American Student Showcase on Feb. 23, highlighting seven short student films ranging from topics of social injustice, to love and horror.

The showcase was the first time CSU has shone a spotlight on the works of its African American student filmmakers, and was part of Cleveland State's month-long celebration of Black history through February.

The event was held in the Berkman Hall Auditorium. Filmmakers in attendance answered questions after their work was shown.

“The USB Drive,” was one of the films showcased at the event. It was the first film made by director and writer Mohamed Aabi.

“It’s my first film… the story behind this is I read a reddit post about a guy moving to a new city and he finds a usb drive at his door,” Aabi said.

“The Siren,” written by London Scott, was another featured film. It was a horror movie about a mythical sounding siren causing people to murder. Scott commented on the passion of pushing the boundaries in horror.

“Let’s make it more creepy. Let’s make it unknown,” Scott said.

CSU is continuing its celebration of Black history into May. The full BHM schedule is here.