Private Project

21st & Colonial

Inspired by a true story, Omar is a young Black man trying to support his family and his newly pregnant girlfriend. Carlos is an overworked cop with a dark past weighing him down.
The two couldn’t be more different, but through the course of a day not only will their similarities be spotlighted, but the two will cross paths in a tragic way.

  • Angelo Reyes
    Director
  • Angelo Reyes
    Writer
  • Toby Osborn
    Writer
  • Angelo Reyes
    Producer
  • Alicia Kelley
    Producer
  • Angelo Reyes
    Key Cast
    "Carlos"
  • Sue Prado
    Key Cast
    "Vanessa"
  • Ogden Buck
    Key Cast
    "Omar"
  • Dominique Madison
    Key Cast
    "Stephanie"
  • Sheila Lee
    Key Cast
    "Rhonda"
  • Gerald L. Campbell
    Key Cast
    "Joseph"
  • Kelvin Sealy
    Key Cast
    "Mikey"
  • Alissa-Mae Padilla
    Key Cast
    "Amber"
  • Joseph Rodriguez
    Key Cast
    "Trey"
  • Adrian Rivera-Hernandez
    Key Cast
  • Sean Hankinson
    Key Cast
    "Ben"
  • Malcom Fisher
    Key Cast
    "James"
  • Leah Anova
    Cinematographer
  • Wynton Payne
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Crime
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    July 24, 2020
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • World Fest Houston
    Houston
    United States
    Silver REMI Award Winner: Short Film
  • Asian World Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    Los Angeles
    HFPA Snow Leopard Scholarship Award: Finalist
  • International Film Festival Manhattan
    New York
    United States
    Nominated, Best Actor
Director Biography - Angelo Reyes

Angelo Reyes, a dynamic Filipino-Italian American, has evolved from a creative designer in advertising to a multifaceted actor, producer, and director, earning accolades for his profound narratives and diverse roles. Beginning his creative journey in advertising, Angelo's passion steered him to the television industry, where he co-produced and hosted the motorsports show, Street Vision Garage.

Angelo honed his acting skills at New York’s renowned LS Acting Studio under Lynette Sheldon before moving to Los Angeles to pursue diverse roles in acclaimed projects including Netflix's Hillbilly Elegy and the drama-thriller Killing Kennedy, and guest appearances on STARZ’s Black Mafia Family and Gotham Knights.
Venturing into filmmaking, Angelo directed and produced the powerful short film “Groomed”, a poignant exploration of human trafficking, earning him the Rising Star Award at the Westfield International Film Festival. His recent endeavor, “21st & Colonial,” a heartfelt exploration of real-life stories, secured a REMI Award at the 54th Worldfest International Film Festival but also marked him as a finalist in the Hollywood Foreign Press Association Snow Leopard Scholarship Award at the Asian World Film Festival, further testament to his filmmaking finesse. Additionally, his stellar performance in the same film earned him a nomination for Best Actor at the International Film Festival Manhattan.

Angelo Reyes's deep-seated commitment to celebrating cultural richness and fostering inclusivity can be seen in the myriad roles he assumes in community-centric initiatives. One of his significant contributions has been establishing the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of VA, a pivotal platform that champions Filipino-American businesses and entrepreneurs. Additionally, as an active chair for the Intergenerational Development for Filipino American Community Action Group (FIL-AM CAG), he is at the forefront of fostering conversations centered around tolerance, diversity, and embracing multicultural values.

Taking on the mantle of the National Civic Forum Leadership Director for NaFFAA has further amplified Angelo's dedication to his community. In this role, he acts as both a beacon and a guiding hand, empowering Filipino Americans with the tools and confidence they need to pursue roles in public office and other key leadership positions. His advocacy doesn't stop there. As the East Coast Director for FILAM Creative, Angelo relentlessly works to ensure that Filipino narratives find their rightful place in the media, shining a light on stories that deserve to be told and heard.

Holding citizenships in the United States, Italy, and the Philippines, he passionately engages with the Filipino community, serving in various leadership roles, and striving to create impactful cinema that fosters understanding and respect across diverse cultures globally.

Now residing in Virginia, Angelo is dedicated to amplifying the voice of film in the region, striving to establish Virginia as a hub for cinematic expression.

Angelo’s diverse talents and commitment to fostering multicultural understanding position him as a distinctive voice in the industry, creating resonant and meaningful content that bridges cultural divides.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

21st & Colonial" is a short film rooted in a real and deeply human story, reflecting the intertwined lives of Carlos and Omar. This film isn't just a creative endeavor for me; it's a personal journey into a day that changed everything. But to truly understand the heart of this project, let's look at the real event behind it.

In 2013, the story of Omar, an African American, unfolded in a tragic manner. He was shot 14 times by the police while sitting unarmed in his car, a situation escalated from a minor financial misdemeanor. The incident's aftermath was as troubling as the event itself: the officers were acquitted, with the court accepting their defense that Omar's car was perceived as a threat. This decision, and the reasons behind it, struck a chord with me.

Learning about Omar’s story was a turning point. I connected with his family, understanding their pain and their pursuit of justice in a wrongful death lawsuit. While their legal victory could never compensate for their loss, it highlighted the need for these stories to be told.

In "21st & Colonial," I aimed to create a narrative that offers perspectives from both Carlos, the police officer, and Omar. By exploring Carlos’s day and his personal struggles, we see a human side to the uniform, while Omar’s story brings us face to face with the impact of such incidents on individuals and families.

This film is, in essence, a conversation starter. While a short film can only explore so much, my hope is that it encourages viewers to think and discuss these complex issues. The full-length version, which is in the works, will delve deeper into the characters, providing a more nuanced view of their lives and the societal issues they navigate. Through this film, I hope to bring a human face to these stories, encouraging empathy and understanding in a world that deeply needs it.