Bet on GenZ

Once known as the murder capital, now a place of interest...a field trip to Black Lives Matter Plaza in our nation’s capital sparks a great debate regarding the state of our culture and the capacity of young GenZ. In the midst of a great learning experience, gunshots ring out at the protest, and students end up in a nearby deli. With panic, fear and disappointment in their hearts, they meet a waitress at the deli who sheds light on the accomplishments of African Americans. It’s hard for students to receive the information when they notice that the walls of the deli have no black representation. In a split second, a critical argument kicks off another protest, which leads to an unfortunate arrest and some motivated students who continue to seek change.

  • Keena Luise Lee
    Director
  • Keena Luise Lee
    Writer
  • Brandy Tyson
    Producer
  • Russ Williams
    Producer
  • Rel Carter
    Producer
  • Students
    Producer
  • Keena Luise Lee
    Key Cast
  • Josiah Bowman
    Key Cast
  • Jaida Bowman
    Key Cast
  • Jaden Cade- Fort
    Key Cast
  • Amari Celey
    Key Cast
  • Cyné Whitlow
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 29 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 10, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    35 digital, 35mm Sony
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • N/A
Distribution Information
  • N/A
Director Biography - Keena Luise Lee

Keena Lee is an American writer, actress and performing arts teacher at the NoMa Campus of Center City Public Charter Schools, located in Washington, DC. Born and raised in the nation's capital, Keena began her pre-professional artistic training while attending Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Keena received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Communications from Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, NC. She later received her Master of Arts Degree in Elementary education from the University of the District of Columbia. Keena’s passion for film and youth development has been an integral part of her capacity to be the first African American teacher to lead DC’s first charter school to incorporate a film and engineering institute for elementary school children as actors, producers and directors in grades 2nd through 8th grade. She has performed with local theater companies in the DC area to include Kelsey Collie Playmakers Repertory Company, Lansburgh Theatre and DC Artworks. Keena’s vision for creating more opportunities for minority students in front of and behind the camera inspires her to access the cultural and intellectual resources that will continue to foster artists, learners and leaders for African American students throughout the District of Columbia.

Keena Lee
Children: 1 daughter
April 23, 1976
Washington, DC

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Director Statement

I wrote this show in mind of the youth. The goal was to engage students in a creative way to learn their history...Black history. I wrote a script, my principal, Brandy loved it. She said " what do you think about turning it into a film" ? I immediately was in love with the idea. My principal believed this script was worthy of the screen. We created a film and engineering curriculum and program for students. Writing, producing and playing in a box office hit are on my list, so I was ready for this project. Students learned all aspects of creating a film. We worked with Rel Carter and Hoodvision film and photography to create an amazing opportunity and experience for the students. The true stars are the kids!! Watch as the GenZ generation of Washington, DC amaze the world with their undeniable talent!!