Private Project

Canoe

"CANOE" tells the story of a Black man falsely accused and trapped in prison during the pandemic, while his loved ones on the outside work desperately to get him home.

This film was made from this past summer’s virtual NPF Summer Film Program to tell the stories of the Black COVID experience and in memoriam of George Floyd’s tragic death, one year later.

This covid-response film was completely safe and within covid restrictions. Rising to the challenge to shoot virtually with all actors, writer, director, crew etc. spread out across the entire country. To come together and tell their story.

  • Samuel Lee Fudge
    Director
    Lotus, Emperor
  • Shemar Jonas
    Writer
    Nazen
  • Samuel Lee Fudge
    Key Cast
    "Jermaine "
  • Justice Quinn
    Key Cast
    "Keemo "
  • Emmanuela Wade
    Key Cast
    "Lawyer "
  • Starr Rivers
    Key Cast
    "Yanni"
  • Jaylon Bolden
    Key Cast
    "Puma "
  • Shea Stephens
    Director of Photography
    Lotus
  • Vante Gregory
    2nd Assistant Director
    Lotus
  • Emmanuela Wade
    1st Assistant Director
  • Tracy 'Twinkie' Byrd
    Casting Director
    Notorious, Fruitvale Station , American Skin
  • Jalea Jackson
    Producer
    Birds with Feathers
  • James Hadgis
    Producer
    Confederate Monuments: Heritage or Hatred?
  • Brian Favors
    Producer
    Confederate Monuments: Heritage or Hatred?
  • Nate Parker
    Producer
    American Skin, The Birth of a Nation , The Great Debaters
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    16 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    February 15, 2021
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Pan African Film Festival 2021
    Los Angeles
    United States
    March 4, 2021
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Samuel Lee Fudge

Samuel Lee Fudge is an Atlanta based director, actor and producer. In 2020, Fudge released the short film Lotus, earning critical acclaim from diverse audiences. He creates influential film content that will spark social change world wide. Samuel holds an MFA in Performing Arts from Savannah College of Art and Design and a BA degree in Film from Paine College.

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Director Statement

Canoe expresses the horrific reality that many black inmates experienced during the COVID -19 Pandemic. Their truths need to be told , their stories deserve the attention . This is my contribution to both .