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Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II

Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II is a deeper dive into the world and psyche of Xerxes Hughes, a teen superhero who must uncover the cause of his random blackouts in order to stop his depression demon--a physical manifestation of all his deep-seated insecurities in order to save his city and himself.

The film stars: Keith David, Angelica Ross, Lamard Cher-Aimé, Zolee Griggs, Coty Galloway, Marion Toro & Jazz Walker.

*THE FILM IS STILL CURRENTLY IN PRODUCTION & WILL BE COMPLETE IN NOVEMBER*

  • Z Cher-Aime
    Director
    Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part I
  • Z Cher-Aime
    Writer
    Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part I
  • Z Cher-Aime
    Producer
  • Angelica Ross
    Producer
    American Horror Stroy, Pose
  • Chris Carthern
    Producer
  • Coty Galloway
    Producer
  • Paul Williams
    Producer
  • Andre Engco
    Producer
  • De'Naiya Thomas
    Producer
  • Z Cher-Aime
    Key Cast
    "Xerxes/Captain Zero"
  • Keith David
    Key Cast
    "The Depression Demon"
    Spawn: The Animated Series
  • Angelica Ross
    Key Cast
    "Dr.Niobe/Oblivion"
    Pose, American Horror Story
  • Zolee Griggs
    Key Cast
    "Daisy/Buttafly Girl"
    Wu Tang Clan: An American Saga
  • Coty Galloway
    Supporting Cast
    Final Space
  • Jazz Walker
    Supporting Cast
  • Marion Toro
    Supporting Cast
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Captain Zero: Dans les Abysses Partie deux
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Short
  • Genres:
    Action, Drama
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    November 8, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    136,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Z Cher-Aime

Z is a non-binary Haitian American artist, writer, director, voice actor, and the creator of Captain Zero. Z was born with an intense love for animation and the arts. Z is also a suicide survivor, and has made it their life's work to use art to empower other underrepresented and creative voices in the world of animation.

Cutting Edge Animation, Z's production company, specializes in creating animated stories that defy viewers' expectations through forward-thinking and innovative storytelling.

Z is represented by Pam Goldman of Buchwald Talent and is also the Animation Department head at Studio Mahō.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

“To me, Captain Zero is an entertaining way to bridge the gap between perception and reality when it comes to mental health. I’ve always been a fan of shows and movies that have an underlying message, especially those that did so in a way that didn’t come off as preachy—but genuinely made you think or re-think your perspective on a topic or want to learn more, like the Twilight Zone.

I wanted to provide a window into the mind of someone dealing with depression, how it affects them, and those around them, and how difficult the process of getting help can be.

One of my favorite lines from the short is right at the beginning. When you hear Xerxes say “Superheroes save the day. But who’s gonna save me when I need saving?”

I love that line because it’s a stark and sobering reality about what it’s like to struggle with mental health issues. We all want to be the hero of our own story, but what do we do when we’re also the villain? When our greatest enemy is ourselves?

The overall goal of this short is to further the conversation being had about mental health, especially inside the black community and even more so for Black men. We’re at a tumultuous time in history right now, and more than ever I think it’s important to have images of what a young Black boy going on mental health journey looks like. A story where we see this boy learn how to properly unpack and process his trauma—not glorify it.

We end on a very intentional cliffhanger, much like Part I. I want to pique the audience's interest and give them just enough to hang on the edge of their seat and watch this crazy story unfold while also leaving just enough out to make them say “That it? Where’s the rest?”

The bottom line? I want to save as many Black kids, teens, and adults from becoming suicide statistics. I want to make people believe that they have the power to be a hero in their own lives…

Even if the life they save… is their own.”