Private Project

Emascipation

Kelsey Anderson is a hyper-masculine black man who wakes up in a hospital-like facility diagnosed with toxic masculinity. As the audience accompanies Kelsey on a journey through his psyche, he grapples with the realization that societal pressures, such as patriarchy and misogyny, have hindered his ability to authentically express and understand his identity. Emascipation is an experimental short film written and directed by Tré Hazelwood that delves into the complexities of the black male experience within the confines of traditional perceptions of black masculinity. The title itself, a fusion of "emancipation" and "masculinity," encapsulates the theme of the narrative: the fact or process of a man being set free from legal, social, or political restrictions; liberation.

  • Tré Hazelwood
    Director
  • Tré Hazelwood
    Writer
  • Tré Hazelwood
    Producer
  • Victoria Lartey
    Producer
  • Timothy Richardson
    Key Cast
    "Kelsey Anderson"
    B-Boy Blues
  • Marcia Adams
    Key Cast
    "Dr. Lauren Tolber"
  • Alanté Ward
    Key Cast
    "Dr. Jeremy Wahl"
  • Alvin McBean
    Cinematographer
    Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told
  • Catrina Wilson
    Production Design
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short
  • Genres:
    Satire, Social Horror
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes 50 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 1, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    15,600 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    17:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Savannah College of Art and Design
Director Biography - Tré Hazelwood

Tré Hazelwood is an independent Creative Producer originally from Montgomery, AL. His passion for visual arts and storytelling lead him to pursuing a Bachelors of Arts from Clark Atlanta University graduating with honors, Summa Cum Laude. He produced and directed a number of projects for the University working with the likes of organizations and brands such as the Oprah Winfrey Network, Acura, Planned Parenthood, and Collegiate 100. By May 2024, he will have a Master’s of Fine Arts from Savannah College of Arts & Design in Film & Television. Formally formed in September 2021, Tré Hazelwood is the founder of Hazelwood Productions, a full-service Atlanta-based production company that specializes in commercials, branded content, short films, and music videos. Some of Hazelwood Productions’ clients includes Rap Snacks, The Black Hair Experience, KeyTV, and State Farm. Hazelwood and his production company has collectively produced over 250 project over the past 7 years.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"I grew up as a queer black boy in one of the most conservative states in the country. Most of the adversities I faced as a kid had to do with me being “too feminine,” so much that for years I shut off that part of who I am. Masculinity, femininity, and the social constructs around the two have always been an interesting concept to me, because who and what truly defines what’s considered one or the other? Additionally, no human being can exist without both. I’ve witness with my own two eyes the harmful effects of toxic masculinity and it’s a much larger issue than what we like to acknowledge, specifically amongst black men. On the surface this film looks like a comedy, but underneath is generations of darkness and pain. This film is about toxic masculinity, but also about what reinforces toxic masculinity which is patriarchy and misogyny. Misogyny is genderless, or what we like to call nonbinary. Throughout my life I’ve noticed that there seems to be this ill disregard towards feminine energy in black and brown communities, and it isn’t solely from men."