Private Project

Faith in Blackness: An Exploration of AfroLatine Spirituality

“How can the creator of the universe be smaller than me?” Black Latine people around the world practice a myriad of faith traditions. This short-form documentary explores dynamic identities of these AfroLatine people and their journey for a home, a faith in Blackness.

  • Charles Reynoso
    Director
  • Guesnerth Josue Perea
    Writer
  • Charles Reynoso
    Writer
  • Michael A Lopez, Jr.
    Writer
  • Guesnerth Josue Perea
    Producer
  • Charles Reynoso
    Producer
  • Michael A Lopez, Jr.
    Producer
  • Rosanna Castro
    Key Cast
  • Jose Humphreys
    Key Cast
  • Yvette Modestin
    Key Cast
  • Yahusef Medina
    Key Cast
  • Marisela Gomez
    Key Cast
  • Emilio Alvarez
    Key Cast
  • Americo Paez
    Key Cast
  • Tania Molina
    Key Cast
  • Paulina Rivera
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    26 minutes 50 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 6, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, 4K UHD
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Afro-Latino Film Festival

    CT Premiere
    Best Short Documentary
  • South Film and Arts Academy Festival

    Chile
    Chile Premiere
    Best Short Documentary, Best First Time Director
  • T.I.F.A. - Tietê International Film Awards

    Brazil
    Brazil Premiere
    Best Short Documentary
  • Santa Barbara International International Movie Awards
    Santa Barbara
    United States
    Best Short Documentary
  • New Jersey International Short Festival
    New Jersey
    United States
    NJ Premiere
    Best Short Documentary
  • Pulling Focus Film Festival

    United States
    Best Inspirational Film
  • Three Fires Film Festival
    Ontario
    Canada
    Canada Premiere
    Best Inspirational Film
  • The Love Peace and Freedom Film Festival
    Chihuahua
    Mexico
    Mexico Premiere
    Best Religious/Mystical Film
  • The IndieFEST Film Awards

    Best Religious/Mystical Film, Award of Excellence
  • Festival Internacional de las Artes Cinematograficas de San Cristobal de las Casas
    San Cristobal de Las Casas
    Mexico
    Best Religious/Mystical Film
  • Hispanic International Film Festival

    Award of Excellence
Director Biography - Charles Reynoso

Charles Reynoso has been an educator, musician, and multimedia artist for over two decades. He is currently the Director of Education at Reel Works, a nonprofit organization that mentors, inspires, and empowers marginalized NYC youth to share their stories through filmmaking and career xploration. As a media producer, Charles collaborates with several non-profit organizations to bring awareness to issues surrounding
the AfroLatino community. For many years Charles worked as a teacher with the Department of Education, during his time there he engaged his history students by creating short films with historical narratives to connect modern day injustices and inequalities to American history. Charles has a B.S. in Multimedia Journalism from CUNY Lehman College, and a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Special Education within Urban Settings from Long Island University. He has recently discovered that his love language is coffee.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

My own journey of faith has taken me from a devout spirituality to a form of agnosticism. My lived experiences as a Black man, an Afro-Latino, often felt constrained by the religion that sought to free me. Like the people in this film, I discovered that embracing my Blackness connected me to all people whose healing journeys are redefining their spiritualities and faith traditions. Humanity is dynamic and “religion” can shrink the divine and the believer. Through interviews and poetic imagery, this documentary puts into conversation the stories of eight Black Latine people who are shaping their faith traditions to ensure the inclusion of their whole selves, and others like them. I believe this documentary can provide other intersectional people with a place of exploration that helps them decolonize their spirituality and remain rooted in justice and the memory of our ancestors.