Private Project

The Village It Took

After Everstone University (predominately White
institution) denies funding the day of the 56th Annual
open mic night of the Black Student Union (BSU),
BSU event planner Ozanna writes an unauthorized
check out of desperation, to protect this event of
community & escapism. With not enough money in
the bank account when the check is deposited by the
vendor, the account is overdrafted. This triggers the
school to charge the BSU with misuse of funds and
termination of the organization. Compromising her
close friendship with Malik (the BSU President) and
the well needed community for Black students on
campus, Ozanna and the Black Student Union pleads
their case.

Structurally, this film tangoes with non-linear
structure. This project explores themes of Black
legacy and excellence, the consequences of
individualism, and the power of Black unity despite
differences.

  • Victoria Wilcox
    Director
  • Victoria Wilcox
    Writer
  • Victoria Wilcox
    Producer
  • Samiya McLean
    Key Cast
    "Ozanna"
  • Khouri St. Surin
    Key Cast
    "Malik"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    April 19, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    6,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Temple University
  • Temple University Senior Showcase
    Philadelphia
    United States
    April 19, 2025
    Best Directing, Best Cinematography, Best Producer, Best Lighting
  • Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival 2025
    Oaks Bluff
    United States
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Victoria Wilcox

: Victoria Wilcox is a Philadelphia-based director and freelance photographer. From documentary to spec-commercials, Victoria has curated a portfolio of capturing moments in time rooted in evoking empathy and feeling. Over the past five years, Victoria has built a name for herself through her business Torian Studios, showcased through various publications and awarded for screenwriting, lighting, and overall in filmmaking.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

This film serves as a catalyst to a conversation to what the
community means to us (Black people), and the means we
(Ozanna) will go to protect it. It will also serve as a stepping
stone to discourse on the limitations of individualism (no matter
the intentions), because inevitably when we look back at Black history, it always took a village.