NOT A THRU STREET
Black Film Space is thrilled to announce our latest fiscally sponsored project, Not a Thru Street, in collaboration with Isaiah Anderson and Marsalis Burton.
As fiscal sponsors, we offer tax-deductible opportunities for all donations—large or small—helping to bring this powerful short film to life. Watch the video to hear from the co-creators about why this project is so meaningful to them.
All donations are tax deductible and go 100% towards the making of this film. 7% of every contribution going directly to Black Film Space.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
PROJECT TYPE: Narrative Short
GENRE: Drama, Comedy
PROJECT STATUS: Pre-Production
DIRECTOR/PRODUCER: Isaiah Anderson
WRITER: Marsalis Burton and Isaiah Anderson
PRODUCER: Isaiah Anderson
PRODUCER: Cello Miles
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Josh Nesmith
LOGLINE: ‘Not a Thru Street’ follows Cello Miles, a musician grappling with his true identity amidst the pressures of fame. Faced with the choice to conform to industry stereotypes, Cello journeys through the highs and lows of stardom on a turbulent path to his version of success.
SYNOPSIS: This short film is inspired by a 6-song Alternative Hip Hop EP titled 'Not a Thru Street,' created by Cello Miles. This film serves as a dramatic adaptation of the EP's narrative. The story revolves around a young man at a crossroads in life, where his decisions hold the power to alter his path. The viewer will see different versions of Cello Miles that overlap each other. He embodies roles ranging from a cashier at a corrupt corporate chain to a displaced drug addict, a materialistic rapper enamored with wealth and women, and finally, a version of himself prioritizing family over the allure of Hollywood's vices.
Meet the Team
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Isaiah Anderson
CO-CREATOR/DIRECTOR
Isaiah is a multidisciplinary artist whose creative practice encompasses filmmaking, fashion, and photography. With a commitment of creating positive Black imagery, sustainable clothing, and community empowerment. He is striving to challenge industry norms and foster meaningful connections.
With Not a Thru Street, Isaiah aims to bring together a diverse group of individuals to tell a strory that highlights the profound importance of prioritizing family and core values over the pursuit of fame and wealth.
Based in Los Angeles, Isaiah began his artistic journey in 2018. Since then, he has made significant contributions to large corporations such as VICE Media, Spotify, Vox Media, and BBC News. With that being said, the work he truly cares about is with his creative agency Again Studios, a brand and production company dedicated to creating authentic narratives that resonate.
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Cello Miles/Marsalis Burton
CO-CREATOR/LEAD ACTOR
Marsalis Burton is an actor and model born and raised in the Bay Area, now based in Los Angeles. Burton has worked in Commercial/Tv/Film, his most notable work is an Oscar-qualified short film Executively Produced by Barry Jenkins titled My Own Mecca, in which he was the lead actor. The film touches on the effects of gentrification specific to young black men in America.
Burton’s Not a Thru Street is a conversation centered around morality, positive black family imagery, and trust in oneself to pursue goals despite obstacles. Marsalis is the co-writer of this relatable story and hopes to spark a broader conversation with its impact
Mr. Burton is also a multifaceted rapper that goes by the alias Cello Miles. Miles started writing poetry at the age of 10, he was inspired by Langston Hughes and Miles Davis in his early years. The positive reinforcement of black culture illustrated by those artists, is what attracted Cello to dive into the music medium. In his more recent years, modern day artists like Andre 3000, Mick Jenkins, Kendrick Lamar, Smino are what formed his taste for writing Rap and R&B songs. Miles intends to evoke emotion and keep enlightening people through his music as the forefathers did.
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Javion Duncan
PRODUCER
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Isabella Goulden
PRODUCER
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Maddi Cash
PRODUCER