#United States #American Clay #Martha's Vineyard #Hundreds Entertainment #Edgartown

American Clay: Short Film Premiere at MVAAFF

This August, a compelling new film titled American Clay will make its much-anticipated debut during the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF). Produced by Hundreds Entertainment along with Saddlebrook Media, the film is a supernatural period thriller that seeks to uncover complex themes of ancestry, intuition, and truth while resonating deeply with cultural narratives.

Set against the backdrop of 1937, American Clay focuses on the journey of an 18-year-old mixed-race girl named Bernice. Gifted with second sight, Bernice stumbles upon a dark family secret that compels her to confront a mystery from her past. The plot thickens as she finds herself amidst danger in a sundown town, pursued by law enforcement officers intent on suppressing the truth she seeks to reveal.

Director Christoper Jackson emphasizes the film’s focus, stating, "American Clay is a meditation on identity, grief, and quiet trauma passed down through generations. Inspired by true events, the film explores how emotional scars can linger, affecting land, memory, and one’s very being. Our visual storytelling employed constant motion to reflect the characters’ inner turmoil, creating a constant sense of unease."

The film not only promises breathtaking visuals but also integrates a captivating original score designed to enhance its emotional impact. The score attempts to delve into Black and multicultural identity, while intentionally shifting focus from trauma to themes of spiritual resilience and the wisdom of previously untold stories. Vi City, the executive producer, co-writer, and music director for American Clay, expresses her desire for the film to transcend being a mere period piece: "It’s about elevating truth through art, sound, and vision that connects to real history while infusing an energy that inspires viewers."

The creative forces behind the scenes at Saddlebrook Media draw inspiration from family legacies, combining research and oral traditions to brilliantly shape their narrative. Co-creators Carmen Perkins and Michelle Taylor state, "This film is a tribute to the women who paved the way for us, and those who are still finding their voice today. Through American Clay, we aimed to celebrate family, ancestry, and the hidden strength that is passed down through generations."

Filmed in various locations across Los Angeles, including Thousand Oaks and Burbank, the project came together in a matter of days, showcasing the profound passion and dedication of everyone involved. The immersive soundtrack features four original songs, each contributing to the film’s atmospheric depth and emotional resonance. Collaborations include artists like Gabrielle Carreiro, Vega Heartbreak, and Mike Jay, alongside contributions from Grammy-winning mix engineer Jaycen Joshua.

Drawing on rich cultural storytelling and challenging conventional historical narratives, American Clay endeavors to reclaim space in cinematic discourse for underrepresented voices. The film invites viewers on a transformative journey that not only entertains but also inspires introspection about ancestry and personal identity.

Premiere Details:
Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Edgartown Cinemas 2
Address: 65 Main Street, Edgartown, MA 02539
The premiere will be open to the public, and RSVP details can be found at American Clay's official website.

As audiences gather for the film’s debut, American Clay promises to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of independent cinema, as it thoughtfully weaves together themes of resilience, identity, and the reverberating strength of ancestral stories.