Support Hey Black Boy, Hey Black Man

My name is Omarion Calloway, and I’m a junior at NYU studying Film/TV. I believe in the power of storytelling to spark conversations, challenge perspectives, and bring underrepresented experiences to the forefront. Right now, I’m working on my latest short film, Hey Black Boy, Hey Black Man, a deeply emotional and visually striking project that explores the unspoken burdens placed on Black boys as they grow into men.

Hey Black Boy, Hey Black Man is a student short film that follows the journeys of an 8-year-old Black boy and a 21-year-old Black man—two individuals from different worlds yet bound by the same societal expectations. The film explores how Black boys are taught from a young age to be strong, to suppress their emotions, and to navigate a world that often denies them vulnerability.

The story is driven by powerful, poetic storytelling, interwoven with raw and emotional moments that highlight the silent struggles Black men face. The film opens with the young boy at a boxing lesson, reinforcing the idea that strength is required of him before he even understands what it means. After the loss of his parents, his older sister—now his guardian—takes on the role of protector. Their relationship is filled with love, tension, and unspoken pain as they both struggle to navigate their new reality.

Meanwhile, we follow the 21-year-old man, who has spent years carrying the weight of expectations. Through his journey, the film reveals the long-term effects of suppressing emotions and the resilience required to break free from these societal pressures. Hey Black Boy, Hey Black Man is not just a story—it is a visual and emotional experience that aims to leave audiences reflecting on the ways Black masculinity is shaped and defined.

Why This Story Matters

For generations, Black men and boys have been told they must be strong at all times, that showing emotion is a weakness, and that vulnerability is a luxury they cannot afford. This film challenges that notion by showing the reality behind those expectations. It is a tribute to the young Black boys who are told to “man up” before they’ve even had a chance to be children, and to the Black men who carry a lifetime of unspoken pain.

The film also pays homage to the strength of Black women—specifically the caregivers, sisters, and mother figures who take on immense responsibility, often without acknowledgment. This is a film about struggle, love, loss, and ultimately, the journey toward healing.

To make this film a reality, I need support in funding essential production costs, including:

Production Costs: Location fees, and on-set necessities.

Film Expenses: Wardrobe, props, and other elements that make the story visually immersive.

Post-Production: Editing, sound design, and color grading to enhance the final film.