BEST EYES

While commuting between her working class neighborhood and elite private school, a biracial teen forms a friendship that challenges the version of herself her mother believes will keep her safe—leading her toward self-acceptance.

Festivals/Awards

Nominated- 57th NAACP Image Award - Outstanding Short Form (Live Action) (2026)

Winner - Jury Award - DGA Student Film Awards (2024)

Winner - AAFCA (African American Film Critics Association) + LEJA (Latino Entertainment Journalist Association) Afro-Latino short film competition (2025)

Official Selection - Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival, World Premiere (2025)

Official Selection - Georgia Latino Film Festival - Winner - Best Student Short (2025)

Official Selection - Micheaux Film Festival (2025)

Official Selection - Urbanworld (2025)

Official Selection - Denton Black Film Festival - Runner Up - Best College Short (2026)

Official Selection - Afro-Latino Film Festival (2026)

Official Selection- San Diego Latino Film Festival (2026)

Special Presentation - AFI Fest Conservatory Showcase, sponsored by AMC Networks (2025)

Special Presentation - AAFCA + LEJA Afro-Latino short film competition (2025)

​Special Presentation - Kultura Con (2025)

Currently in its festival run.

FILM TRAILER

FILM STILLS

FILM BTS

Production Company: American Film Institute Conservatory

Principal Team:
Director/EP: Kira Powell
Story By: Kira Powell
Screenplay by: Kira Powell & Lauren Thomas
Producer: Tara Austin
Cinematographer: Udit Nijhawan
Production Designer: Disha Shah Editor: Sharon Shen

Cast:
Sage Wynters as Olivia
Jackie Cruz as Rosa
Kyrie McAlpin as Shay
Adam Foster Ballard as Jerome Juan Wood as Lee Loren Fenton as Janice