Black Film Space is proud to serve as the fiscal sponsor for the short film Primus.

Black Film Space's fiscal sponsorship program allows for members to use its 501(c)(3) non-profit tax-exempt status to receive tax-deductible donations on the film's behalf and solicit charitable contributions throughout the production process.

Primus has been chosen after careful evaluation from our board, and we believe it supports our mission to provide career advancing opportunities for Black filmmakers.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

PROJECT TYPE: Short Film
GENRE: Sci-fi, Coming-of-age
PROJECT STATUS: Pre-Production
WRITER/DIRECTOR/PRODUCER: Dwight Wilson II
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Skye P. Marshall
PRODUCER: Deshawn Plair
PRODUCER: Michael Cardelle
PRODUCER: Carlos Ray, Sr.
CASTING DIRECTOR/PRODUCER: Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Jasper Khadjenouri
FIRST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Mary Gentry
ART DIRECTOR: Abbie Alvarez
COMPOSER: Lauren Finch

LOGLINE:

A curious adolescent boy follows a strange young girl home and discovers a web of secrets that challenges everything he thought he knew about the world around him.

Let's Begin. PRIMUS was born from a childhood summer crush, growing up in the mid-west, an experience I’ll never forget so much that it inspired me to make a film from its memories. I’m Dwight Wilson II, the visionary behind PRIMUS.

Set in the near-future, young Primus finds himself captivated by an enigmatic young girl Kateri. As he runs out on a simple errand, his chance encounter with her leads him down a rabbit hole of intrigue and mystery. But when he learns of Kateri’s status as a missing child, his mission takes on new urgency. Determined to return her lost necklace and unravel the truth, Primus finds her in a desolate landscape, only to stumble upon a revelation that shatters his understanding of reality. Together, they confront a shared destiny that transcends time and space.

This film isn’t just a story, it’s a journey into the depths of human connection and discovery. Inspired by my own nostalgic summer memories and fueled by a passion for visual storytelling...

PRIMUS is my ode to the cinematic magic that shaped me in my youth. From classics like E.T. and The Goonies, I’ve been captivated by tales that touch the soul and ignite the imagination. Again, let’s be frank, there’s no other stories out in this time for our youth to experience memories and the innocence of wonder in the world we live in today.

Now, it’s time to thread that magic into PRIMUS, a sci-fi masterpiece that transcends boundaries and resonates with audiences worldwide. Through visual expression and heartfelt storytelling, I aim to capture the essence of our complex society and inspire others to see the world in a new light.

2023 Finalist for the Ida B. Wells' Disrupting the Master Narrative Fund

Ranked #18 Sci-fi Short on THE RED LIST, and top in the 16% out 300k+ of discoverable projects on COVERFLY

“The tinge of horror vibes is great, Primus is a likable ‘every boy.’ The sci-fi bones are strong, and its simplicity and restraint serve it well.” - Coverfly, The Red List (June, 2025)

TEAM

DWIGHT WILSON II, (Writer, Director, Producer)

Dwight Wilson II is an award-winning director, producer, and photographer whose work spans film, documentary, and branded storytelling. A Georgia State University film major and NYU Tisch Film & Television Industry Essentials graduate, he made history in New Zealand with The Return (2007) as the first African-American to write, produce, and direct a film there. His credits include BTS director for Nate Parker’s Sundance hit The Birth of a Nation (2016), the short Thirst (2014) starring Kel Mitchell, associate producer and still photographer for American Skin (2021), and producer on acclaimed projects like LU (2013) and USC First-Look winner Moonchild (2020). Dwight’s work has earned honors at Urbanworld Film Festival and beyond, and his docuseries Elevate by Helium 10 (2021) spotlights transformative entrepreneurial journeys. He is dedicated to faith-based, impactful storytelling and mentoring the next generation of filmmakers through The Nate Parker Foundation.

SKYE P. MARSHALL, (Executive Producer)

Skye P. Marshall is a Chicago-born actor and proud United States Air Force veteran. A graduate with honors from Northeastern Illinois University (Communication, Media & Theatre), she trained at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and Broadway Dance Center before transitioning fully into television and film. Skye currently stars opposite Academy Award® winner Kathy Bates on the CBS hit drama Matlock, a role that earned her the Critics Choice Awards Celebration of Cinema & Television 2025 Award for Supporting Actress (Television – Black Cinema & Television)and the AAFCA TV Honors 2025 Breakthrough Talent Award. Her previous credits include series-regular roles on CBS’s Good Sam and Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. She also garnered attention at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival for To Live and Die and Live and appeared in the Venice Film Festival selection Coup!. Skye continues to receive critical acclaim and multiple Best Supporting Actress nominations for her work on Matlock.

DESHAWN PLAIR, (Producer)

Deshawn Plair is a dynamic writer, producer, and director whose rising career has already left a powerful mark on the entertainment industry. A three-time NAACP Image Award winner and co-owner of Flower Ave. Films, she is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and creating bold, authentic stories that inspire and connect. Most recently, Deshawn produced the feature film Glamping, premiering on Tubi. Her credits also include serving as Supervising Producer of Hulu’s acclaimed documentary Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told and Producer on Showtime’s Peabody Award–winning We Need to Talk About Cosby. She served as Co-Showrunner on the ALLBLK comedy series For the Love of Jason and directed the award-winning short film First Day Back. With a passion for cultural impact and inclusive storytelling, Deshawn Plair continues to shine as a creative force in film and television

MICHAEL CARDELLE, (Producer)

Michael Cardelle is a Cuban-American actor and producer whose transatlantic career spans television, film, and commercial work in both the U.S. and Europe. Born and raised in Miami, he trained extensively in Method and classical acting techniques— drawing from the Stella Adler, Meisner, and Chekhov traditions—under Keri Anderson, Brad Fleischer, and Arthur Mendoza in Los Angeles. Recognized for his roles in House of Usher (2008), Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight (2008), and the long-running daytime drama As the World Turns (1956), Cardelle began his career with recurring and guest appearances on Criminal Minds, Cold Case, As the World Turns, and Days of Our Lives. His film credits include producing and starring in Magic City Memoirs, executive produced by Andy Garcia, and Eden, alongside Nate Parker, Diego Boneta, and Mario Casas. Fluent in Spanish and a dual citizen of the U.S. and Spain, he has also worked extensively in Madrid, notably appearing in the political thriller Secretos de Estado (Telecinco), bringing dynamic performances to both dramatic and action-oriented projects across continents.

CARLOS RAY, SR., (Producer)

Carlos Ray, Sr. is an executive producer with a proven track record across film, television, and live entertainment. A UCLA-trained screenwriter, he has developed and produced multiple projects while leveraging years of experience both on stage and on screen. As founder of Mo Tenda Productions, he successfully launched national comedy tours, performing alongside legends like Robin Williams and Deon Cole (ABC's "Blackish" and BET's “Joe"). His work in film (Man in the Moon) and television (Everybody Loves Raymond, The X-Files, JAG) gave him invaluable behind-the-scenes expertise, which he now channels into producing bold, audience-driven content.

TRACY "TWINKIE" BYRD, (Casting Director, Producer)

Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd is a Brooklyn-born and raised casting director with more than 24 years of experience in the industry. Byrd has the vision to spot actors who can bring complicated and nuanced storylines from page to motion picture. Her work on the Sundance/Cannes-winning film “Fruitvale Station," Stomp the Yard,” “The Blind Side,” “Notorious,” “Jumping the Broom,” and “Sparkle” prove as much. Byrd has spent decades channeling her superpower of finding the perfect person for every character. Byrd is responsible for introducing the masses to “The Blind Side’s” breakout star, Quinton Aaron. Her insight put Michael B. Jordan as a lead in “Fruitvale Station," Laz Alonso in “Jumping the Broom,” and took Jordin Sparks from “American Idol" to Hollywood starring in “Sparkle.” Passionate and charismatic, Byrd has built a career on relationships and dedication. She went from casting child look-a-likes for album covers during Bad Boy’s heyday and the Notorious B.I.G.’s “One More Chance” video to choosing Jamal Woolard to play the late MC in his biopic. The fact that her career is packed with full-circle moments is attributed to her great work personality, but also her amazingly strong work ethic.

JASPER KHADJENOURI, (Cinematographer)

Jasper Khadjenouri is a Los Angeles–based British cinematographer and graduate of the American Film Institute’s Master of Fine Arts program in Cinematography. A recipient of the prestigious BAFTA Pigott Scholarship, he was named one of BAFTA’s 2023 U.S. Scholars, an honor that recognizes exceptional emerging talent in film. With a focus on narrative filmmaking, Jasper’s work is defined by a bold visual identity and a refined cinematic precision.

MARY GENTRY, (First Assistant Director)

Mary Gentry born and raised on the South Side Chicago has always had a cinematic essence to her. With over eight years of experience leading scripted and unscripted projects from concept to completion across film, branded content, and television. As a First Assistant Director, Mary is known for her trailblazing leadership, sharp logistical command, and strong creative eye ensuring productions run efficiently while protecting the director’s vision. Mary brings a deep passion for thrillers, comedy, and Pan-African storytelling.

ABBIE ALVAREZ, ( Art Director)

Abbie Alvarez is a Creative Artist and art director, born and raised in Los Angeles her love for art came at an early age. She's know for her work on Nate Parker's "American Skin" which premiered at 2019 Venice Film Festival. Steven Caple Jr's "The Land" which premiered at 2016 Sundance Film Festival. “God’s Country” and "Baselines" TV series.

LAUREN FINCH, (Composer)

Lauren Finch is a multi award-winning media composer based in the UK. Her experience spans narrative and documentary films, to theatre and audiovisual exhibitions - with award-winning projects screening at BIFA, BAFTA, and OSCAR qualifying festivals worldwide. Her music has been performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the London Soundtrack Festival Gala Concert. Lauren has won the Composer Spotlight Award, Best Music for a Feature Film (for The Underdog), and the FMF Kraków Young Talent Award Scholarship. She is a Will Smith Emerging Artist and also a Music and Sound Awards nominee. Her music can be heard on Ólafur Arnalds' Opia record label and she has assisted on BAFTA and Emmy nominated TV including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Sky series. She has participated in First Artists Management's C.A.M.P, Lorne Balfe's Thrive programme, and ScreenCraft Works Cross-border Programme, and has also taught on composing and film scoring courses. She has a MA in Media Composition, and is a member of The Ivors Academy and AWFC.

Primus

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