JAZZ IN WAKANDA

Julie, French & African immigrant, and her daughter Jazz, 7, are on their way to see the Greek tragedy “Antigone.” As they stop by to get a milkshake, the cashier points out Julie’ slight accent. The comment not only causes discomfort to both mother and daughter but triggers a much deeper conversation around Jazz’s recent uncovering: slavery.

Directors’ Bio

From African & French descent, born in Paris, Djaka Souare is an actress who started her career in theater at a young age before transitioning to Film & TV. Djaka just directed her first short film “Jazz in Wakanda”, selected at many festivals like Urban World, Harlem FF & NY African FF. She recently starred in 2019 TriBeCa FF Founders Award winner Phillip Youmans’ short film “Nairobi”, produced by Solange Knowles for her platform Saint-Heron. Overseeing projects from financing to casting, Djaka worked at Goldcrest & Saboteur in both documentary & narrative films for three years. She was a producer on the Sebastian Junger & Nick Quested National Geographic documentary “Hell on Earth” that premiered at TriBeCa in 2017 & received a DuPont Award; and on “I want my MTV”, that opened at TriBeCa in 2019. Fierce human’s rights advocate, fighting for representation of minorities & the African diaspora across all media, Djaka has several projects in development – docs, narratives & TV series – all celebrating diverse voices and multi-dimensional characters.

Plays in

MATINEE TWO

Stories of cultural identity, a subcultural legend, meaningful and surprising connection with others, and personal sacrifice comprise the eight short films in the Nitehawk Shorts Festival MATINEE TWO program.