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Writer's pictureAmsara Holly

'The Guest' A Virtual Selection at the Micheaux Film Festival


Top to bottom: "Ariana Shring," then Micheaux Film Festival emblem, then title "The Guest," next woman washing her hair in hazy view, lastly "A Holly Girlz Production"
Official film poster for "The Guest" with Micheaux Film Festival recognition

We are thrilled to announce that "The Guest," the very first Holly Girlz film, is making its way to the 6th Annual Micheaux Film Festival, running virtually from October 21-27, 2024! As our debut short film, "The Guest" is a truly personal project, created from start to finish by the Holly Girlz, specifically our co-directors (and sisters!) Maasatimbala and Amsara Holly. This marks a huge milestone for us as artists, sisters, and creators stepping boldly into the world of indie filmmaking.


For those of you unfamiliar, the Micheaux Film Festival is an incredible event dedicated to emerging filmmakers, and it celebrates underrepresented voices and diverse perspectives in the industry. Named after Oscar Micheaux, a groundbreaking Black filmmaker, this festival has become a major space for fresh voices like ours to showcase our work and connect with other creatives. Over 300 projects from all around the globe will be featured this year, and we're so honored to be a part of it.





What is The Guest About?


Amsara Holly (right) and Maasatimbala (left)
Amsara Holly (right) and Maasatimbala (left)

“The Guest” dives into the often-hidden world of homelessness, challenging societal preconceptions and spotlighting themes of displacement, belonging, and resilience through a neo-noir aesthetic.  Shot on an iPhone 12 Pro, it captures the journey of a young woman seeking a sense of belonging in a society that often overlooks her. The film dives into the complexities of human connection, shedding light on the challenges that are often unseen and unspoken. Our sister Ariana Holly stars in this role, alongside Taia and Amsara Holly bringing emotional depth and sensitivity to this story. You’ll see moody, shadowy vibes, and thanks to Maasatimbala’s haunting original score, the emotional tone of the film pulls you even deeper into her world. It is a testament to our commitment to innovative and authentic storytelling on a grassroots level. 


 A Powerful Score by Maasatimbala Holly


woman in bathing suit coming out of pool
Still form the short film "The Guest" by the Holly Girlz

Integral to the impact of "The Guest" is its evocative score, crafted by none other than co-director Maasatimbala Holly. Drawing on the haunting, orchestra-heavy sounds inspired by classic noir films, Maasatimbala’s music intensifies the film's emotional depth. Her compositions blend traditional noir undertones with a modern freshness, creating an atmosphere that perfectly complements the story's gritty yet hopeful narrative. The score serves as an emotional backdrop to the visual story, inviting viewers to experience the protagonist’s experience with a heightened intensity that stays with you long after the final scene. Maasatimbala’s dual role as both co-director and composer speaks to her versatility and the collaborative spirit that defines the Holly Girlz.




Holly Girlz: Sisters, Artists, and Filmmakers

When it came to making "The Guest," we knew we wanted to push boundaries and bring a unique perspective to a story about homelessness and belonging. And that’s really the heart of what we do – as Black sisters and creators, our work is about shining a light on underrepresented narratives and creating spaces for Black female empowerment. We want to give our audience real stories and perspectives that make an impact, and The Guest is the beginning of that journey on screen.


Embracing Diversity at the Micheaux Film Festival


Film Roll: Micheaux Film Festival official Poster
Micheaux Film Festival official Poster

Founded by Noel Braham and Courtney L. Branch, the Micheaux Film Festival has earned a reputation as a “Transformational Experience, not a Transactional One,” with a commitment to elevating diverse voices in the film industry. This year's festival, held both in-person and virtually, features a wide range of genres, including live-action, animation, documentary, and music videos. From horror and romance to drama and historical pieces, the festival offers a rich tapestry of stories from around the world. 





A Step Forward for Black Female Empowerment

“The Guest” is more than a short film; it's a powerful narrative that blends artistic innovation with social relevance. The journey from the blogosphere and YouTube to the big screen captures the resilience and creativity of Black women in the arts, making "The Guest" an exciting addition to this year’s festival and an important film for audiences everywhere.


We couldn’t be more excited to share "The Guest" with all of you at the Micheaux Film Festival and to be part of a lineup that celebrates diversity, artistry, and storytelling. We can’t wait to see where this journey takes us, and we’re so excited to have you along for the ride. 


Thank you for all your love and support. Catch The Guest virtually from October 21-27!







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