"Soul Tie" Showcases Afro-Latina Romance in NFMLA's Black Cinema Exhibition
Introducing the Soon-to-Be-Released Masterpiece: "Soul Tie"
Los Angeles is on the brink of an unforgettable moment, as the critically acclaimed short film "Soul Tie" by Maegan La Trese Philmore makes its grand debut at the NewFilmmakers LA Black Cinema Showcase on February 22, 2025, at 5:30 PM. This powerful story, set during the tumultuous days of the COVID-19 pandemic, has already made a splash on the festival circuit, promising a raw and heartwarming portrayal of love and connection in a world defined by isolation.
At its core, "Soul Tie" is a 15-minute romantic drama that follows Melrisa, a middle-aged Afro-Latina American and successful political podcaster, as she reconnects with Saeed, a man from her past who mysteriously vanished from her life. The film unfolds against the backdrop of Los Angeles under lockdown, shedding light on the quiet, necessary acts of seeking connection amidst collective uncertainty. As Melrisa and Saeed form a tight-knit quarantine bubble, she is compelled to confront her own vulnerabilities, emotional hunger, and the empowering ways companionship can offer renewal, even during fleeting moments.
The film's captivating logline succinctly conveys its essence: "An Afro-Latina rekindles a fling, and finds revitalizing energy overcoming COVID-19's isolation and its lockdown's racial opportunistic zeitgeist." Unlike Hollywood's conventional romance storylines, "Soul Tie" dares to explore a relationship rarely seen on screen – one that isn't driven by struggle or heartbreak, but by the simple, albeit profound, need for human connection.
Challenging the Narrow Lens of Representation
Philmore, an outspoken advocate for womanist, queer, and BIPOC storytelling, crafted "Soul Tie" with a clear purpose: to broaden the narrow perspective through which Black and Afro-Latina women are portrayed in media. A 2023 study by USC's Annenberg Inclusion Initiative revealed that out of 1,600 top-grossing films from 2007 to 2022, only eight featured an Afro-Latino actor in a lead or co-lead role, equating to less than 1% of such roles. Given that about 6 million adults in the U.S. identified as Afro-Latino in 2020, representing 12% of the adult Latino population, this glaring discrepancy is a hard-to-ignore reality.
Philmore spearheads the effort to represent dark-skinned, plus-sized women as deserving to be the center of adoration, voicing, "Melrisa is a single, middle-aged, dark-skinned, plus-size, child-free Afro-Latina American, and she needs to be seen."
Meet the Star of the Show: Adargiza De Los Santos
The film's leading actress, Adargiza De Los Santos, delivers an unforgettable performance as Melrisa. This Dominican-American actress, known for her impressive roles on shows like "Abbott Elementary," "The Horror of Dolores Roach," and "Grey's Anatomy," brings her multifaceted talents to the screen once again in "Soul Tie."
Cinematic and Sonic Mastery
"Soul Tie" demonstrates exceptional cinematic and musical storytelling that immerses audiences in its captivating world. The film's 1970s-inspired aesthetic is beautifully realized through Elite Anamorphic Primes, Schneider Cine Xenar glass, exquisite costuming, set decoration, and lighting that work harmoniously to create a warm, movie-like ambiance. The story's surreal nature and mood are further heightened by elements of the design choices, reflecting Melrisa's inner world and reinforcing the heightened reality she encounters.
An original score by acclaimed musician Yuki Kanesaka ties the entire narrative together, capturing Melrisa's evolving emotional state through each haunting note. Together, these elements create a film that is both a stirring testament to human connection and a celebration of Black and Afro-Latina stories.
A Film Already Making Waves
"Soul Tie" has already garnered widespread acclaim, clinching first place in the AAFCA/LEJA Afro-Latino Short Film Remix Competition and gracing festival screens at the Afro Latino Film Festival and The Dominican Film Festival in NYC. Its Los Angeles premiere at NewFilmmakers LA's InFocus: Black Cinema program promises to herald another triumphant chapter for this groundbreaking film. The showcase highlights the tireless work of Black filmmakers who challenge the boundaries of storytelling, making "Soul Tie" a standout selection.
The Visionaries Behind "Soul Tie"
Brought to life by a team of accomplished industry veterans, "Soul Tie" boasts the following talents:
- Maegan La Trese Philmore – Director, Producer, and Writer
- Adargiza De Los Santos – Lead Actress
- Jerrell Pippens – Lead Actor
- Cristina Sasso – Producer
- Nasreen Alkhateeb – Director of Photography
- Andrey Negron – Editor and Colorist
- Yuki Kanesaka – Composer
Maegan La Trese Philmore, a pioneer in advocating for stories often overlooked by Hollywood, brings an impressive background in overseeing productions for Comedy Central, VH1, MTV, YouTube Originals, and the NFL, as well as working on "Naked and Afraid" and the Emmy-winning "Freedom Riders."
As "Soul Tie" lights up the screen in Los Angeles, it ignites conversations about love, identity, and representation, offering a nuanced and empowering portrayal of Black and Afro-Latina women. With its thought-provoking narrative, unforgettable performances, and rich cinematic language, "Soul Tie" is not just a film – it's a vital shift in how love, Blackness, and womanhood are depicted on screen.
Seize the opportunity to experience this groundbreaking masterpiece: Tickets and event details are now available via NewFilmmakers LA.
- The powerful short film "Soul Tie" by Maegan La Trese Philmore is set to premiere at the NewFilmmakers LA Black Cinema Showcase, showcasing independent films and supporting black cinema.
- The film's unique story, "Soul Tie," offers a refreshing change from Hollywood's conventional romance storylines, focusing on human connection instead of struggle or heartbreak.
- As a pioneer in advocating for underrepresented stories, Maegan La Trese Philmore, the director of "Soul Tie," aims to challenge the narrow perspective of Black and Afro-Latina women in media.
- Adargiza De Los Santos, known for her roles in "Abbott Elementary," "The Horror of Dolores Roach," and "Grey's Anatomy," delivers a captivating performance in "Soul Tie," highlighting the importance of indie films in promoting diverse talent.
- The film "Soul Tie" has already made waves on the festival circuit, including winning first place in the AAFCA/LEJA Afro-Latino Short Film Remix Competition and screening at major film festivals, further emphasizing the value of independent films in expanding representation in Hollywood.
