Rising Canadian filmmaker and actor Henry King is continuing to gain recognition on the festival circuit with his short film ‘DONNIE,’ which has officially been selected for its U.S. premiere at the Seattle Black Film Festival on May 2.
The film follows a Nigerian-American teen who is forced out of his home by an abusive stepfather and ultimately finds structure, purpose, and discipline through boxing. Centered on themes of survival, identity, and resilience, ‘DONNIE’ blends grounded performances with emotionally driven storytelling.
Henry King, who wrote, directed, produced, and stars in the film, said the project was rooted in personal intention and representation.
“This film was born out of a desire to create opportunities for people like myself both in front and behind the camera,” King said. “DONNIE is about resilience and really fighting for one’s future, no matter the obstacles.”
The film also features Kwesi Ameyaw as Coach Tony. Ameyaw’s previous credits include ‘Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed,’ ‘Capote,’ and ‘Man of Steel.’
Since its debut, the short has earned several accolades, including Best Short Film wins at both the Toronto Nollywood Film Festival and the Canadian Black Screen Awards. It was also nominated for Best Original Score at Indie Short Fest, adding to its growing recognition for both narrative impact and sound design.
Shot with a focus on authenticity and emotional realism, ‘DONNIE’ reflects King’s perspective as a Nigerian-Canadian creative building his path in the industry while telling stories rooted in lived experience. With its upcoming U.S. premiere, ‘DONNIE’ continues to build momentum as a short film, earning attention for both its performances and culturally grounded storytelling.