A young man’s reality transforms as he deciphers cryptic messages from a supernatural force in his dreams, uncovering his family’s legacy.
The trailer for the upcoming short film ‘The Distinguished’ has debuted, offering a glimpse into a world where dreams and reality blur.
‘The Distinguished’ is directed by Rickey Castleberry and written by Castleberry and Rodney Wilkins. The film features a talented cast including Harold Perrineau, Tracie Thomas, Jabbar Lewis, Tosin Morohunfula, Gentry White, Jonathan Burke, Charles Smith, Shawn Carter Peterson, Luke Youngblood, and Chris West.
‘The Distinguished,’ follows Sevyn (Jabbar Lewis), a freshman at a prestigious HBCU. Haunted by cryptic messages from a supernatural force in his dreams, Sevyn struggles to decipher their meaning. As the line between his dreams and reality blurs, he becomes socially alienated, jeopardizing his bid for the Gamma Phi Fraternity.
Feeling vulnerable and powerless, Sevyn yearns for acceptance and to honor his father’s legacy. Just before his 18th birthday, a knock on his dorm room door reveals that his dreams are connections to another realm where his father, Eli, is trapped. This revelation comes through a secret society known as The Distinguished.
The Distinguished explain the battle between good and evil in the multiverse, where the Nefarites cross over from the Stygian realm to wreak havoc in the human world. Possessing magical powers, The Distinguished are tasked with stopping them. Sevyn realizes his dreams were his father’s way of preparing him for this moment.
At midnight, Sevyn’s eyes glow with powerful magic, revealing he is like his father – Distinguished. He must decide whether to cross into the portal, use his powers, and help save his father, Eli.
Castleberry told Blavity’s Shadow and Act, “‘The Distinguished’ is a lens, a view of opportunity, for us Black people to see ourselves rooted in a universe where our powers mean something. This piece was always meant to be a reflection—a reminder—that you’re stronger and more powerful than you think you are.”
The cast includes Harold Perrineau as Reverend, Tracie Thoms as Jada, Luke Youngblood as Corey, Tosin Morohunfula as Femi, Charles Smith II as Jarrell, Gentry White as Langston, Jonathan Burke as Noah, Shawn Carter Peterson as Wli, and Chris West as Zach. Rickey Castleberry also stars in the feature as the Founding Father.
‘The Distinguished’ is produced by Do Good, with Castleberry, Zach Fuqua, Khalid Jordan, Jordan Shanks, and Jabari Redd serving as executive producers. The full short film is set to be released on September 6.
Watch the trailer below to catch a glimpse of this intriguing and magical journey.
