Chicago Moon (2023-2024)
Chicago Moon is a platform created to moonlight the live sets of artist DJs performing throughout the city in various locations.
We invite viewers and listeners both native and non-native to Chicago to “follow the moon” by immersing themselves in the rhythm and sound of the city’s deep music roots, wherever they are, whenever they want.
Credits
Volunteer Artist DJs and Locations
Ashlei Temeña, Social Media Manager
Ya'Shalan Nelson, Founder and Field Producer
Kida Darling & Nunya
Chicago Moon DJ Set, Retreat at Currency Exchange
Telfar WIP (2021-2024)
TELFAR INVASION: The only bag in the universe made for everyone.
Story
A space resident is alerted when a flaring pod enters the orbit. Debuting before him is an alien woman, with keys and a shopping bag of the Telfar dynasty.
A video art piece that re-imagines Levi’s Jeans “Spaceman” fashion advertisement as AfroFuturistic.
Original concept produced by Passion Pictures for Levi’s Jeans.
Credits
Kevin Johnson as Talent
Tomiko Ijo as Talent
Lauryn Benford as Talent
Ya'Shalan Nelson, Director and Editor
A microshort about a dance with gaze, inspired by We Are KING's cover of 80's ballad, "All This Love"
Fun Fact: We shot the footage separately and one year apart. This song was the glue that put them together.
Credits
Alexx Temeña as Talent
Jared Schwartz as Talent
Michael Thygesen, Cinematographer
Ya'Shalan Nelson, Director and Editor
Tags/Notes
Narrative Experimental Film
An ode to 90’s R&B, Amerigo Gazaway and Xiomara’s “1990” album is a nostalgic love letter to an era that redefined the genre. Known for his work reinterpreting classics, Gazaway (most recently tapped by the Miles Davis estate for his work on the lost Rubberband sessions), steps out of his role as a remixer and gives Bay Area artist, Xiomara, the bedrock for her voice to flourish.
Credits
Xiomara + Amerigo Gazaway (as 1990), Talent
Bryan Daniels, Talent
Imani Sims, Talent
Michael Thygesen, Cinematographer
Carlos Gonzalez, Gaffer
Thomas Schneckenberger, Asst. Camera
JJ Harris, Additional Camera
Scarlette Reyes, Prod. Assistant
Chris Chapman, Prod. Assistant
Steve Kushman & California Historical Radio Society, Location
Olaywa, Location
Ya'Shalan Nelson, Director and Editor
From 'The Pragmatic EP' by Mark Ali
Credits
Mark Ali, Talent
Gazé, Talent
Roy Wanguhu, Cinematographer
Ashlei Temeña, Editor
Ya’Shalan Nelson, Director
After fishing trip turns sour, two cousins find a missing bag near the lake. They find it's owner, whose been left alone and cold.
Credits
Maya Morales as Emery
Michael Grayson II as Moe
Brian A. Davis as Stoney
Darrian Deilami, Cinematographer
Ashlei Temeña, Editor
Ya'Shalan Nelson, Writer and Director
Selections
Yale Student Film Festival (2016)
Tags/Notes
Narrative Short Film
In this micro short, a young man is interviewed in his afterlife.
Credits
Christopher Sanchez as Bullethead
Juan José Avelar as Interviewer
Ya'Shalan Nelson, Writer and Director
Selections
InfraRED Film Festival (2015)
Tags/Notes
Narrative Experimental Film
