TRIBECA 2025 - 'SONGS OF BLACK FOLK' Documentary Short Film to Have World Premiere; Directed by Justin Emeka and Haley Watson

Admin
May 31
4 min read

'Songs of Black Folk' Documentary Short Film to have World Premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival

Directors In-Person for Screenings on June 7, 13, 15; Part of the Shorts: Embrace the Music program

Songs of Black Folk unites top Black musical talent on one Pacific Northwest stage, launching a powerful new tradition and era for Black artists against the meaningful backdrop of Juneteenth.

Songs of Black Folk is a documentary that explores the Pacific Northwest’s largest annual gathering of Black musical talent. At its heart is Ramón Bryant Braxton, who—alongside his uncle, Rev. Dr. Leslie Braxton—brings to life a powerful Juneteenth celebration that honors their family’s legacy. The film captures a vibrant, often-overlooked community and commemorates a pivotal chapter in American history.

Songs of Black Folk, a new musical tradition, brings together the largest gathering of Black musical talent on a single stage in the Pacific Northwest, marking a new era for black artists in the PNW, on the meaningful backdrop of Juneteenth. Led by Ramón Bryant Braxton and Rev. Dr. Leslie Braxton, this extraordinary performance group establishes a new tradition, inspiring audiences and the next generation of Black artists. Inspired by this mission, we created a film to capture and celebrate black talent in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Ensuring their stories live beyond a single performance.

As Artistic Director Ramón Bryant Braxton says, "I want these artists and audiences to be able to walk with their heads held high." With this film we celebrate and bring greater awareness to their extraordinary ambition, talent and musical power.

Directors' Statement

Songs of Black Folk is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and cultural richness of Black artists in the Pacific Northwest. At its heart is the annual music program that brings together the largest gathering of Black musical talent on a single stage in the region, a powerful celebration of Juneteenth and the spirit of community it embodies.

Through the lens of musical director Ramón Bryant Braxton, we follow a deeply personal journey. Tasked with creating a Juneteenth musical celebration, Ramón weaves together the legacy of his ancestors, including the untold story of his grandmother, with the voices of contemporary Black artists. His story is one of determination and reverence, a reflection of the collective experience of honoring the past while forging a path forward.

As Ramón so poignantly states, “I want these artists and audiences to be able to walk with their heads held high.” This vision resonates throughout the film, which not only highlights the extraordinary talent of these musicians but also underscores the transformative power of music, faith, and community.

Songs of Black Folk seeks to celebrate an often-overlooked community, reminding audiences of the vital role music plays in healing, uniting, and uplifting. By sharing this story, we aim to honor history, inspire pride, and ignite a deeper understanding of the enduring impact of Black artistry.

About the Directors

Haley Watson (director and producer) is known for films exploring human experience. Her storytelling prowess was exemplified when she pitched the original story for the Oscar-winner "The Queen of Basketball." Watson's journey to directing was through the camera department and includes recognition from AFI and ASC. In June 2024 she debuted the short documentary she directed, "Motorcycle Mary," at Tribeca Film Festival. The film was executive produced by Lewis Hamilton and double Academy Award winning Breakwater Studios. The film was acquired by ESPN's 30 for 30 series. She now Premiers "Songs of Black Folk" for her second consecutive world premiere at Tribeca.

Justin Emeka (director) is an award-winning filmmaker from the Pacific Northwest with over 25 years of experience as a theater director. He is especially known for blending classical works with Black cultural expression. In 2022, he received a prestigious TV/Film Directing Fellowship from the Drama League of New York, expanding his creative vision into screen storytelling. His first two original short films, BIOLOGICAL and Six Winters Gone Still, have screened at festivals around the world, earning acclaim for their poetic visual language and emotional depth. Emeka brings a unique voice shaped by his background in theater, Capoeira Angola, and a lifelong commitment to telling stories that center Black resilience and beauty. He is a member of the Executive Board for the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers (SDC). Emeka is also a tenured professor of Theater and Africana Studies at Oberlin College, where he teaches directing, acting, and Capoeira.