EPISODE · Jan 19, 2026 · 50 MIN
Mekhai Lee Breaks Down His Short Film THEM THAT'S NOT | Behind the Scenes
from Bond on Cinema · host Ward W. Bond
Writer/Director Mekhai Lee acted in many professional productions, including Broadway’s “The Color Purple.” He is the writer/director & co-creator of original web-series entitled For the Boys to much acclaim. He i a member of the Half-Initiative Director Program and is the 2022 Director’s Fellow on HBO’s Succession. Mekhai also wrote and directed an original short film called “Them That’s Not” which premiered at NewfestPride ‘25 Film Festival, and has since screened at numerous Film Festivals including Bushwick, Newfest Film Festival, and Chicago International Film Festival where it was the recipient of the Golden Hugo Award, making the film official Academy Award Eligible. He is also one of six directing recipients of the NAACP 2025 Cinematic Shorts Competition, which took place at the 2025 NAACP National Convention. His new short film THEM THAT’S NOT is about a prison furlough brings an estranged father and his distant daughter together at their mother's repass. Ladies and gentlemen, THEM THAT’S NOT is a beautiful film in every way. The storyline of a father and daughter reconnecting, but hidden within their estranged relationship, a secret connection is revealed. This film is a filmmaker’s dream and what I mean by that is the story is told with incredible patience and outstanding visuals. The cinematography places a central role in this film with the correct framing of the characters, that emphasizes their emotions and dialogue. As I said the color palette brings forth the warmth of home and family. The use of sign language keeps the audience focused, as if we lean in to hear a whisper, we can transported into the lives of Drea, Carol and Samuel. I can see why this film is already Oscar Qualified so early in it’s journey to the 2027 Academy Awards. And what a joy it is for me to kick off this year with such an incredible short film. #shortfilm #film #cinema #filmmaker #filmmaking #trending #spotify #itunes #cinephile #screenwriter #storytelling #filmproduction #cinematography #sxsw #filmfestival #oscars #academyawards
What this episode covers
Writer/Director Mekhai Lee acted in many professional productions, including Broadway’s “The Color Purple.” He is the writer/director & co-creator of original web-series entitled For the Boys to much acclaim. He i a member of the Half-Initiative Director Program and is the 2022 Director’s Fellow on HBO’s Succession. Mekhai also wrote and directed an original short film called “Them That’s Not” which premiered at NewfestPride ‘25 Film Festival, and has since screened at numerous Film Festivals including Bushwick, Newfest Film Festival, and Chicago International Film Festival where it was the recipient of the Golden Hugo Award, making the film official Academy Award Eligible. He is also one of six directing recipients of the NAACP 2025 Cinematic Shorts Competition, which took place at the 2025 NAACP National Convention. His new short film THEM THAT’S NOT is about a prison furlough brings an estranged father and his distant daughter together at their mother's repass. Ladies and gentlemen, THEM THAT’S NOT is a beautiful film in every way. The storyline of a father and daughter reconnecting, but hidden within their estranged relationship, a secret connection is revealed. This film is a filmmaker’s dream and what I mean by that is the story is told with incredible patience and outstanding visuals. The cinematography places a central role in this film with the correct framing of the characters, that emphasizes their emotions and dialogue. As I said the color palette brings forth the warmth of home and family. The use of sign language keeps the audience focused, as if we lean in to hear a whisper, we can transported into the lives of Drea, Carol and Samuel. I can see why this film is already Oscar Qualified so early in it’s journey to the 2027 Academy Awards. And what a joy it is for me to kick off this year with such an incredible short film. #shortfilm #film #cinema #filmmaker #filmmaking #trending #spotify #itunes #cinephile #screenwriter #storytelling #filmproduction #cinematography #sxsw #filmfestival #oscars #academyawards
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Mekhai Lee Breaks Down His Short Film THEM THAT'S NOT | Behind the Scenes
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