About this submission

Inspired by the legacies of Black photographers Kwame Brathwaite and Roy DeCarava, and influenced by cinema auteurs Wong Kar-Wai and Spike Lee, "Betty & Blue" delves into 1970s New York City's heart, intertwining jazz harmonies and Black excellence. As a Black filmmaker, I strive to intricately explore Black lives and artistry. "Betty & Blue" is an exuberant celebration of Blackness, a heartfelt homage to the opulent tapestry of jazz heritage, and a touching story between a father and his son. Shot on 16mm film to evoke nostalgia while capturing the rich tones of Black skin on celluloid.

Cole Swanson

Creator

Cole Swanson is a screenwriter and film director from Los Angeles, CA. Cole's multiple award-winning and HBO award-nominated short film, Baby, kickstarted his ongoing and vibrant career. He has also lent his visionary touch to the likes of NIKE and Universal Music Group, sculpting visual work for renowned artists including James Blake, Selena Gomez, and crafting narrative-driven commercial work for Converse. Cole's creative and formal educational journey culminated in 2023 when he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts with a focus on writing and directing. In pursuit of artistic mastery, Cole was selected as a director at England's National Film and Television School where his craft of directing and collaboration with actors was further developed. Cole continues to cultivate a new genre he has coined as "New Wave Black Naturalism." His short film, Betty & Blue starring Keith David, is a love letter to jazz lensed on 16mm film across New York and New Mexico. Cole is currently in development on his debut feature film Bloom, a coming-of-age drama/romance set in the gorgeous landscape of Tuscany, Italy starring Kedar Williams-Stirling, Yara Shahidi, Keith Powers, Renée Elise Goldsberry, and more. more...