Flying High, Longlist - Short Film - Non Fiction

Don't Go Tellin' Your Momma

Rubberband.

SMUGGLER

In 1970, a group of Black educators in Chicago developed a flashcard set of the Alphabet in order to provide Black centered teaching materials to a vastly White landscape of textbooks and learning materials. The Black ABCs were born. Now 50 years later, as artist Topaz Jones debuts his 2nd album, Don't Go Tellin’ Your Momma is a view into his and America's Black Identity through 26 individual scenes, each representing a letter and Topaz's corresponding update to their meanings. Inspired by the Black ABC's, "Don't Go Tellin' Your Momma" is a musical odyssey, album and film about, New Jersey born artist, Topaz Jones’ education on his own Black identity.

rubberband. exploded onto the scene and have quickly become one of the most sought after directing duos working in films, commercials, music videos and fashion today. Comprised of Jason Sondock and Simon Davis, the duo met at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and have been directing under the moniker since. There’s a unique flavor and point of view to their work, and their ambition, work ethic and industry savvy are unparalleled. They’re makers in the truest sense, leveraging their relationships to create work that embodies their inventive spirit. The award-winning filmmaking duo have received honors at the top international film festivals and advertising award shows including Sundance, SXSW, HotDocs as well as Ciclope, Young Guns, 1.4 Awards, YDA, among others. Most recently, rubberband. was selected into the class of Young Guns 18 for film. Their short film, “Don’t Go Tellin’ Your Momma” for Topaz Jones inspired by the Black ABC’s, continues to impress at film festivals and advertising award shows alike, winning the Short Film Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, the Mid-Length Jury Prize at the San Francisco Film Festival, the Silver Clio Award for Film Craft – Direction, and a Narrative Shorts Special Jury Recognition for Visual Storytelling at the SXSW Festival. rubberband. embodies the spirit of the future of our industry. They’re voracious learners and students of the craft and represent a new generation of talent. They embark upon every project with a 360˚ appreciation and understanding of an idea’s potential. It’s never just a film or a music video or spot, but one piece of a larger puzzle, bringing ingenuity and creativity into every element in the process. They’re drawn towards big ideas, innovative methods of production and making work that pushes creative boundaries. If recent work is an indication of what’s to come, the advertising and entertainment communities are in for a treat. rubberband. are only getting started.