Documentary Short

Folded Whispers

Directed by Mark Anthony Thomas, Shane McFarland, Jordon Rooney

AFIN 2023 Honorable Mention

  • 2023
  • 25m
  • English
  • Performance Film
First-time filmmaker

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Credits

Synopsis

Nearly 15 years after his last featured performance, Mark Anthony Thomas revisits his poetic past with the documentary short film “Folded Whispers” at the historic Kelly Strayhorn Theater in Pittsburgh's East Liberty neighborhood.

Thomas performs 17 new original poems on issues of identity, urbanism, love, loss, race and the pandemic. The film is produced by Built Different and described as deeply personal, reflective, and "a love letter to the Kelly Strayhorn Theater," which is a home for Black and queer artists.

Directors' Statement

Nearly 15 years after his last featured performance, Mark Anthony Thomas revisits his poetic past with the documentary short film “Folded Whispers” at the historic Kelly Strayhorn Theater in Pittsburgh's East Liberty neighborhood. Thomas performs 17 new original poems on issues of identity, urbanism, love, loss, race and the pandemic. The film is produced by Built Different and described as deeply personal, reflective, and "a love letter to the Kelly Strayhorn Theater," which is a home for Black and queer artists.

What makes this one special

  • A first-time filmmaker

Directors' Biography

Mark Anthony Thomas, filmmaker portrait provided to AFIN. Mark Anthony Thomas Shane McFarland Jordon Rooney Directors

Mark Anthony Thomas is an urbanist and creative, more than two decades in publishing and economic development. He currently resides in Baltimore, Maryland.

Trailer

Placings

Recognised in this category at AFIN 2023, as announced that season.

  • Best Documentary Short Honorable Mention

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AFIN 2027

Entries for 2027 are open

On FilmFreeway since Sunday 1 November 2026. 22 awards, and every film can be up for several.

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