Filmmaker Ryan DeForeest is actively changing the narrative, reimagining Black boyhood and normalizing queerness on screen with his viral short film, “My Brother & Me.”
By stepping away from trauma-heavy coming-out tropes, DeForeest beautifully highlights the power of unquestioning brotherhood and allyship.
But the story goes even deeper. He also uses the film to explore the “father wound,” unpacking the complex reality of how a father’s absence impacts young Black men who are forced to confront their own trauma while trying to protect and guide the next generation.
“I want to see a world where we can depict how a lot of people and situations are, rather than living and sitting in those stereotypes that just reinforce the negative in our communities,” DeForeest shared.
Check out the full interview: link in bio. Written by @ItsEricKeith #TheQuintessentialGentleman
Have you watched Ryan DeForeest’s “My Brother & Me” yet?
This powerful 17-minute short film is completely changing the narrative around Black masculinity and sibling dynamics.
When younger brother Terrence playfully flirts with another boy, his older brother Malik doesn’t judge, dismiss, or shut it down.
Instead, he simply checks in and offers the exact same protective, “suave” advice he would give if Terrence liked girls. It is a refreshing and beautiful departure from the on-screen tropes we are so used to seeing.
But the story goes even deeper. The film follows the brothers as they attempt to secure overdue child support from their distant father, tackling the rarely discussed reality that Black men navigate complex family traumas and daddy issues, too.
Even while dealing with his own anger toward their father, Malik never wavers in showing up for his little brother.
Read the full story and watch the short film: link in bio. Written by @ItsEricKeith #TheQuintessentialGentleman
2025…bye, boo ✌🏽
Lots of surprises! Lots of rejections. But A LOT of hootin’ and hollerin’ throughout it all, with my favorite people in the entire world (only some of which are pictured here)
Apparently years that end in “6” are a big deal, so let’s hope 2026 changes us all for the better! ✨
Next stop: Lincoln Center in NYC 🍎🗽
Just when you think it might be over, the truly unexpected happens. Our little film that could is screening in New York next month for the Diversity & Inclusion Film Festival at the freaking Lincoln Center! If you happen to be in the NYC area and you want to come support us, I’d be honored to have you there 🙏🏽
I’m so incredibly grateful to the @difilmfestival and @nfmla teams for bringing us in to this amazing event with so many other talented filmmakers. Can’t wait to pop out in NYC with this film! See y’all there!
Date: Nov. 9th
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Film at Lincoln Center ‼️
🎟️ info coming soon!
Just wow! #BQCS25 was everything & more!
I didn’t know I need something like this summit until I got here! Every panel and every conversation just left me so filled 🥹
I’m also proud that I had the opportunity to pitch a TV pilot of mine that is so near and dear to my heart. Thank you to the beautiful judges @leedaniels , @sidrasmithofficial , @dyllonburnside , @iamalexanderking , @iamgmjohnson , and Ashley Whitaker of STARZ…y’all made me feel like a winner just for letting me be up there and ramble!
And just an endless thanks to @dashawnusher , @julian.walker , @theslaygawd , and the entire @glaad@blackqueercreativesummit team for creating such an intentional space. I’m just in awe of you all 🥲
Cheers to the queers weekend! 🥂
📸: @laquanndawson@jelijahphotos
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This past year has been nothing short of a dream that challenged me as a person and as an artist. I’m grateful for the lessons and excited for the new ones coming my way this next lap around the sun 🥂
Also, happy middle of the year! 182 days just passed and 182 days left. This is the only holiday I’m recognizing this week!
📸: (the incomparable) @bmvthis
My Brother & Me is streaming in the sky!
It’s really exciting to have our short film stream to (potentially) thousands of people every day on American Airlines In-Flight Entertainment 🤯
We’re so grateful to our friends at @americanblackfilmfestival for giving us this opportunity and celebrating our work alongside so many other talented filmmakers.
If you’re ever flying on @americanair , please look out for our film and give it a watch! Tag us too!!
A truly surreal moment in my life ✨
Being nominated for an NAACP Image Award, on my first short film, feels like a win in itself. And to be here with so many amazing friends means more to me than I can express in words. Grateful for my @mybrotherandmefilm team and everyone who voted for us!
Thank you to @naacpimageawards and to @kymwhitley for gassing us up 😭
Until the next one 🫂🚲
