Rob Eschmann

A few frames from our short film BLACK BLACK. One of the inspirations for the film came from W.E.B. DuBois’ early 20th Century writings on the racial divide, which he calls “the veil,” and the “double consciousness” that emerges as a result. These concepts continue to be relevant 100 years later. Our film is about discovering the catalyst for consciousness, and imagining how to deconstruct dominant narratives. Right now we’re seeing bias and misinformation weaponized in ways that threaten art, education, democracy, and human life. Hateful and regressive speech, ideas, and policies are being framed and marketed as egalitarian. This project was shaped by years of research into racism, wellness, and how technology alters the way we see one another. It’s a story about relationships, family, and tensions with people we love. We hope this film sparks difficult conversations that make a clearer way forward possible. Dir @rob.eschmann Producer @champagne_mamee Director of Photography @sikaafi Production Design @evanisthenewblack Editor @ivanalvaro7 Original Music @josueveramusic 1st Assistant Camera @simone_alezandria 2nd Assistant Camera @mel.wick Gaffer @sharonpulwer Key Grip @itsweiland G/E Swing @kuhneeo Steadicam @leandro.imaz Starring @antoinew22 @caitlinrduffy @hello_berkeley @dotmcdonald @tessandra @imtombytheway 1st Assistant Director @jackclarke02 2nd Assistant Director @michaelduggan_ Production Sound Mixer @decabitsound Boom Operator @nist_cat Sound Design @music.ian_ alyxahellman Wardrobe Stylist @miraaaacle Hair and Makeup @sam.cota Prop Master @cranchdressing Colorist @jacobbarajassantos Graphic Design @suahcho_23 Script Supervisor @kels.lore Production Assistants Christine An @cameronhoge Photoshop Artist @nataszko Creative Producers @darrylgenejr @khalidelkabah @_anthonyrich @sisyphean_bliss Nkemka Anyiwo @josephaaronjohnson Executive Producers @jujurera @jelanijulyus @mistermister57 @sincerelytunda #shortfilms #independentfilm #dramedy #storytelling

“What we do in life, echoes in eternity…” That’s kinda how it feels out here… You can’t go a block in Rome without seeing abundant evidence of history - art, science, culture, human achievement. Breathtaking. Made me reflect on how much history has been erased around the globe. Somewhat embarrassed to say that one of the highlights of the trip was leaving the Vatican, seeing a crowd, and accidentally catching Tom Cruise on the red carpet for the new mission impossible 🤣🤷🏾‍♂️ Lastly… you know I had to rewatch Gladiator on the flight home! 💪🏾

“I realize we only have limited time here…” - Pharoahe Monch

I’m so grateful for everyone who came out for my book launch this weekend. Y’all made it real. What a vibe. Had a dope conversation with my sister @reesespieces21_ and my brotha from anotha @sisyphean_bliss . Appreciate both of you taking the time to talk about the process and the book. Even if you weren’t there, I felt the support from afar. Grateful for our community! Peace. Resist. #books #bookstagram #book #booksigning #blackauthors #reading #author #authorsofig #blackwriters #blackart #booklaunch #instabook #bookrecommendations #resist

It’s happening… my book launch is Saturday, June 3rd, at Semicolon Bookstore. If you’re in Chicago come through! Register with the link in my bio… I need to know how much wine to buy 😁 @semicolonchi #books #bookstagrammer #blackauthors #booklover #book #reading #booksbooksbooks #instabooks #reader #blackwriters #author #bookrecommendations #booklaunch #booksigning

Y’all, I wrote a book, and it comes out in less than a month. You can order it from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or from your local bookstore. Check my bio for links on my website.   It’s called When the Hood Comes Off: Racism and Resistance in the Digital Age.   This book is a story about how the internet changes the way we experience, understand, and respond to racism. Expressions of racism became more subtle when Jim Crow fell. Discrimination is illegal now, but racist structures and policies still hurt our lives.   Online, racism can be much more explicit and visible - a wakeup call for those who were fooled into thinking racism had gone away. As racism becomes more visible, more people join the fight against oppression. Black folks and folks of Color are leading the way with new and innovate forms of resistance.   I’ve spent a decade researching the connection between online interactions and offline realities, and spent the past three years finding the best way to share this work.   It seems a bit unreal that it will be here soon. Or that it’s here now… yesterday a friend sent a pic with the book… apparently Amazon is shipping it early 🤣   Please order it with me, share the news, and leave a review.   Peace! . #books #bookstagrammer #blackauthors #booklover #book #reading #booksbooksbooks #instabooks #reader #blackwriters #author #bookrecommendations

POV: You get to ask your sister questions about the THREE books she wrote and were published this week, her process, and her journey as an author. My little sis, but I look up to her (and not just when it comes to writing). Love you Reese, and congrats x3! Much thanks to the Semicolon Bookstore and Gallery for hosting. @reesespieces21_ @semicolonchi @simonkids @scholasticinc . . . . . #mglit #kidlit #bookstagram #blackbookstagram #librariansofinstagram #teacherswhoread #middlegradebooks #MG #middlegrade #librarians #educators #bookworm #booklovers #authorsofinstagram #childrensbooks #diversebooks #weneeddiversebooks #bookishlove #booknerd

Tables always seem to be too close together at NYC restaurants. But tonight that meant we got to hang out with @gayleking and @corybooker . I’ll take it! PS @cadence.newyork is a vegan soul food joint / one of my fav spots in the city!

I think I’m The Young 🐺 — Black Robb Stark — and this is Winterfell. IYKYK 🤣🤓

Bookstore tourism. Feat. The one with a printing press/ the oldest bookstore in the world (they say)/ the one with a bar (my fav)/ and the random one I wouldn’t be able to find again.