Celebrating 35 Years of AACS: Poised the Film

Mission Statement

Our mission is to unite Black filmmakers at USC to tell authentic stories of the Black Diaspora, fostering creativity and collaboration beyond the classroom. This project empowers AACS members to lead, create, and redefine narratives—for us, by us.

About Poised

Poised is a short film created by the members of the USC African American Cinema Society (AACS), celebrating 35 years of storytelling, community, and legacy. Founded in 1990 by the late John Singleton, AACS continues to honor his vision by fostering a support system for creatives committed to showcasing authentic and explorative representations of Blackness across the diaspora in film and media.

This project marks AACS’s first collaborative short film, entirely developed, produced, written, directed, shot, and edited by AACS members and members of the broader LA community. Poised is a testament to our mission of elevating Black voices and building career opportunities outside the traditional classroom space.

Synopsis

In the high-stakes world of ballet, Naomi, a young Black dancer, fights to redefine beauty while challenging an industry that demands perfection. As she navigates self-doubt, familial struggles, and the pressures of performance, Naomi discovers the power of embracing her identity and heritage. Her journey is one of resilience, artistry, and the unyielding pursuit of authenticity.

Poised will premiere at AACS’s 35th Anniversary Celebration, a milestone event honoring our legacy and the groundbreaking work of John Singleton. By supporting this project, you’re not just backing a film—you’re championing a movement that uplifts Black creatives and ensures our stories are told, for us, by us.

Join us in celebrating 35 years of AACS and help bring Poised to life. Together, we can continue to build a community that empowers, inspires, and transforms the world through film.

Support Poised—a story of resilience, a celebration of Black artistry, and a tribute to our legacy.