2025 Films: Coffee, Black

Coffee, Black by Bobby Schmidt
Reno, NV (Wisconsin Premiere)

Running Time: 11 minutes
Drama/ Thriller

Tickets

Friday, September 5th 6PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Aubrey is a young woman in a troubled situation. At a diner, late at night, she meets Neale - an eccentric gender-bending character with an interesting offer.

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Director Bio:

Bobby is a mediamaking professional originally from Milwaukee, WI and currently living in Reno, NV. He has over a decade of experience in independent filmmaking - from writing and directing to assistant directing and post production. His previous works include “Gimmick” a dramatic short, and the award-winning Grindhouse short “Tough Cookie”. He is passionate about inclusivity and diversity both in front of and behind the camera.

Director's Statement:

I am not sure exactly when the idea for “Coffee, Black” came to me. I remember the increasing feelings of frustration and disappointment during turbulent political times, culminating with the overturning of Roe v Wade. The seed of this idea was most likely planted at that time, germinating as I watched the rights of LGBTQ+ and other marginalized groups come under attack. At times when I feel like I need to take action, art is the outlet that allows me to do so. And that is the subtext of “Coffee, Black” in its simplest form. Aubrey represents oppression, isolation, helplessness, exhaustion, and injustice. Caleb represents the elements and entities whose goals are to control, belittle, and subjugate. Neale represents the catalyst for change and the impetus for action. You can dive into an analysis of this representation and the layers of the story. But at the same time, I intended to make a short film that is also a fun ride from start to finish. Call it a revenge fantasy or taking overly extreme measures – it is all a hyperreality based in all-too-real subject matter.

From a production standpoint, this was a whirlwind. When another project I was meant to work on was postponed, I decided I did not want to waste the time I had already set aside. I turned to a team of people in Reno – the majority of us having just come off of working on a feature film together. I wrote the script in one night and sent it out the next morning. To my delight, everyone who read the script was immediately down to help. Amazing! Except, now we have 2 weeks to cast actors, find a location, round out the crew, and actually make the film. Through some miracle, which undoubtedly included the help of several dedicated and talented people, we made it happen. It was a long shoot, but walking away from Two Chicks diner in Reno at 4 in the morning, I understood that we all just did something special. I hope that hard work and talent is justly represented in the end product. As well as the passion that was felt and the fun that was had by a team of humans that I am honored to call colleagues and friends. If this short film helps anyone feel seen and heard and empowered, then that is a cherry on top.