Melanie Charles’s interpretation of “God Bless the Child” honors Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog Jr.’s classic on self reliance and the costs of dependence. Shot on 16mm black and white, the video echoes the classic jazz era and moves from soft confinement to open clarity, tracing themes of vulnerability and self worth.
16mm Short Film
Directed by: Laura Isabel Fernandez
Cinematography: Laura Sofía Pérez
Starring: Melanie Charles
Created, Edited, and Art Direction by: Tropidarks & Laura Sofía Pérez
Assistant Camera: Imani Dennison
Wardrobe: Camille Cushman
Hair & Makeup: Remi Odunsi
Assistant Hair & Makeup: Ky'Naisha Severe Hand
Talent: HaRi MiNT
Graphic Design for “D’flower’s Trill Hair Pomade”: David Castro Developed at Mono No Aware, Brooklyn, NY
