Show Times
Khalid, from Brooklyn, gets stuck in a small resort town on the Black Sea after chasing a money opportunity that goes wrong.
Being the only black guy in the town, he quickly becomes the center of attention and finds an unexpected connection with a local.
Director
Crystal Moselle, Derrick B. Harden
Cast
Derrick B. Harden, Irmena Chichikova
Rating
Year
2025
Country
United States
Language
English, Bulgarian
Main Trailer
Reviews
- "Moselle and Harden work with a subtle naturalistic touch that makes for a quietly sweet movie about unlikely redemption."
- New York Times - "Everyone here, from in front of and behind the camera, is discovering life in real time."
- indieWire - "A captivating, funny and heartfelt story brimming with warmth, tenderness and wit."
- NYC Movie Guru - "Nothing ever feels forced and as refreshing as it is to wander around Bulgaria alongside [its lead character], the feeling of possibility in his own life is what’s enthralling."
- Moveable Fest - "Partially inspired by Harden’s experiences in Bulgaria, the film delivers with tenderness on its promise of found family in the most unexpected of places, complete with comedic strokes."
- Cineuropa - "A charming human story that’s well worth seeking out, not just for the humanistic tale being told but also due to the undeniable charm and charisma of Harden as an actor/character."
- The Weekend Warrior - "It’s another fish-out-of-water story, about finding a place, no matter where you are, and making it your home. With honesty and grace, Moselle and Harden bring a slice of New York to THE BLACK SEA."
- AMovieGuy.com - "For Harden, it’s an impressive debut that raises questions about the difference between a tourist, refugee, and immigrant, and explores how sometimes you have to travel a long physical distance to find what’s always been inside yourself."
- Austin Chronicle
Awards
- Nashville Film Festival
Festivals
- South by Southwest Film Festival
- Heartland Int'l Film Festival
- Philadelphia Int'l Film Festival
- San Diego Int'l Film Festival
- St. Louis Int'l Film Festival
- Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival
- Seattle Int'l Film Festival
- Mill Valley Film Festival
- Middleburg Film Festival
- New Hampshire Film Festival
- and more...