Shoebox (2024)
A powerful 13-minute short film confronting abuse, survival, and the two fates awaiting a young Black man at a crossroads.
Shoebox - Movie Information
Shoebox - Plot
Overcome by abuse, a teenage black boy is forced to choose between pulling the trigger or not in an effort to protect himself. In turn, we are split between two realities of fate - the dream or a dream deferred.
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Shoebox - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- D'Angelo 'D'Lo' Louis
Main Cast
- LaRoyce Hawkins
- A.J. Hudson
- Patrick Cage
- Mell Bowser
- Jordan Coleman
- Rebekah "Favela" Fuerst
- Trey Horton
- David Hunter Jr.
- K.B. Black Kev
- Rigo Obezo
Producers
- Jamari Perry
- David Hunter Jr.
Shoebox - FAQs
What is Shoebox about?
Shoebox follows a teenage Black boy pushed to a breaking point by abuse, forcing him to decide whether to pull the trigger in self-defense. The film splits into two parallel realities — one representing a dream fulfilled, the other a dream deferred — exploring fate, survival, and systemic injustice.
What does the ending of Shoebox mean?
The ending presents two diverging outcomes for the protagonist, James. One path represents hope and possibility — the dream — while the other reflects the tragic cycle many young Black men face. Director D'Angelo 'D'Lo' Louis uses this duality to ask viewers which future society chooses to create.
Is Shoebox based on a true story?
Shoebox is not directly based on a single true story, but it draws deeply from real systemic experiences faced by young Black men in America — cycles of abuse, violence, and limited choices. The film's emotional authenticity reflects a broader social reality rather than one specific incident.
Who are the main actors in Shoebox?
The cast is led by LaRoyce Hawkins as Pops, A.J. Hudson as Young James, and Patrick Cage as Older James. The ensemble also includes Mell Bowser, Jordan Coleman, Rebekah "Favela" Fuerst as James's mom, and Trey Horton as the Bully, among others.
Who directed Shoebox and what is their background?
Shoebox was directed by D'Angelo 'D'Lo' Louis, a filmmaker whose work centers on authentic storytelling rooted in the Black American experience. This short film showcases his ability to pack emotional depth and social commentary into a compact, powerful narrative format.
What genre is Shoebox?
Shoebox blends Drama and Crime in a short film format. It's less a conventional crime story and more a socially charged drama that uses a moment of violent decision-making as a lens to examine race, abuse, survival, and the diverging paths that define a young man's future.
How long is the short film Shoebox?
Shoebox runs just 13 minutes — but don't let the runtime fool you. The film packs a remarkable amount of emotional weight and narrative complexity into that short span, making every scene count. It's a tight, purposeful piece of filmmaking with no wasted moments.
What films are similar to Shoebox?
If Shoebox resonated with you, consider exploring American Skin (2019), We Die Young (2019), and The Unforgivable (2021) — films that similarly grapple with systemic violence, race, and survival. Òlòtūré (2019) and Out of Exile (2023) also share Shoebox's unflinching social urgency.
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