5150 (2021)
A gripping 18-minute short film by Denzel Whitaker about race, celebrity, and the weaponization of psychiatric power.
5150 - Movie Information
- Original Title: 5150
- Release Year: 2021
- Directed by: Denzel Whitaker
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 18m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 23, 2021 (United States)
5150 - Plot
A world-famous black celebrity is detained at a mysterious psychiatric facility following his erratic behavior and political activism.
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5150 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Denzel Whitaker
Main Cast
- Jovan Adepo
- Raquel Antonia
- Lindsey Hutchison
- Douglas Weston
- Angela Elayne Gibbs
- Jaidyn Triplett
- Adele Marie Pomerenke
- Gerald 'Slink' Johnson
- Khleo Thomas
- Maestro Harrell
Writers
- Denzel Whitaker
- John Trefry
5150 - FAQs
What is 5150 about?
5150 follows a world-famous Black celebrity who is forcibly detained in a mysterious psychiatric facility after displaying erratic behavior and engaging in outspoken political activism. The short film explores themes of race, power, mental health, and the ways institutions can be weaponized against Black voices.
Who directed the short film 5150?
5150 was directed by Denzel Whitaker, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside John Trefry. Whitaker is best known as an actor but stepped behind the camera for this thought-provoking short, demonstrating a sharp directorial voice and a clear passion for socially conscious storytelling.
Who stars in the 2021 short film 5150?
Jovan Adepo leads the cast as the Celeb, with Raquel Antonia, Lindsey Hutchison, Douglas Weston, Angela Elayne Gibbs, Jaidyn Triplett, Adele Marie Pomerenke, Gerald 'Slink' Johnson, Khleo Thomas, and Maestro Harrell rounding out the ensemble.
What does the title 5150 mean?
5150 refers to a section of the California Welfare and Institutions Code that allows law enforcement to involuntarily detain someone believed to be a danger to themselves or others due to a mental health crisis. The title directly frames the film's central conflict: a forced psychiatric hold used against a prominent Black celebrity.
When was 5150 released?
5150 was released on July 23, 2021, in the United States. The short film runs approximately 18 minutes and was written by Denzel Whitaker and John Trefry.
Is 5150 inspired by real events?
While 5150 is a fictional short film, its premise draws on very real cultural conversations. High-profile cases involving Black celebrities, mental health scrutiny, and the policing of Black public figures — from Kanye West to others — lend the story a striking sense of urgency and real-world resonance.
How long is the short film 5150?
5150 has a runtime of 18 minutes, making it a short film. Despite its brief length, it packs in a dense, provocative narrative exploring race, celebrity, mental health, and institutional power in a way that lingers well after the credits roll.
What movies are similar to 5150?
If 5150 resonates with you, you might enjoy Get On Up (2014), Respect (2021), Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013), Glass (2019), and Frankie & Alice (2010). These films similarly explore Black identity, public scrutiny, resilience, and the intersection of mental health with race and fame.
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