HONORABLE, 16min., USA
Directed by Zachary Scott Clark, Mariah L. Richardson
Two months after he denounces the Nation of Islam and nine months before his assassination, MALCOLM X SHABAZZ has a chance encounter with his estranged brother and mentee MUHAMMAD ALI.

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Get to know writer/producer/actor Mia Bible:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

My need to create for creation’s sake and grief. The idea of “Honorable” began as a 3-minute scene where Ali & Malcolm X would simply have a conversation. The plan was for me to write it and Jason Little who plays Malcolm X in the lm and Zach Clark who portrays Muhammad Ali to star in it. All three of us worked together on a play called “The Meeting,” and it was super successful so I was condent in what they could do. However, in the same year I was dreaming this up, I was also processing the death of a close friend who passed away at the age of 27. He was an actor and my rst producing partner. I knew nothing about Ali and Malcolm’s brotherhood so once I began researching it, I came across Ali’s quote about regret in his autobiography, and it triggered deep sorrow and a confusing desire for my friend to have a second chance at life. I wrote to get my feelings out.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

Four years. I wrote the script in 2019 and we completed the proof of concept in 2023.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Magnetic and daring.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Limited access to capital and resources almost left Honorable on the cutting room floor. The funding for filmmaking and the arts is there, but who receives it and how much are the real questions. It led a prolonged timeline, and eventually burnout. What should’ve taken months to accomplish took us years, but not nishing was never an option for me or my team.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your lm in the feedback video?

I stopped breathing. I cried then I thanked God.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

It’s a new realization for me because acting remains my first love and I always see myself here when producing fades away but 2019 is when filmmaking as a career became realistic and from there I make what moves me.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

“Friday” with Regina King, John Witherspoon (rip), Ice Cube, and Chris Tucker, Nia Long. IT’S A CLASSIC.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

My satisfaction with Honorable’s festival experience has been like the perfect ending—fulfilling but leaving me excited for what’s next. With virtual festivals, more ways to connect with the filmmakers would be the cherry on top! And cooler laurels.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Easy, it’s a one-stop shop.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I’m way too neurospicy to have a favorite meal. Right now it’s yellow curry or a smoked salmon sandwich with bacon.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

Yes! I have a few acting projects. I’m in a period piece called “I Bear Witness: The Untold Stories of American Race Riots,” “Vision,” a thriller and a romantic drama, and I produced a documentary “Ten Years Later: Talking While Black” that’ll be touring in 2025.