Black People Don’t Tango, 13min., USA
Directed by Robert Xavier Clark
A African American man learns to tango after a trip to Argentina.
Based on a true story.

1. What motivated you to make this film?
This short film Black People Don’t Tango is adapted from a feature-length film script that I developed in 2019. That feature script is further adapted from a short story that I wrote in college.

The primary motivation for the short film is to function as a proof of concept for the larger Black People Don’t Tango idea.

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

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Scheduling and securing locations. The short film was put together and shot in a very tight timeframe. Also most of the people in the film are not professional actors, so getting everyone on the call sheet to show up on specific days was challenging. We also had some late talent and location changes happen, so we had to stay flexible and adapt.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I enjoy hearing feedback about the film and seeing people’s reactions. I am proud of what we created and it’s always surreal to encounter people who love Black People Don’t Tango in all of its forms (both the original short story and short film). This makes me excited to see how audiences would react to a feature film.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
As a kid. For a long time I recorded everything on a camcorder and I have been writing short stories for as long as I can remember.

7. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Very positive. A special shout out to Lucinda Clark, my co-producer and mother, who made our submission happen!

8. What is next for you? A new film?
I have two film projects that I am developing. I hope to bring them to the world soon!