A movie that defines all cultural barriers, exudes triumph, and tells a story that will inspire a generation, are the reasons why American Clay is making major waves in the film and entertainment business. The ethereal, haunting, mythical and emotionally driven short film from Saddlebrook Media and Hundreds Entertainment, has generated a copious amount of buzz, racking up several honors across the United States and Europe.
To highlight some of their most recent milestones, American Clay movie recently won at the Venice Short Film Awards, in which first time director Christopher Ray Jackson was honored with the Best First-Time Filmmaker award. Jackson who has found success working with Lil Durk, El-Jay, Coi Leary, The Game, Moneybagg Yo and Sevyn Streeter to name a few, is a creative genius pigging backing of executive producer, music director, co-writer, Vi City. On top of that, American Clay has also been officially selected as a Semi-Finalist for the 2025 Cannes Indie Shorts Awards, which is a direct result of the film’s budding social and global impact.
“Seeing American Clay honored in Venice and Cannes is a moment of deep gratitude,” said Vi City, co-executive producer, co-writer, and music director. “This film was always meant to transcend time, it’s a piece of art that speaks through sound, vision, and spirit. These awards affirm that truth-telling through creativity still has the power to move people everywhere.”
At the center of American Clay is Bernice, a mixed-race, 18-year-old girl who unravels a dark family secret. Her journey through self preservation, and resilience forces her to rely on her mythical, ancestral gifts as she fights for her life to escape from danger in a sundown town. As this film is based on the family story of Saddlebrook Media, which includes co-executive producers and creators Carmen Perkins and Michelle Taylor, they do an excellent job of conveying futuristic and realism for modern film enthusiasts to revel in.
American Clay is not just a movie, it is a movement. Stories such as this one deserve to be shared and heard. It serves as a reminder of how much our family history directly impacts our lives in the 21st century. The more you run from the past it will catch up with you just like the main character Bernice.
For more information on this film visit: https://www.americanclaymovie.com