Who Will Start Another Fire is an anthology of nine short films by emerging BIPOC filmmakers from various backgrounds. Connected by themes of realization and change, the collection comprises intimate stories with a mismatch of subtle and overt messages.
The shorts, in order of appearance, are directed by Peier Tracy Shen, Nicole Magabo Kiggundu, Olive Nwosu, Samira Saraya, Faye Ruiz, Lesley Steele, and Emily Packer, Alex Westfall, Nicole Otero, and Jermaine Manigault.
In “Like Flying,” a child interprets her world through the limited perspective of her flawed parents. In “Family Tree,” a young girl first realizes the complex nature of her Nigerian family during a period of trauma. The distance between generations in east Nigeria is explored in “Troublemaker,” which shows a child glorifying war as his grandfather suffers from PTSD.
In “Polygraph,” taboo topics are addressed when a lesbian Arab nurse realizes her lover, an Israeli intelligence officer, has been informing the occupying military about their relationship. “The Lights Are On, No One’s Home” is a poignant story about a trans woman who returns to a completely transformed hometown and must embrace change in the midst of grief. “By Way of Canarsie” sheds light on a Brooklyn community’s relationship with the water as well as the community’s resilience in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.
“The Rose of Manila” imagines the early life of Imelda Marcos, before she became the first lady of the Philippines and embezzled billions from the country. “Slip” follows one woman as she explores a vacant city by night. “Not Black Enough” reveals the struggle of an African American man to find acceptance within his Black community.
There are a lot of hidden depths to these stories, many of which blend fiction and lived experiences. This largely experimental anthology sometimes tries a bit too hard to create something meaningful and original. However, the overall sense of emotional depth, relevant social commentary, and wide range of cinematic styles make it well worth the watch. This would be a strong addition to anthology shelves or shelves spotlighting both BIPOC and LGBTQ+ creators and actors. Recommended.