Cutting Dead Ends
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, Comedy
It’s time to rethink what we’ve been taught about love and accountability. This film confronts gender-based adversity and calls for emotional expression in young Black Caribbean boys and men. Support Cutting Dead Ends to film in Grenada, center Caribbean actors, and uplift local creatives.
Cutting Dead Ends
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, Comedy
1 Campaigns |
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It’s time to rethink what we’ve been taught about love and accountability. This film confronts gender-based adversity and calls for emotional expression in young Black Caribbean boys and men. Support Cutting Dead Ends to film in Grenada, center Caribbean actors, and uplift local creatives.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In a Grenadian barbershop, a conversation begins that is far bigger than the room itself.
Cutting Dead Ends follows Richie, a young man challenging an older generation’s understanding of love, care, masculinity, and emotional responsibility. What begins as everyday “barbershop talk” slowly unfolds into a layered and deeply honest conversation between men navigating what they have inherited, what they have normalized, and what they are willing to unlearn.
At the center of it all is a quiet observer: a young girl listening nearby.
Because what children witness today often becomes what they accept tomorrow.
Through humor, tension, vulnerability, and reflection, Cutting Dead Ends explores how everyday spaces can either reinforce harmful cycles or become places where healing and accountability begin.
Set against the warmth, rhythm, and culture of Grenada, this film asks an urgent question:
What does intentional love actually look like in practice?
Cutting Dead Ends is rooted in something I have witnessed firsthand.
Conversations around women’s safety, emotional wellbeing, respect, and accountability exist in our communities, but too often they stop at conversation. I wanted to create a film that explores what happens when men are challenged to go deeper to reflect honestly on the ways love, care, and responsibility are modeled across generations.
As a Grenadian-American creative, storyteller, and founder of the Forrester Creative Renaissance Fund, I have always believed storytelling can become a bridge between awareness and action. This project is not interested in shame or surface-level commentary. It is interested in reflection, growth, and transformation.
At a time when conversations surrounding gender-based violence, emotional neglect, and harmful relationship dynamics continue globally and throughout Caribbean communities, this story feels deeply necessary.
But beyond the themes themselves, Cutting Dead Ends is also about legacy.
The younger generation is always watching.
What we normalize today becomes what they learn to accept tomorrow.
This film exists to challenge cycles before they continue.
This project was intentionally designed to extend beyond the screen.
As part of our pre-production process, we recently hosted in-person auditions at TA Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) in Grenada, where students were invited not only to audition, but also to shadow the process and observe lighting demonstrations and production preparation in real time.
For many students, this became direct exposure to a professional filmmaking environment, offering access to opportunities that are often unavailable or unseen.
We will continue this work throughout production by creating opportunities for emerging creatives to observe and engage with the filmmaking process firsthand.
Filming during Grenada’s Diaspora Homecoming creates an even deeper layer of connection. This moment allows members of the diaspora to return home, reconnect with community, and actively contribute to the island’s growing creative industry.
This production is committed to:
- Casting locally
- Hiring within the community
- Collaborating with Grenadian creatives
- Providing mentorship opportunities
- Building sustainable creative pathways for young Caribbean artists
We are also proud to collaborate with MProjekts, a company actively helping shape the future of film production in Grenada.
At its heart, Cutting Dead Ends is about bridging the gap between diaspora and home — creating opportunities, expanding access, and helping Caribbean creatives see themselves reflected not only on screen, but behind the camera as well.
When you support this project, you are not simply backing a film.
You are investing in Caribbean talent, community storytelling, mentorship, and the future of regional filmmaking.
The visual language of Cutting Dead Ends is grounded in intimacy, realism, warmth, and emotional tension.
Set primarily inside a Grenadian barbershop, the film uses the familiarity of the space to create both comfort and confrontation. The barbershop becomes more than a location; it becomes a living reflection of generational thinking, vulnerability, performance, and community dialogue. The space will also be elevated through artwork by Grenadian and Grenadian-American artists.
Our visual approach will emphasize warm Caribbean textures and tones, naturalistic performances, close conversational framing, emotional realism, the rhythm and energy of Grenadian culture, and intimate camera movement that keeps audiences inside the conversation.
The goal is for audiences to feel as though they are sitting in the shop themselves, listening, reflecting, laughing, questioning, and witnessing change unfold in real time.
Mickalia Forrester Ewen is a Grenadian-American actress, producer, arts advocate, and founder of the Forrester Creative Renaissance Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding creative arts access and opportunities for Grenadians locally and throughout the diaspora.
A graduate of New York University Tisch School of the Arts with a degree in Theatre Arts and a minor in Producing, Mickalia’s work consistently centers Caribbean storytelling, cultural connection, youth mentorship, and representation.
After being crowned Miss Grenada USA 2023, she used her platform to further develop initiatives focused on arts education, community engagement, and creative opportunity-building for young Caribbean creatives.
Her work has included:
- Sponsoring Grenadian students to attend film festivals
- Supporting youth arts education
- Creating mentorship opportunities in entertainment
- Building bridges between Caribbean creatives and industry professionals
- Developing collaborative storytelling initiatives between Grenada and the diaspora
With Cutting Dead Ends, Mickalia continues her mission of using storytelling not only to entertain, but to create dialogue, reflection, and tangible opportunities for community growth.
Every contribution directly supports both the film itself and the community-centered mission behind it.
Funding raised through this campaign will help us:
- Pay local cast and crew fairly
- Provide professional on-set experiences
- Secure production equipment
- Cover transportation and logistics
- Feed cast and crew throughout production
- Support mentorship and student shadowing opportunities
- Complete post-production and festival submissions
Because this project is powered by the Forrester Creative Renaissance Fund, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations may also be tax-deductible.
FUNDRAISING GOALS
STRETCH GOALS
If we surpass our initial campaign goal, additional funding will support:
- Expanded mentorship opportunities
- Additional paid trainee positions
- Community screenings across Grenada
- Increased festival submissions
- Educational outreach initiatives
PRE-PRODUCTION
✔ Casting & Auditions at TAMCC
✔ Community Outreach
✔ Location Preparation
✔ Production Planning
PRODUCTION
Filming will take place over two days between June 15–24, allowing flexibility for scheduling changes or unforeseen production delays.
POST-PRODUCTION
July – September
During post-production, the film will move through editing, sound design and mixing, and color correction and grading to fully shape the emotional and visual world of Cutting Dead Ends.
Following production in Grenada, Cutting Dead Ends will move into post-production and begin its festival journey with a focus on Caribbean, Black, diaspora, and socially conscious film spaces.
Beyond festivals, we hope to organize community-centered screenings and conversations that continue the dialogue surrounding emotional accountability, intentional love, masculinity, and generational impact.
This project was never intended to end once the credits roll.
It is meant to spark conversation long after audiences leave the screen.
BACK THE CAMPAIGN
Every contribution helps us create opportunities for Caribbean creatives while bringing this story to life authentically and responsibly.
FOLLOW THE JOURNEY
Follow our campaign and social platforms for updates, behind-the-scenes content, production milestones, and community highlights.
SHARE THE MISSION
Share our campaign with someone who believes in Caribbean storytelling, arts access, mentorship, and community-driven filmmaking.
HELP US BUILD SOMETHING BIGGER
This is more than a short film.
It is a story about accountability, reflection, representation, and building creative pathways for the next generation.
And we would love for you to be part of it.
Follow Our Socials
ForresterCreative
Faceless Studios
MProjekts
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast Support
Costs $700
Supporting our 7 lead actors with stipends for 2 full shoot days, ensuring they can fully commit to bringing these characters to life!
Local Transportation
Costs $650
Getting our cast and local support safely to and from set, including van transport and backup taxi options across 2 shoot days.
Core Team & Creative Labor
Costs $3,000
Supporting the 8-person core team who are making this project possible, along with key creative contributors in art, design, and production.
Housing and Living
Costs $2,850
Providing safe and comfortable accommodations for our team during production, including both shoot days and prep days
Meals and Craft Services
Costs $1,000
Feeding a team of 26 people across shoot days, plus snacks and water to keep everyone energized and cared for
Equipment and Production Needs
Costs $2,500
Camera support Lighting and grip equipment Sound backup Power (generators + batteries) Media storage
Locations, Permits & Production Design
Costs $1,300
Barbershop location (2 days) Permits and insurance Props (including barber chair + signage) Wardrobe and makeup
Post Production
Costs $1,500
Editing, color correction, and sound mixing to bring the final film to life at a professional level.
Distribution & Promotion
Costs $1,350
Film festival submissions Private screenings in Grenada and the U.S. Posters and social media marketing Behind-the-scenes content
On-the-Ground Crew Transport
Costs $500
Daily transportation for international between housing and set locations to keep production running smoothly and on schedule.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Mickalia Forrester Ewen
Executive/ Creative Producer
Mickalia Forrester Ewen is a Grenadian American performer, educator, and founder of the Forrester Creative Renaissance Fund. A graduate of NYU Tisch, she has appeared in film, television, and commercials across platforms like Netflix, Peacock, and CBS. Crowned Miss Grenada USA 2023, she uses her platform to expand creative opportunities for Grenadian artists. Through her nonprofit, she has supported students attending the 12°N, 61°W Grenada Film Festival and continues building pathways between Grenada and its diaspora through film and education.
Instagram: @Mickalia.cks | @ForresterCreative
_________
Shania Forrester
Executive Producer
Shania Forrester is a Brooklyn-born creative and proud Grenadian storyteller. A graduate of Long Island University in Film Production, she specializes in creative development and on-set coordination. Her credits include Maybe I Do, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Evil, and Who is Christmas Eve? Known for her organization and collaborative spirit, she also serves as Assistant Director of the Forrester Creative Renaissance Fund, supporting emerging Grenadian artists.
Instagram: @ShaniaForrester
_________
Karl Bigby (Flacko)
Executive Producer Director/ Director of Photography
Karl Bigby, also known as Karl Flacko, is a multidisciplinary creative working across music production, fashion, and photography. Founder of Faceless Studios, he brings 15+ years of experience in film and production, with credits including Power Book II, Bruised, That Damn Michael Che, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Raised in Brooklyn with strong Grenadian roots, Karl also mentors young creatives at the Denzel Washington School of the Arts. He is passionate about pouring into the next generation and growing Grenada’s creative industry.
Instagram: @KarlFlacko | @FacelessNewYork | @FacelessFoundationNYC
Additional Team Members:
MProjekts Creative Group
Production: Meschida Philip
Alexander Radio
Reya Harris
Production: Christine Shaw
Production: Artie Shaw
BTS: Marquis Jackson
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In a Grenadian barbershop, a conversation begins that is far bigger than the room itself.
Cutting Dead Ends follows Richie, a young man challenging an older generation’s understanding of love, care, masculinity, and emotional responsibility. What begins as everyday “barbershop talk” slowly unfolds into a layered and deeply honest conversation between men navigating what they have inherited, what they have normalized, and what they are willing to unlearn.
At the center of it all is a quiet observer: a young girl listening nearby.
Because what children witness today often becomes what they accept tomorrow.
Through humor, tension, vulnerability, and reflection, Cutting Dead Ends explores how everyday spaces can either reinforce harmful cycles or become places where healing and accountability begin.
Set against the warmth, rhythm, and culture of Grenada, this film asks an urgent question:
What does intentional love actually look like in practice?
Cutting Dead Ends is rooted in something I have witnessed firsthand.
Conversations around women’s safety, emotional wellbeing, respect, and accountability exist in our communities, but too often they stop at conversation. I wanted to create a film that explores what happens when men are challenged to go deeper to reflect honestly on the ways love, care, and responsibility are modeled across generations.
As a Grenadian-American creative, storyteller, and founder of the Forrester Creative Renaissance Fund, I have always believed storytelling can become a bridge between awareness and action. This project is not interested in shame or surface-level commentary. It is interested in reflection, growth, and transformation.
At a time when conversations surrounding gender-based violence, emotional neglect, and harmful relationship dynamics continue globally and throughout Caribbean communities, this story feels deeply necessary.
But beyond the themes themselves, Cutting Dead Ends is also about legacy.
The younger generation is always watching.
What we normalize today becomes what they learn to accept tomorrow.
This film exists to challenge cycles before they continue.
This project was intentionally designed to extend beyond the screen.
As part of our pre-production process, we recently hosted in-person auditions at TA Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) in Grenada, where students were invited not only to audition, but also to shadow the process and observe lighting demonstrations and production preparation in real time.
For many students, this became direct exposure to a professional filmmaking environment, offering access to opportunities that are often unavailable or unseen.
We will continue this work throughout production by creating opportunities for emerging creatives to observe and engage with the filmmaking process firsthand.
Filming during Grenada’s Diaspora Homecoming creates an even deeper layer of connection. This moment allows members of the diaspora to return home, reconnect with community, and actively contribute to the island’s growing creative industry.
This production is committed to:
- Casting locally
- Hiring within the community
- Collaborating with Grenadian creatives
- Providing mentorship opportunities
- Building sustainable creative pathways for young Caribbean artists
We are also proud to collaborate with MProjekts, a company actively helping shape the future of film production in Grenada.
At its heart, Cutting Dead Ends is about bridging the gap between diaspora and home — creating opportunities, expanding access, and helping Caribbean creatives see themselves reflected not only on screen, but behind the camera as well.
When you support this project, you are not simply backing a film.
You are investing in Caribbean talent, community storytelling, mentorship, and the future of regional filmmaking.
The visual language of Cutting Dead Ends is grounded in intimacy, realism, warmth, and emotional tension.
Set primarily inside a Grenadian barbershop, the film uses the familiarity of the space to create both comfort and confrontation. The barbershop becomes more than a location; it becomes a living reflection of generational thinking, vulnerability, performance, and community dialogue. The space will also be elevated through artwork by Grenadian and Grenadian-American artists.
Our visual approach will emphasize warm Caribbean textures and tones, naturalistic performances, close conversational framing, emotional realism, the rhythm and energy of Grenadian culture, and intimate camera movement that keeps audiences inside the conversation.
The goal is for audiences to feel as though they are sitting in the shop themselves, listening, reflecting, laughing, questioning, and witnessing change unfold in real time.
Mickalia Forrester Ewen is a Grenadian-American actress, producer, arts advocate, and founder of the Forrester Creative Renaissance Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding creative arts access and opportunities for Grenadians locally and throughout the diaspora.
A graduate of New York University Tisch School of the Arts with a degree in Theatre Arts and a minor in Producing, Mickalia’s work consistently centers Caribbean storytelling, cultural connection, youth mentorship, and representation.
After being crowned Miss Grenada USA 2023, she used her platform to further develop initiatives focused on arts education, community engagement, and creative opportunity-building for young Caribbean creatives.
Her work has included:
- Sponsoring Grenadian students to attend film festivals
- Supporting youth arts education
- Creating mentorship opportunities in entertainment
- Building bridges between Caribbean creatives and industry professionals
- Developing collaborative storytelling initiatives between Grenada and the diaspora
With Cutting Dead Ends, Mickalia continues her mission of using storytelling not only to entertain, but to create dialogue, reflection, and tangible opportunities for community growth.
Every contribution directly supports both the film itself and the community-centered mission behind it.
Funding raised through this campaign will help us:
- Pay local cast and crew fairly
- Provide professional on-set experiences
- Secure production equipment
- Cover transportation and logistics
- Feed cast and crew throughout production
- Support mentorship and student shadowing opportunities
- Complete post-production and festival submissions
Because this project is powered by the Forrester Creative Renaissance Fund, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations may also be tax-deductible.
FUNDRAISING GOALS
STRETCH GOALS
If we surpass our initial campaign goal, additional funding will support:
- Expanded mentorship opportunities
- Additional paid trainee positions
- Community screenings across Grenada
- Increased festival submissions
- Educational outreach initiatives
PRE-PRODUCTION
✔ Casting & Auditions at TAMCC
✔ Community Outreach
✔ Location Preparation
✔ Production Planning
PRODUCTION
Filming will take place over two days between June 15–24, allowing flexibility for scheduling changes or unforeseen production delays.
POST-PRODUCTION
July – September
During post-production, the film will move through editing, sound design and mixing, and color correction and grading to fully shape the emotional and visual world of Cutting Dead Ends.
Following production in Grenada, Cutting Dead Ends will move into post-production and begin its festival journey with a focus on Caribbean, Black, diaspora, and socially conscious film spaces.
Beyond festivals, we hope to organize community-centered screenings and conversations that continue the dialogue surrounding emotional accountability, intentional love, masculinity, and generational impact.
This project was never intended to end once the credits roll.
It is meant to spark conversation long after audiences leave the screen.
BACK THE CAMPAIGN
Every contribution helps us create opportunities for Caribbean creatives while bringing this story to life authentically and responsibly.
FOLLOW THE JOURNEY
Follow our campaign and social platforms for updates, behind-the-scenes content, production milestones, and community highlights.
SHARE THE MISSION
Share our campaign with someone who believes in Caribbean storytelling, arts access, mentorship, and community-driven filmmaking.
HELP US BUILD SOMETHING BIGGER
This is more than a short film.
It is a story about accountability, reflection, representation, and building creative pathways for the next generation.
And we would love for you to be part of it.
Follow Our Socials
ForresterCreative
Faceless Studios
MProjekts
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast Support
Costs $700
Supporting our 7 lead actors with stipends for 2 full shoot days, ensuring they can fully commit to bringing these characters to life!
Local Transportation
Costs $650
Getting our cast and local support safely to and from set, including van transport and backup taxi options across 2 shoot days.
Core Team & Creative Labor
Costs $3,000
Supporting the 8-person core team who are making this project possible, along with key creative contributors in art, design, and production.
Housing and Living
Costs $2,850
Providing safe and comfortable accommodations for our team during production, including both shoot days and prep days
Meals and Craft Services
Costs $1,000
Feeding a team of 26 people across shoot days, plus snacks and water to keep everyone energized and cared for
Equipment and Production Needs
Costs $2,500
Camera support Lighting and grip equipment Sound backup Power (generators + batteries) Media storage
Locations, Permits & Production Design
Costs $1,300
Barbershop location (2 days) Permits and insurance Props (including barber chair + signage) Wardrobe and makeup
Post Production
Costs $1,500
Editing, color correction, and sound mixing to bring the final film to life at a professional level.
Distribution & Promotion
Costs $1,350
Film festival submissions Private screenings in Grenada and the U.S. Posters and social media marketing Behind-the-scenes content
On-the-Ground Crew Transport
Costs $500
Daily transportation for international between housing and set locations to keep production running smoothly and on schedule.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Mickalia Forrester Ewen
Executive/ Creative Producer
Mickalia Forrester Ewen is a Grenadian American performer, educator, and founder of the Forrester Creative Renaissance Fund. A graduate of NYU Tisch, she has appeared in film, television, and commercials across platforms like Netflix, Peacock, and CBS. Crowned Miss Grenada USA 2023, she uses her platform to expand creative opportunities for Grenadian artists. Through her nonprofit, she has supported students attending the 12°N, 61°W Grenada Film Festival and continues building pathways between Grenada and its diaspora through film and education.
Instagram: @Mickalia.cks | @ForresterCreative
_________
Shania Forrester
Executive Producer
Shania Forrester is a Brooklyn-born creative and proud Grenadian storyteller. A graduate of Long Island University in Film Production, she specializes in creative development and on-set coordination. Her credits include Maybe I Do, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Evil, and Who is Christmas Eve? Known for her organization and collaborative spirit, she also serves as Assistant Director of the Forrester Creative Renaissance Fund, supporting emerging Grenadian artists.
Instagram: @ShaniaForrester
_________
Karl Bigby (Flacko)
Executive Producer Director/ Director of Photography
Karl Bigby, also known as Karl Flacko, is a multidisciplinary creative working across music production, fashion, and photography. Founder of Faceless Studios, he brings 15+ years of experience in film and production, with credits including Power Book II, Bruised, That Damn Michael Che, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Raised in Brooklyn with strong Grenadian roots, Karl also mentors young creatives at the Denzel Washington School of the Arts. He is passionate about pouring into the next generation and growing Grenada’s creative industry.
Instagram: @KarlFlacko | @FacelessNewYork | @FacelessFoundationNYC
Additional Team Members:
MProjekts Creative Group
Production: Meschida Philip
Alexander Radio
Reya Harris
Production: Christine Shaw
Production: Artie Shaw
BTS: Marquis Jackson