The Derby
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Sport
In the racially charged world of early 70s horse racing, a fearless African American jockey defies the odds as he races towards triumph in the prestigious Kentucky Derby.
The Derby
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Sport
1 Campaigns | California, United States
33 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$3,385
Goal: $8,000 for production
In the racially charged world of early 70s horse racing, a fearless African American jockey defies the odds as he races towards triumph in the prestigious Kentucky Derby.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Between 1890 and 1899, African American jockeys won the Kentucky Derby six times. By the early 1900s, they were history.
The Derby" follows Charlie Johnson, an 18-year-old Black jockey who has carried one dream since childhood: to win the Kentucky Derby. It’s a dream inherited from his older brother Sonny, a gifted rider who earned his place on the road to the Derby before being killed in a racially motivated barn fire that shattered their family and quietly erased his future.
Four years later, Charlie is no longer a boy. Scarred by loss and driven by survival, he races in underground, Black-led horse leagues on the outskirts of the sport - dangerous, illegal tracks where riders gamble with their bodies for cash, pride, and the chance to be seen in a world that refuses to see them. Haunted by Sonny’s death and suffocating under the limits placed on his life, Charlie leaves home and heads to Kentucky in search of the one man who knew Sonny best: Bucky Towns, Sonny’s former trainer.
But Bucky is a broken man, weighed down by guilt and determined never to repeat the past. He wants nothing to do with Charlie or the dream that already cost him one jockey. Charlie refuses to disappear quietly. What begins as resistance slowly becomes a fragile, uneasy partnership between two men bound by the same loss, staring down a system designed to keep history unchanged. As Charlie forces his way onto the track, both men must decide how much they’re willing to risk to finish what Sonny started and whether the cost of chasing history is survival… or sacrifice.
THE HISTORY
At the first Kentucky Derby in 1875, 13 of 15 jockeys were African American. Between 1890 and 1899, Black jockeys won six Derbies, one Preakness Stakes, and three Belmont Stakes. Why? Because the first black jockeys had been born into slavery or grew up as children of slaves tasked with caring for the horses on plantations and farms. But in the early 1900s Black jockeys disappeared. Jimmy Winkfield was the last African American to win a Triple Crown race, in 1902. He was one of the last African Americans to ride in a Triple Crown race for almost a century. The key push to exclude Black jockeys came when White jockeys began violently attacking their African American counterparts by boxing them out during races, running them into the rail, and hitting them with riding crops.
WHY THIS STORY MATTERS
The Derby shines a light on a chapter of American sports history that has largely been erased. In the racially charged world of 1970s horse racing, Black jockeys were systematically pushed out of a sport they once dominated. This story isn’t just about winning a race - it’s about confronting a history of exclusion, honoring those who were denied opportunity, and examining what it costs to chase a dream in a system built to stop you. By telling this story through a character driven lens, The Derby connects the past to the present, reminding us that progress is never given- it’s fought for. By donating to this campaign, you’re doing more than just funding a project - you’re helping reclaim a piece of history. Your support allows us to create a proof of concept that can take this story to studios, investors, and audiences who need to see it.
We are also working directly with Marlon St Julien who in 2000 would make history in becoming the first African American jockey to race in the Kentucky Derby after nearly 80 years! After speaking with Marlon and telling him the story of "The Derby" we are committed to telling this story with authenticity and respect to the sport and those that have come before.
THE DIRECTOR & WRITER
My name is Kelvin Chambliss. I’m a 22-year-old filmmaker from Chattanooga, Tennessee, currently attending Belmont University in Nashville. I am passionate on creating meaningful projects that shine light on underrepresented voices in the world. This past summer, I moved to Los Angeles to work on the television series Bel-Air, where I served as a staffed Production Assistant for its final season.
The driving force behind my move was creator Morgan Cooper, a Kansas City native who re-imagined the classic story. In 2019, Cooper produced a proof-of-concept trailer that caught the attention of Will Smith and ultimately led to the series being picked up by Peacock. After meeting Morgan in 2024 and getting the opportunity to work on the show the following year, I was inspired to create a proof-of-concept trailer of my own - this time for The Derby. Working on an iconic series and receiving guidance from industry professionals helped shape this story and gave me the confidence to pursue it at a high level. Our goal is to make this proof-of-concept trailer and put it in the hands of studios, partners, and financiers to bring The Derby to life
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs $2,500
By securing funding for our locations it gives us the vintage and period accurate locations that will make The Derby feel authentic!
GEAR
Costs $2,000
We are partnering with local Cinematographers in acquiring gear such as the SONY VENICE camera and other tools needed to fully make this.
Feed Our Crew & Cast
Costs $1,200
We want to feed our talented cast and crew through craft services.
Horses & Care
Costs $2,300
Partnering with local ranches to use trained horses, with strict protocols for animal care and on-set safety.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
WRITER/ DIRECTOR - KELVIN CHAMBLISS
is a 22 year old Filmmaker born and raised in Chattanooga Tennessee.
He currently attends Belmont University in Nashville Tennessee earning a
Bachelor Degree in Motion Pictures. Kelvin is passionate on creating meaningful
projects that shine light on underrepresented voices in the world. This past summer
Kelvin moved to Los Angeles where he was hired for the television show "Bel-Air"
where he worked as a staffed Production Assistant.
PRODUCER - BELLA GRACE MOLINA
is a 19 year old producer, writer, and director. Some of her most notable work
includes "Redefyne" a semi-finalist in the 2025 PAGE awards. Bella is the co-founder
of Bright Future Pictures, a production company that is passionate about telling surreal,
emotional stories while uplifting underrepresented voices and creating opportunities
for emerging filmmakers. She is incredibly excited to produce "The Derby", a project
that brings long overlooked African American jockeys into focus through a powerful and
cinematic lens.
PRODUCER - REESE LEGG
is a writer and producer attending Belmont University in Nashville, TN. She aspires to
work in pre production for narrative film and television. She is honored to be a part of
"The Derby", and appreciates your support in making this production possibe.
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - ROCKY BURGER
is a 21 year old Director Of Photographer living in Nashville, TN. His most recent work
includes "Badger" a short film released this past December and his passion is in narrative
filmmaking and needing out over camera gear. He is so excited to bring bringing this story
to life alongside such talented people.
1ST ASSISTANT CAMERA - MACKENZIE THOMPSON
is a cinematographer and 1st AC currently based in Nashville, TN. Growing up, she always
had a passion for filmmaking and storytelling which as developed into love for working
In the camera department. She has worked on a wide variety of projects for brands such as
"Dolly", "ICEE", "Regal", and the Nashville Zoo.
1ST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - CANDICE DILLARD
is a 21 year old director and innovator for christ through film that shapes human driven
stories that centers marginalized voices and invite audiences to think more deeply
about faith, identity, and the systems that shape our lives.
2ND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - STEPHANIE FRANCO
is an LA based filmmaker who studied film production at CSU Dominguez Hills. She
began her career as a production assistant on a variety or projects, including
the Tubi series "The Lesbian Homie" before expanding into roles as assistant director.
Stephanie is a conscientious and dedicated creative partner. Drawing from both her
academic background and on set experience.
KEY PRODUCTION ASSISTANT - BROOKLYN STARKEY
is a 19 year old film student attending Loyola Marymount University. She has been
a filmmaker for 10 years with special interests in directing, acting, producing, and casting.
She is so excited to be apart of his project.
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT - RAIAH SANDERS
is a film production assistant and writer drawn to emotionally grounded and original stories.
With a background in storytelling and hands on production experience, she is committed to
deepening her understanding of every aspect of the filmmaking process and the creation of
impactful films.
PRODUCTION DESIGNER - JOSEFINE DE VERA
Josefine de Vera is a 22 year old director and set designer with a strong eye for visual
storytelling. As a recent film school graduate, she blends creative vision with technical craft
to build immersive, emotionally resonant worlds. In 2025, she co-directed her debut short,
I Love You, I’m Sorry, alongside Bella - a project that explored themes of vulnerability and
emotional honesty. She continues to refine her set design work, creating environments that
elevate story and transport audiences. Looking ahead, Josie is focused on directing new
shorts and shaping the future of independent cinema.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Between 1890 and 1899, African American jockeys won the Kentucky Derby six times. By the early 1900s, they were history.
The Derby" follows Charlie Johnson, an 18-year-old Black jockey who has carried one dream since childhood: to win the Kentucky Derby. It’s a dream inherited from his older brother Sonny, a gifted rider who earned his place on the road to the Derby before being killed in a racially motivated barn fire that shattered their family and quietly erased his future.
Four years later, Charlie is no longer a boy. Scarred by loss and driven by survival, he races in underground, Black-led horse leagues on the outskirts of the sport - dangerous, illegal tracks where riders gamble with their bodies for cash, pride, and the chance to be seen in a world that refuses to see them. Haunted by Sonny’s death and suffocating under the limits placed on his life, Charlie leaves home and heads to Kentucky in search of the one man who knew Sonny best: Bucky Towns, Sonny’s former trainer.
But Bucky is a broken man, weighed down by guilt and determined never to repeat the past. He wants nothing to do with Charlie or the dream that already cost him one jockey. Charlie refuses to disappear quietly. What begins as resistance slowly becomes a fragile, uneasy partnership between two men bound by the same loss, staring down a system designed to keep history unchanged. As Charlie forces his way onto the track, both men must decide how much they’re willing to risk to finish what Sonny started and whether the cost of chasing history is survival… or sacrifice.
THE HISTORY
At the first Kentucky Derby in 1875, 13 of 15 jockeys were African American. Between 1890 and 1899, Black jockeys won six Derbies, one Preakness Stakes, and three Belmont Stakes. Why? Because the first black jockeys had been born into slavery or grew up as children of slaves tasked with caring for the horses on plantations and farms. But in the early 1900s Black jockeys disappeared. Jimmy Winkfield was the last African American to win a Triple Crown race, in 1902. He was one of the last African Americans to ride in a Triple Crown race for almost a century. The key push to exclude Black jockeys came when White jockeys began violently attacking their African American counterparts by boxing them out during races, running them into the rail, and hitting them with riding crops.
WHY THIS STORY MATTERS
The Derby shines a light on a chapter of American sports history that has largely been erased. In the racially charged world of 1970s horse racing, Black jockeys were systematically pushed out of a sport they once dominated. This story isn’t just about winning a race - it’s about confronting a history of exclusion, honoring those who were denied opportunity, and examining what it costs to chase a dream in a system built to stop you. By telling this story through a character driven lens, The Derby connects the past to the present, reminding us that progress is never given- it’s fought for. By donating to this campaign, you’re doing more than just funding a project - you’re helping reclaim a piece of history. Your support allows us to create a proof of concept that can take this story to studios, investors, and audiences who need to see it.
We are also working directly with Marlon St Julien who in 2000 would make history in becoming the first African American jockey to race in the Kentucky Derby after nearly 80 years! After speaking with Marlon and telling him the story of "The Derby" we are committed to telling this story with authenticity and respect to the sport and those that have come before.
THE DIRECTOR & WRITER
My name is Kelvin Chambliss. I’m a 22-year-old filmmaker from Chattanooga, Tennessee, currently attending Belmont University in Nashville. I am passionate on creating meaningful projects that shine light on underrepresented voices in the world. This past summer, I moved to Los Angeles to work on the television series Bel-Air, where I served as a staffed Production Assistant for its final season.
The driving force behind my move was creator Morgan Cooper, a Kansas City native who re-imagined the classic story. In 2019, Cooper produced a proof-of-concept trailer that caught the attention of Will Smith and ultimately led to the series being picked up by Peacock. After meeting Morgan in 2024 and getting the opportunity to work on the show the following year, I was inspired to create a proof-of-concept trailer of my own - this time for The Derby. Working on an iconic series and receiving guidance from industry professionals helped shape this story and gave me the confidence to pursue it at a high level. Our goal is to make this proof-of-concept trailer and put it in the hands of studios, partners, and financiers to bring The Derby to life
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs $2,500
By securing funding for our locations it gives us the vintage and period accurate locations that will make The Derby feel authentic!
GEAR
Costs $2,000
We are partnering with local Cinematographers in acquiring gear such as the SONY VENICE camera and other tools needed to fully make this.
Feed Our Crew & Cast
Costs $1,200
We want to feed our talented cast and crew through craft services.
Horses & Care
Costs $2,300
Partnering with local ranches to use trained horses, with strict protocols for animal care and on-set safety.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
WRITER/ DIRECTOR - KELVIN CHAMBLISS
is a 22 year old Filmmaker born and raised in Chattanooga Tennessee.
He currently attends Belmont University in Nashville Tennessee earning a
Bachelor Degree in Motion Pictures. Kelvin is passionate on creating meaningful
projects that shine light on underrepresented voices in the world. This past summer
Kelvin moved to Los Angeles where he was hired for the television show "Bel-Air"
where he worked as a staffed Production Assistant.
PRODUCER - BELLA GRACE MOLINA
is a 19 year old producer, writer, and director. Some of her most notable work
includes "Redefyne" a semi-finalist in the 2025 PAGE awards. Bella is the co-founder
of Bright Future Pictures, a production company that is passionate about telling surreal,
emotional stories while uplifting underrepresented voices and creating opportunities
for emerging filmmakers. She is incredibly excited to produce "The Derby", a project
that brings long overlooked African American jockeys into focus through a powerful and
cinematic lens.
PRODUCER - REESE LEGG
is a writer and producer attending Belmont University in Nashville, TN. She aspires to
work in pre production for narrative film and television. She is honored to be a part of
"The Derby", and appreciates your support in making this production possibe.
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - ROCKY BURGER
is a 21 year old Director Of Photographer living in Nashville, TN. His most recent work
includes "Badger" a short film released this past December and his passion is in narrative
filmmaking and needing out over camera gear. He is so excited to bring bringing this story
to life alongside such talented people.
1ST ASSISTANT CAMERA - MACKENZIE THOMPSON
is a cinematographer and 1st AC currently based in Nashville, TN. Growing up, she always
had a passion for filmmaking and storytelling which as developed into love for working
In the camera department. She has worked on a wide variety of projects for brands such as
"Dolly", "ICEE", "Regal", and the Nashville Zoo.
1ST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - CANDICE DILLARD
is a 21 year old director and innovator for christ through film that shapes human driven
stories that centers marginalized voices and invite audiences to think more deeply
about faith, identity, and the systems that shape our lives.
2ND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - STEPHANIE FRANCO
is an LA based filmmaker who studied film production at CSU Dominguez Hills. She
began her career as a production assistant on a variety or projects, including
the Tubi series "The Lesbian Homie" before expanding into roles as assistant director.
Stephanie is a conscientious and dedicated creative partner. Drawing from both her
academic background and on set experience.
KEY PRODUCTION ASSISTANT - BROOKLYN STARKEY
is a 19 year old film student attending Loyola Marymount University. She has been
a filmmaker for 10 years with special interests in directing, acting, producing, and casting.
She is so excited to be apart of his project.
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT - RAIAH SANDERS
is a film production assistant and writer drawn to emotionally grounded and original stories.
With a background in storytelling and hands on production experience, she is committed to
deepening her understanding of every aspect of the filmmaking process and the creation of
impactful films.
PRODUCTION DESIGNER - JOSEFINE DE VERA
Josefine de Vera is a 22 year old director and set designer with a strong eye for visual
storytelling. As a recent film school graduate, she blends creative vision with technical craft
to build immersive, emotionally resonant worlds. In 2025, she co-directed her debut short,
I Love You, I’m Sorry, alongside Bella - a project that explored themes of vulnerability and
emotional honesty. She continues to refine her set design work, creating environments that
elevate story and transport audiences. Looking ahead, Josie is focused on directing new
shorts and shaping the future of independent cinema.