MUD WATER III

is a narrative short that blends folklore, naturalism, and dance. Primarily set in Oakland, the film tells a story of friendship tested and studded through with ethereal turfing performances.

Boasting a talented cast of first-time actors, including Philip Mays as Yung Phil and Arthur V. Gardner Jr. as DopeyFresh, the film first premiered at the 65th SFFILM Festival in 2022 and has been presented at various art and film festivals around the world since then, including the Okayama Art Summit in Japan, CAAMFest in Oakland, Cinedans in Amsterdam, and Dance Camera West in Los Angeles.

Approx. 30 min. in length, two stories connecting a crew of turfers unfold concurrently: In one, Yung Phil navigates the tensions between his loyalty to his friends and his loyalty to his own dreams and ambitions. In the other, a man calls upon the moon to separate him from his own shadow, and then immediately regrets getting his wish. Watch the trailer below: