HOLLYSHORTS FILM FESTIVAL 2023 REVIEW! Kameishia Wooten’s short film, Choices, is an inspired response to the recent Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
Choices features three L.A. high school friends. Aisha (Marajanai) is delivering a home pregnancy test for her best friend, prom queen Jessica (Nandi Nfr Ka), with the help of nerdy and pregnant Portia (Maxcianna Saintilus).
“…delivering a home pregnancy test for her best friend, prom queen Jessica…”
The short film is a tight drama surrounding the subject of abortion and the difficult choice Jessica may potentially have to make once the results are in. Already showing, Portia must deal with her classmates’ scorn and side-eye looks. Jessica ponders how much a child would ruin her life, and Jessica must deal with the rumors that she had an abortion the previous year.
Tonally, Wooten nails the high-quality after-school special look. This allows us to focus on the outstanding performances of the leads and on the message. Clearly, Choices was made because of Dobbs and spotlighted the teens’ dilemma with unwanted pregnancies. The discussion throughout is frank and honest. It also highlights the importance of friendship while making such tough choices.
Choices screened at the 2023 HollyShorts Film Festival.
"…outstanding performances..."
