Directed by Angel McCoughtry, Bygones is a short film that weaves together two timelines—Atlanta in 1969 and the present day—to tell a story of buried secrets, racial violence, and generational reckoning.
In 1969, a group of young Black friends gathered to celebrate their basketball championship at a late-night party. Leon (Jordan Pressley) steps away to call his girlfriend, sharing the good news and talking about their daughter. Later that night, while walking home, Leon is attacked by a group of white teens. He is beaten and left on the road to die. The boys escape prosecution without punishment.
In the present, a young girl named Charissa (Malyah Glover) is practicing basketball at a local gym when the janitor, JJ (Kelly Shapiro), offers to teach her some basketball strategy. He becomes a mentor as Charissa’s game dramatically improves. One afternoon after practice, Charissa invites JJ for a family cookout. At the house, Charissa’s grandmother, Qunis (Le’coe Willingham), senses something familiar about JJ. Charissa searches his name online and is horrified to discover the truth—JJ was one of the boys who killed her grandfather Leon. Charrisa confronts him, and in anger, she says, “I hate you.”
Le’coe Willingham as Qunis comforts her granddaughter Charissa in Bygones, as past and present collide in this moving short film directed by Angel McCoughtry.
“…Charissa must decide whether to forgive JJ for an unforgivable crime or continue the cycle of injustice.”
Bygones is a story about finding forgiveness and being forgiven. In Angel McCoughtry’s tale, Charissa must decide whether to forgive JJ for an unforgivable crime or continue the cycle of injustice. Stories about forgiveness always resonate with me, as none of us is perfect, and we all live with mistakes, some more severe than others. In today’s cultural climate, letting go is both the hardest and the easiest thing to do.
McCoughtry pours a great deal of heart into Bygones, supported by a cast more than capable of rising to the occasion.
Bygones is a powerful reflection on forgiveness and being forgiven. Director Angel McCoughtry shows us what happens when the past and present collide. It’s a heartfelt story brought to life by a strong cast and a timely message.
"…letting go is both the hardest and the easiest thing to do..."
