“The paralyzing impact of anxiety, the disquiet of a stifled mind, and the simmering fire of a genuine heart yearning for release in love all get succinctly yet wholly, emphatically, engagingly, creatively explored and placed on display through this 14-minute short film…”

“I’ve had the pleasure of watching the screener but, sworn to secrecy, all I can say is this took me through a range of emotions in less than 15 minutes, from frustration with the main character to the hopefulness of an impending and much-needed change, to pride for someone who overcame. There was an unexpected deeper-level smile during the climax if you peep the metaphor. Oh, it’s a full ride I promise!!! 5/5 for me.”

“Lawrence absolutely soared for me here, bringing about an utterly credible, thoroughly engaging, quietly emotional, inwardly intense performance...… I loved the subtlety and understatement in Pollitt’s acting style here, as it infuses the character with vulnerability but NOT weakness.”

“Lawrence gives a fantastic performance as Ahmad. He captures the introvert so well in his physical performance until he has the opportunity to turn up the gas and become an accomplished beat poet... As Mina, Toni Lachelle Pollitt plays the sweet and touching counter to Ahmad and recites an equally soulful spoken word near the end.

Speaking of spoken word, the poetry written by Obbie West is on point, delivering the right impact... Poetry is sometimes complicated for audiences to wrap their heads around, but “Speak Up Brotha!” delivers clean, profound, and insightful comments for the average audience. 8/10”