A Rodeo Film

A Rodeo Film is a 2019 American drama short film written and directed by Darius Dawson and produced by Ryan Binse. The film was released on HBO Max on February 2, 2021.

A Rodeo Film
Poster
Directed by	Darius Dawson
Written by	Darius Dawson
Produced by	Ryan Binse
Starring	Jermelle Simon Phrederic Semaj Charlee Earle
Cinematography	Erin G. Wesley
Edited by	Briana Chmielewski
Music by	Kyle Woods
Distributed by	HBO Max
Release dates	April 2019 (2019-04) (San Diego Film Week) February 2, 2021 (2021-02-02)
Running time	19 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

Plot

A bull rider no longer in love with the sport chooses between his family's rodeo legacy and his own life aspirations.

Cast

• Jermelle Simon as Averill
• Phrederic Semaj as Harland
• Charlee Earle as Frankie^[1][2]

Production

Principal photography took place near San Diego.^[3] The film was inspired by Christopher Nolan^[4] and Dawson's time living in Singapore.^[5] It was made at the American Film Institute.^[6] Dawson hopes it raises awareness about black cowboy culture and rodeo athletes.^[7] Larry Poole is one of the film's executive producers.^[8]

Release

A Rodeo Film screened at Toronto Black Film Festival,^[9] Urbanworld Film Festival,^[10] Prison City Film Festival^[11] and BronzeLens Film Festival^[12] and was distributed on February 2, 2021, by HBO Max.^[13][14]

Reception

Dawson won the West Region's African American Student Film Award^[15][16] at the Directors Guild of America Awards^[17][18] and Best Student Film at GI Film Festival San Diego.^[19]