Back to 2025 MFF Archive

Queen of Samba

Directed by Stacy Pascal Gaspard
United States
2024
11 mins

Wrestling with her identity on the eve of a big samba competition, Nayelis decides to try Lady Fair, a lightening cream that has been in her household for as long as she can remember.

As the daughter and granddaughter of former Queens of Samba, Nayelis tempts the shadows that emerge in pursuit of lighter beauty standards. As pressure mounts in the glittering competition, the lightness reveals a sinister darkness. How far will Nayelis go to be crowned Queen?

'Queen of Samba' is screening with:

Sympathy Is A Knife (Horror Shorts Block)

Nowadays, horror comes in all forms. Whether its family drama, social media, or societal norms, this block is sure to scare you into the Atlantic.

  • Year
    2024
  • Country
    United States
  • Language
    English
  • Premiere Status
    North American Premiere
  • Director
    Stacy Pascal Gaspard
  • Producer
    Zahir Saleh, Jeremy Truong, Cinthya Carmona
  • Writer
    Stacy Pascal Gaspard
  • Cinematographer
    Ksusha Genenfeld
  • Editor
    Mario Fierro
  • Genre
    Horror
  • Theme
    Short, Directed by Women
  • Award
    Miami Int'l Short

Join the festival insider

Stay up to date with upcoming releases, exclusive events and festival news