Rachael DeCruz’s work centers on how familial and community bonds fortify people to push back against racist systems. DeCruz’s first film The Panola Project was an official selection of over 35 festivals, including Sundance, Hot Docs, and the DOC NYC Shortlist. The short film illuminates how an often-overlooked rural Black community came together in creative ways to survive the pandemic. The film received 12 festival awards, including the Oscar-qualifying Best Documentary Short Award at the Florida Film Festival, and was released with The New Yorker, featured on MSNBC's The Last Word and Morning Joe and highlighted in over 50 publications. Following the film’s release, Dr. Fauci said Dorothy’s work served as a model for the country and Dorothy received a letter of thanks from Kamala Harris. DeCruz is the former Chief of Staff at Race Forward, the country’s largest multiracial racial justice nonprofit and was the Communications Chair of the Seattle King County NAACP for over five years. Nine is her directorial feature debut.

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ABOUT NINE

After being sent to prison for life at 18, Gerald—also known as “Nine”—met Henry, who raised him into the man he is today. Using the lessons Henry taught him, Gerald organized his way out of prison. Now, Gerald is on a mission to bring his 83-year-old “Pops” home while there’s still time. Illuminating how love can serve as an act of resistance, Nine is a necessary portrait of Black life in the American Northwest and a poetic exploration of family, community, and masculinity.

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FILM

Nine

PROGRAM AFFILIATION

Documentary Lab

COHORT YEAR

2024-2026

INSTAGRAM

@heyreggie