The Pocketbook (Bill Woodberry, 1980)

Adapting Langston Hughes’ story Thank You, Ma’am, in which a young boy comes to question his willful actions, this early short focuses on the power of forgiveness and second chances. Produced in black-and-white 16mm during Woodberry’s time as a UCLA student, The Pocketbook features music by Leadbelly, Thelonius Monk, and Miles Davis. (1980, 13 minutes)