AWARDS AND NOTABLE MENTIONS
MAJOR VICTORY FOR URBAN SIXTIES MEDIA Exciting news!
The Day, penned by Anthony D. Martinez, clinched the prestigious Grand Prize in the 2025 Creative Screenwriting Feature Screenplay Competition. This triumph transcends mere script success; it marks a triumph for a profound movement.
The Day delves into the journey of Moses Freeman, a groundbreaking Black quarterback challenging the norms of the sports industry. Facing unjust accusations and deliberate hindrances for his independent thinking, Moses embarks on a courageous path, risking everything to orchestrate the largest athlete walkout in history. This narrative explores themes of legacy, authority, surveillance, and the personal toll of conforming to external expectations.
A contemporary saga intertwining sports, activism, and foresight, narrated through the perspective of a determined new generation unafraid to defy conventions. This victory underscores the commitment of Urban Sixties Media to amplify marginalized voices.
Santa Barbara Screenplay Awards Writer Showcase
Excited to announce that my feature screenplay, "Don't Let Her In," has been recognized as a Top Finalist in the Santa Barbara Screenplay Awards Feature Film Competition!
The Santa Barbara Screenplay Awards team has highlighted all the finalists, including my work, in an article now live on their website. For those interested, you can find the link to the article in this post.
A special thank you to the Santa Barbara Screenplay Awards for their acknowledgment of independent voices in film and for supporting creators like myself.
“Don't Let Her In" (Formerly "Stay Awhile") – Quarterfinalist, Creative Screenwriting Feature Competition & Top Finalist, Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards— Urban Sixties Media is proud to announce that Don't Let Her In, a chilling supernatural drama inspired by true events, placed as a Quarterfinalist in the prestigious Creative Screenwriting Feature Competition and as a top finalist in the Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards. A haunting meditation on memory, faith, and the unseen forces that prey on the forgotten, this script continues to earn recognition for its emotional depth and genre craftsmanship.
The Man From Outside Light: The Scales has officially placed as a Quarter Finalist in the 2025 NexTV Writing & Pitch Screenplay Competition!
This story is deeply personal. Set during the 1992 Los Angeles uprising, The Scales follows Elijah Sharpe, a Black LAPD officer haunted by the ghosts of his past—and the ghosts of the nation’s sins. It’s a supernatural reckoning that blends historical injustice, ancestral memory, and raw street realism into one firelit trial of the soul.
The script builds on the mythology of The Man From Outside Light saga and stands as a bold, genre-elevated indictment of systems built to erase. I wrote it as both warning and offering. That even in the ashes, truth still has a witness.
Thank you to NexTV and the judges for seeing the weight of this story. And thank you to those who continue to read, support, and amplify original work rooted in cultural truth.
THE MAN FROM OUTSIDE LIGHT: PART III — THE SCALES has officially made the Coverfly Red List, currently ranked #16 out of 8,137 horror feature projects on the platform.
Thank you to the Coverfly team and readers for recognizing this story. And thank you to those who've followed this trilogy since Part I: The Man From Outside Light first entered the world.
We’re not writing horror for the sake of fear — we’re writing to remember.
"The fire does not choose. But it remembers".
BLEED THE BAYONET has been selected as a Finalist for the World Film Festival in Cannes (Best Screenplay category), an IMDb-qualifying international competition highlighting bold voices and emerging storytellers globally.
Set during WWI, Bleed the Bayonet delves into the journey of a Harlem undertaker joining the 369th Infantry Regiment — the renowned Harlem Hellfighters. Unveiling an ancient West African force within his lineage, the narrative explores erasure, ancestral power, and resistance, blending historical truths with spiritual awakening.
Grateful to the festival jury for embracing this narrative. At Urban Sixties Media, our commitment remains: to revive forgotten stories, reimagine suppressed voices, and ignite untold narratives.
"They sent us to die in silence. But we sang anyway."
Stay tuned for more updates.
PROFESSIONAL EVALUATIONS
"Bleed the Bayonet" – Professional Evaluation
Praised for its commercial strength and emotional depth, Bleed the Bayonet was described by industry readers as a bold, atmospheric war drama that cleverly subverts genre expectations. The introduction of Obasi Ka elevates the Harlem Hellfighters' historical narrative into something mythic and unforgettable, drawing comparisons to All Quiet on the Western Front meets Sinners. The script was noted for its professional-level pacing, character development, and layered thematic resonance—making it a compelling candidate for major studio development. Evaluators cited the concept’s commercial genre appeal, cultural insight, and strong story instincts as proof of the writer’s clear command of the craft.
"Eight Seconds and a Name" – Professional Evaluation
This powerful period drama was lauded for its unique, timely premise spotlighting the overlooked history of Black rodeo riders—most notably Jesse Stahl—and for delivering a poignant, character-driven odyssey. Ray’s journey from small-town hardship to the high-stakes Fort Worth arena offers a rich role for a lead actor, filled with emotional beats and dramatic range. Industry readers praised the script’s evocative Texas world-building, racial undercurrents, and steady buildup to its final act, drawing comparisons to 42 and The Rider. With a grounded scale and distinct commercial potential, Eight Seconds and a Name was noted as an ideal fit for directors like Antoine Fuqua, Dee Rees or F. Gary Gray and platforms such as Netflix.
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"The Speaking Glass (Limited Series)" – Professional Evaluation
Praised for its striking command of tone, The Speaking Glass unfolds beneath a chilling canopy of grief and unease. From its somber opening at a funeral to its unnerving, reality-bending sequences, the script’s slow, staccato rhythm and sparse dialogue effectively build a haunting atmosphere. Industry readers highlighted the eerie, concept-driven premise—centered around a mysterious TV that allows Raya to witness and influence her family’s past—as both emotionally rich and ripe with horror potential. Comparisons were drawn to high-concept thrillers like Talk to Me, with the script commended for its surreal, stylish world and moments of unsettling levity. The Speaking Glass was recognized as a deeply promising and cinematic entry in psychological horror.
"Mouth of God” – Professional Evaluation
Immersive and emotionally resonant, Mouth of God earned high marks for its electrifying premise, sharp dialogue, and unexpected narrative turns. Industry readers praised the script's authentic, soul-rich voice—highlighting standout scenes between Mama Rue and Avery as deeply moving and vividly written. The dynamic between Avery and Trey brings a lived-in, believable friendship to life, while the film’s haunting music-driven arc evokes comparisons to Sinners in the best way. Avery’s supernatural gospel track provides a unique and thought-provoking twist, blending spiritual horror with cultural commentary. The script was noted for its cinematic rhythm, passion for music, and its satisfying full-circle ending. With a diverse, well-crafted cast and a timely concept, Mouth of God is seen as a standout with strong commercial and casting potential—especially with a real-life rapper or musician in the lead role.
"Don’t Let Her In" (formerly "Stay Awhile")– Professional Evaluation
A haunting and original supernatural thriller, Don’t Let Her In was praised for its powerful high-concept premise and emotionally grounded characters. Industry readers highlighted the film’s chilling use of Muslim mythology, calling it a fresh and under-explored element in the horror genre—comparing its emotional depth and spiritual horror to The Exorcist and The Conjuring. The character of Dan was noted as a deeply empathetic protagonist, making the eerie presence of Mara all the more unsettling. Readers were particularly struck by the script’s central terror: the erasure of memory and identity, which is as sad as it is terrifying. With its strong themes of faith, family, and spiritual resilience, Don’t Let Her In was described as a “novel supernatural thriller” with clear potential for expansion into a larger cinematic universe.
"The Crown And The Cross"– Professional Evaluation
“Inspiring, powerful, and full of wonder, this faith-based drama offers a unique contemporary adaptation of one of the oldest and best-known stories in the world: the life and death of Jesus Christ.”
Set in modern-day Harlem, The Crown and the Cross reimagines the Gospel through the lens of Black resilience, systemic oppression, and spiritual awakening. At the center is Jay Walker, a mysterious man whose miracles and message spark a movement, and whose presence challenges the very structures of power.
The evaluator praises the script’s “universal premise, compelling characters, and keen cinematic eye,” hailing Jay not for a traditional arc, but for his unwavering moral clarity:
“Jay is a compelling protagonist not because of some transformative arc, but because of his resoluteness, remaining virtuous and good in the face of persecution.”
In a world too often fractured by fear, The Crown and the Cross reminds us that truth, compassion, and faith are radical acts. The Black List notes the script “delivers a message of love and kindness that will resonate with audiences all over.”
Stay tuned as we prepare this powerful story for the screen.
DEAD HOMIES RECEIVES A NEAR PERFECT EVALUATION FROM PROFESSIONAL ANALYSTS FROM THE WIKI SCREENPLAY CONTEST.
Urban Sixties Media is proud to announce that Dead Homies, the original supernatural feature screenplay written by Anthony D. Martinez, has received outstanding marks in a recent professional evaluation, scoring a rare 10/10 in Concept, Tone, and Marketplace Potential, and 9/10 in Structure, Character, Dialogue, Conflict, and Emotional Investment.
The coverage calls the project:
"One of the most original, high-concept urban fantasy premises in recent memory... genre-savvy and socially urgent, with franchise potential on par with True Blood or Lovecraft Country."
Highlights from the analyst's comments include:
- Concept (10/10): “Culturally specific, genre-rich, and sociopolitically resonant… The logline alone would turn heads at any pitch meeting.”
- Character & Dialogue (9/10): “Brandon is a compelling protagonist… Tanya is phenomenal… Dialogue is electric, poetic, and authentic.”
- Tone (10/10): “Think Moonlight meets Blade meets City of God. The tone never wavers.”
- Marketplace Potential (10/10): “A young, Black lead with universal appeal and layered stakes. This script demands attention from studios like HBO, A24, or Monkeypaw Productions.”
With its bold world-building, mythic stakes, and cinematic voice, Dead Homies has been heralded as “Black, bold, and brilliant”—a modern saga where ancient power clashes with systemic injustice, and where bloodlines buried beneath concrete rise again.
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Urban Sixties Media
Awards, evaluations, and notable mentions are updated regularly as they are confirmed by our partners. Please check back for the latest updates.
