By Rhea Mursalin
Color of Autumn, directed by Aimiende Negbenebor Sela and written by Constance Nicole Frierson, Alexandra Olivia Engelson, and Rebecca Bloom, is a powerful narrative short inspired by a true story set in 1966 on Chicago’s South Side.
The film follows eight-year-old Dottie Grimsby (Ramiyah DeGray), raised in a loving, middle-class Black family that shields her from segregation — until the outside world intrudes.
Produced by Pamela Weiss, Rebecca Bloom, Alexandra Olivia Engelson, and Yhá Mourhia Wright, with cinematography by Alexxiss Jackson, the film uses warm tones and nostalgic framing to reflect childhood safety. As Dottie encounters discrimination, the color palette subtly shifts, mirroring her loss of innocence.
Narrated through Dottie’s perspective — and later reflected on by Adult Dottie (Zealyne Marchelle Williams) — the story makes racism personal and immediate. The most powerful moment comes when a friend stands up against injustice, underscoring the importance of allyship and courage.
Color of Autumn succeeds as a character-driven short about empathy, racism, and moral growth. It balances emotional warmth with social truth, making it especially impactful for teens and adults.
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Rhea Mursalin is a recent graduate from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where she earned a B.A. in Communications.
