Doc: Race, Revolution, Relativity & The Confessions of a Time Traveling Terrorist

An independent 30-minute short film by Tarik Rashaan Davis

Meet Doc. He’s Black. He’s a time traveler, and he’s the most wanted man on the planet.

Inspired by the likes of Spook That Sat By the Door and Brother John, and an homage to Black liberation films of the late 60's/early 70's with a dash of conspiratorial works like The Conversation and Marathon Man.

  • The year is 1969, and poet and musician Gil Scott Heron introduces Julio Benson to Doc, an infamous and enigmatic figure in the Black power movement. Julio interviews Doc on his New York City public access television show, Revolt, and as the interview unfolds, Julio quickly finds Doc’s claim that he is ‘a time traveler’ impossible to discredit. This lost episode of Revolt was recently found and made public for the first time. It is Doc's message in a bottle, his last chance to save the world.

    This 30 minute short film was completed in 2023. On FilmFreeway and IMDB.

    Official selection Black Austin Film Festival produced by ColdTowne Theater and Sequence 8

    Official selectionFestival of Cinema NYC
    Nomination for Best Breakout Actor Festival of Cinema NYC

    Honorable Mention Hollywood Independent Filmmaker Awards & Festival

    Official Selection Indie Short Fest

  • “BRILLIANT” – Michael Harriot

    "With wonderful performances from the two leads, DOC is a film that is equal parts haunting and hilarious, retro and Afro-futuristic. It's a treat to watch and write a glowing little blurb about." – Wyatt Cenac

    “This film is the essence of Tarik. I’m so glad he finally got to show exactly who he is to the world. He is creating a new genre of film with his debut and will continue to delight us with these outstanding tales. He’s truly a storyteller in the newest sense of the word.
    Welcome to your new favorite.” – Amber Ruffin

    “It’s so good. Well acted and unsettling, and the sci-fi parts are reminiscent of Claremont era X-Men.” – Chris Gethard

  • Writer
    Tarik Rashaan Davis

    Starring
    Tarik Rashaan Davis as Doc
    Ben Jaeger-Thomas as Julio Benson

    Directors
    Tarik Rashaan Davis and Laura K. Nicoll

    Director of Photography & Editor & Sound Effects:
    Mark Stetson 

    Original Music
    Sacha Hoedemaker

    Costumes
    Celeste Jennings

    Hair
    Elliot Simpson

    Makeup
    Waltaya Culmer

    2nd Camera
    Shawn Gray

    Visual Effects
    Ryan Mauskopf

    Produced by Chenoa Estrada, Micah Sherman, Mark Stetson, Tarik Rashaan Davis, Laura K. Nicoll, Johnny Lops

For optimal viewing experience, we encourage you to turn off your phones, dim the lights, connect to an external speaker or headphones, and make it full screen!