NOT A THRU STREET

Black Film Space is thrilled to announce our latest fiscally sponsored project, Not a Thru Street, in collaboration with Isaiah Anderson and Marsalis Burton.

As fiscal sponsors, we offer tax-deductible opportunities for all donations—large or small—helping to bring this powerful short film to life. Watch the video to hear from the co-creators about why this project is so meaningful to them.

All donations are tax deductible and go 100% towards the making of this film. 7% of every contribution going directly to Black Film Space.

ABOUT THE PROJECT


PROJECT TYPE: Narrative Short

GENRE: Drama, Comedy

PROJECT STATUS: Pre-Production

DIRECTOR/PRODUCER: Isaiah Anderson 

WRITER: Marsalis Burton and Isaiah Anderson 

PRODUCER: Isaiah Anderson

PRODUCER: Cello Miles 

CINEMATOGRAPHER: Ruben Plascencia

LOGLINE:  ‘Not a Thru Street’ follows Cello Miles, a musician grappling with his true identity amidst the pressures of fame. Faced with the choice to conform to industry stereotypes, Cello journeys through the highs and lows of stardom on a turbulent path to his version of success.


SYNOPSIS: This short film is inspired by a 6-song Alternative Hip Hop EP titled 'Not a Thru Street,' created by Cello Miles. This film serves as a dramatic adaptation of the EP's narrative. The story revolves around a young man at a crossroads in life, where his decisions hold the power to alter his path. The viewer will see different versions of Cello Miles that overlap each other. He embodies roles ranging from a cashier at a corrupt corporate chain to a displaced drug addict, a materialistic rapper enamored with wealth and women, and finally, a version of himself prioritizing family over the allure of Hollywood's vices.

Meet the Team

  • Isaiah Anderson

    CO-CREATOR/DIRECTOR

    Isaiah is a multidisciplinary artist whose creative practice encompasses filmmaking, fashion, and photography. With a commitment of creating positive Black imagery, sustainable clothing, and community empowerment. He is striving to challenge industry norms and foster meaningful connections.

    With Not a Thru Street, Isaiah aims to bring together a diverse group of individuals to tell a strory that highlights the profound importance of prioritizing family and core values over the pursuit of fame and wealth. 

    Based in Los Angeles, Isaiah began his artistic journey in 2018. Since then, he has made significant contributions to large corporations such as VICE Media, Spotify, Vox Media, and BBC News. With that being said, the work he truly cares about is with his creative agency Again Studios, a brand and production company dedicated to creating authentic narratives that resonate.

  • Cello Miles/Marsalis Burton

    CO-CREATOR/LEAD ACTOR

    Marsalis Burton is an actor and model born and raised in the Bay Area, now based in Los Angeles. Burton has worked in Commercial/Tv/Film, his most notable work is an Oscar-qualified short film Executively Produced by Barry Jenkins titled My Own Mecca, in which he was the lead actor. The film touches on the effects of gentrification specific to young black men in America. 

    Burton’s Not a Thru Street is a conversation centered around morality, positive black family imagery, and trust in oneself to pursue goals despite obstacles. Marsalis is the co-writer of this relatable story and hopes to spark a broader conversation with its impact

    Mr. Burton is also a multifaceted rapper that goes by the alias Cello Miles. Miles started writing poetry at the age of 10, he was inspired by Langston Hughes and Miles Davis in his early years. The positive reinforcement of black culture illustrated by those artists, is what attracted Cello to dive into the music medium. In his more recent years, modern day artists like Andre 3000, Mick Jenkins, Kendrick Lamar, Smino are what formed his taste for writing Rap and R&B songs. Miles intends to evoke emotion and keep enlightening people through his music as the forefathers did.

  • Javion Duncan

    PRODUCER

    Javion Duncan is a Producer and Graphic Designer at Fox Sports with a focus in developing digital podcast. Mr. Duncan aspires to be a Creative Director in the future. He intends to utilize all of his skills within the arts, production, and design to create meaningful projects of hope and inspiration. 

    Javion relates to the story of ‘Not a Thru Street’ in that life will always be unpredictable. Here is a personal account from him “Who you are within the high and lows of life, reflect your true character. My life has dealt with many challenges; losing my father at a young age, being the leader of my family faster than anticipated, truly wanting to give up on my dreams. Despite the obstacles I’ve faced, my mindset has never been more motivated and focused to achieve my dreams and I believe that’s what ‘Not a Thru Street’ is all about.”

  • Isabella Goulden

    PRODUCER

    Isabella Goulden is an actress and creative originally from Tulsa, OK. She grew up doing community theatre and followed that passion through college where she performed in roles such as Luciana in Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors” and Mother/Mrs. Ethel Banks in Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park.” She began transitioning from stage to screen by working on commercials, music videos, student films, and as a background actor in multiple feature films. She also starred in the short film, Desolate, which earned her a nomination for Best Actress in the 2019 CV Indie Film Awards.


     Isabella received her BA in Theatre from Oklahoma State University that same year and moved to LA in 2021 to pursue a career in film & TV. While acting has always been her main passion, she enjoys working behind the scenes as well and has experience as a Stage Manager, Assistant Director, Studio Coordinator, and PA. She is so excited to be a part of the team on Not A Thru Street! 

  • Maddi Cash

    PRODUCER

    Maddi Cash is a 2019 radio, television, and film graduate from The University of Texas at Austin who found her way to Los Angeles in 2020 to continue pursuing her passion. Her desire for entertainment started at a young age from quoting films and tv with her family during dinner. She has brought small town Texas to Beverly Hills where she now works as a talent agent assistant. Before her time at the agency, her journey led her to be a director, producer, studio coordinator, and PA. Now she brings those skills and passion to Not A Thru Street where she will help produce Cello’s story.