Rising Dawn (2022)
Monique’s debut short film, Rising Dawn, is a coming-of-age sports comedy inspired by her time as a high school majorette.
The film follows a young girl navigating friendship, self-worth, and leadership under the Friday night lights. It premiered at the Louisiana Film Prize and was honored with the Founder's Circle Award, setting the tone for Monique’s voice as a filmmaker who blends humor and heart with cultural specificity.
Watch The Full Movie Here
The Candy Lady (2023)
Her award-winning second short, The Candy Lady, draws on neighborhood nostalgia and fantasy to tell the story of a magical candy shop owner whose stories come to life.
This film marks a turning point in Monique’s creative journey, sweeping the 2023 Louisiana Film Prize with multiple honors and continuing its festival run across national and international stages. A feature version is currently in development.
Monique’s films have gained recognition on a growing list of platforms committed to bold, original voices in cinema. Rising Dawn was selected for the Louisiana Film Prize in 2022, winning the Founder's Circle Award and earning a nomination for Best First-Time Filmmaker at the Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase.The Candy Lady premiered at the 2024 Louisiana Film Prize and won the Grand Prize Award, Top 5 Award, Founder’s Circle Award, and Best Actress. It has since screened at celebrated festivals including Diversity in Cannes, Micheaux Film Festival, Detroit Film Festival, Southern Screen, Cleveland International Film Festival, Indy Shorts, and the International Black Film Festival in Nashville, where it won Best Narrative Short. These accolades reflect Monique’s rising influence and her ability to connect stories rooted in community with a global audience.
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FILM FESTIVALS
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