Superman Doesn't Steal

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Superman Doesn't Steal
Theatrical release poster
Directed byTamika Lamison
Written byTamika Lamison
Produced by
  • Chris Beal
  • Dominique Deleon
  • Carol Ann Shine
Starring
CinematographyErin G. Wesley
Edited by
  • Shandra Barrera
  • Rich Gonzalez
  • Chancler Haynes
Music bySahil Jindal
Production
companies
  • Maktub Media Entertainment
  • Durable Goods
Release date
  • January 10, 2024 (2024-01-10)
Running time
19 minutes
Country
  • United States
LanguageEnglish

Superman Doesn't Steal is a 2024 short drama film directed and written by Tamika Lamison. The film is based on true events and is set during the 1970s Atlanta child murders, following the story of a nine-year-old girl, Harriet, and her brother, who are fascinated with superheroes. As they experience a troubling series of events, their understanding of heroes and villains including Superman begins to shift.[1]

The film stars Jordyn McIntosh, Mustafa Shakir, Tamika Lamison, Ellis Hobbs IV, E. Roger Mitchell and Kellen Boyle. it was released on January 10, 2024. and was featured at Cleveland International Film Festival and the Tallahassee Film Festival.

In 2024, Superman Doesn't Steal earned several nominations and took home sevenawards. Among its accolades, it was recognized with the Outstanding Short Form award at the 56th NAACP Image Awards in 2025,[2] and Pan African Film Festival awards.

Plot

[edit]

Set against the backdrop of 1970s Atlanta during the chilling era of the Atlanta Child Murders, Harriet, a spirited 9-year-old, and her older brother Jackson. Enthralled by the world of superheroes, the two spend their days immersed in imaginative adventures, idolizing their favorite comic book characters and envisioning themselves as champions of justice.

However, their innocent fascination with heroism is shattered when a series of traumatic events shake their family to its core, leaving behind deep emotional wounds. As their once simple world is disrupted, Harriet and Jackson are forced to confront the harsh realities of their surroundings. The siblings wrestle with their evolving notions of right and wrong, struggling to reconcile their childhood ideals with the unsettling truths they encounter.

Through pain and discovery, they embark on a journey that challenges their understanding of heroes and villains not just in the pages of their beloved comics, but in the world around them.

Cast

[edit]
  • Jordyn McIntosh as Harriet Riddick, A 9-year-old girl whose fascination with superheroes is tested by real-life events.[3]
  • Ellis Hobbs IV as Jackson Riddick, Harriet's older brother and fellow comic book enthusiast.
  • Tamika Lamison as Betty Riddick, The children's mother, navigating the challenges of the era.
  • Mustafa Shakir as Gil Riddick, The children's father, providing strength and guidance.
  • E. Roger Mitchell as Mr. Winget, A significant figure in the community.
  • Kellen Boyle as Officer Ziegler, A local police officer involved in the unfolding events.
  • Mark Totty as Officer Friendly, Another law enforcement presence in the narrative.

Background and production

[edit]

Superman Doesn't Steal was written and directed by Tamika Lamison. The project draws from Lamison’s personal experiences growing up in Atlanta, Georgia during the 1970s, particularly amid the backdrop of the Atlanta Child Murders.[4][5] The film explores themes such as morality, identity, and heroism through the perspective of a young African American girl.[6]

The film was produced by Maktub Media Entertainment, with principal photography taking place in Atlanta. The production team included Chris Beal, Carol Ann Shine, and Dwayne Buggage.[7]

Development

[edit]

Following the success of the short film, Lamison expanded the narrative into a feature-length screenplay. The adaptation aims to provide a more in-depth exploration of the film’s characters and the socio-cultural issues of the era.[8]

Release and reception

[edit]

Superman Doesn't Steal has been featured at several film festivals,[9] including the Cleveland International Film Festival[10] and the Tallahassee Film Festival.[11] It received positive attention for its storytelling and thematic resonance, particularly in its portrayal of childhood, race, and justice.[12]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Result Ref
2025 Image Awards (NAACP) Outstanding Short Form Won [13]
2024 Pan African Film Festival Best Film Won [14]
Septimius Awards Best Short Film Won [15]
Tallahassee Film Festival Audience Choice Award Won [16]
Chesapeake Film Festival Best Short Narative Won [17]
Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival Best Director Won [18]
Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival Best Narative Short Won [18]
Cameroon International Film Festival Best short International film Won [citation needed]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Broadnax, Jamie (2024-12-01). "Redefining Heroism in 'Superman Doesn't Steal'". Black Girl Nerds. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
  2. ^ Grein, Paul (2025-02-23). "Keke Palmer, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar & More Win Big at 2025 NAACP Image Awards: Full List". Billboard. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
  3. ^ "Meet The Cast – Superman Doesn't Steal". Retrieved 2025-05-06.
  4. ^ Shaw, A. R. (2024-10-30). "Tamika Lamison's Film 'Superman Doesn't Steal' Takes Introspective Look At 'Atlanta Child Murders'". Atlanta Daily World. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
  5. ^ Ju, Shirley (November 4, 2024). "TAMIKA LAMISON TALK NEW FILM 'SUPERMAN DOESN'T STEAL'". Sheen Magazine.
  6. ^ Williams, O. J. (2024-12-07). "Writer, Director & Star Tamika Lamison Talks Creating Short 'Superman Doesn't Steal' [Video]". The Knockturnal. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
  7. ^ "Superman Doesn't Steal". Cinevite. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
  8. ^ "BHM Double Feature: "Put it in a Book" and "Superman Doesn't Steal" | LASC". www.lasc.edu. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
  9. ^ "Superman Doesn't Steal". Charlotte Film Festival 2024. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
  10. ^ "Superman Doesn't Steal". www.clevelandfilm.org. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
  11. ^ "Shorts 6: Wanderlust - Superman Doesn't Steal". Tallahassee Film Festival 2025. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
  12. ^ "2025 Richmond International Film Festival". riff.eventive.org. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
  13. ^ Grein, Paul (2025-02-23). "Keke Palmer, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar & More Win Big at 2025 NAACP Image Awards: Full List". Billboard. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
  14. ^ Cannick, Jasmyne (2024-02-19). "2024 Pan African Film & Arts Festival Filmmaker Awards Announced! - Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF)". Retrieved 2025-05-08.
  15. ^ "PAST WINNERS – Septimius Awards". Retrieved 2025-05-08.
  16. ^ Democrat, Special to the Tallahassee. "Check out 15 movies that took home 2024 Tallahassee Film Festival awards". Tallahassee Democrat. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
  17. ^ "Award Winners | Chesapeake Film Festival". Retrieved 2025-05-08.
  18. ^ a b "Reel Sisters Award-Winning Films 2024". Welcome to Reel Sisters of the Diaspora. Retrieved 2025-05-08.