Shawn Antoine II is a Harlem-born filmmaker and former collegiate athlete dedicated to telling impactful stories rooted in resilience, community, and Black culture. Shawn’s storytelling journey began in 2015, and he has since directed over 15 short films, highlighting themes of social justice, gentrification, and legacy. Currently pursuing an MFA in Documentary Media at Northwestern University, he is passionate about creating films that inform, inspire, and celebrate underrepresented voices across the diaspora.
Amidst the ivy-draped remnants of once-notorious public housing projects, For Those That Lived There weaves a visual tapestry, navigating the poignant impacts of gentrification, the displacement of Black legacies, and emerging migrant narratives. Against Chicago’s ever-evolving skyline, this evocative exploration immerses audiences into the soul of a neighborhood transformed.
For Those That Lived There will play as a part of the Shorts Block: A Fever Dream Waiting for the Right Builders