Source: Courtesy / WillFilm4Food Entertainment

The compelling short film Hard, featuring the talented actress Lauren E. Banks, known for her roles in City on a Hill and Lawmen: Bass Reeves, is set to be showcased at the prestigious BronzeLens Film Festival in Atlanta this month. This film is not just a visual treat but an emotionally charged narrative that delves deep into significant societal issues. Discover more about this award-winning short film and its impact on contemporary cinema.

On August 21, 2025, film enthusiasts will have the opportunity to experience this moving piece at 7:00 p.m. in the “Eddie” Screening Room located at the Tara Atlanta Theater during the BronzeLens Film Festival. Attendees can look forward to an unforgettable evening filled with powerful storytelling that resonates with audiences from diverse backgrounds.

Hard is a remarkable creation penned and directed by the award-winning filmmaker Eboni Price. This impactful short film provides an in-depth look into the tumultuous coming-of-age journey of a 12-year-old Black girl who must confront the challenges of puberty, the weight of grief, and the harsh realities of violence. As she navigates the often unspoken survival codes dictated by her inner-city neighborhood, Price aims to “humanize the hood” and shed light on the tough exterior that society frequently imposes on Black girls. This narrative invites viewers to empathize with the struggles and resilience of young Black women.

“We aimed to delve deep into the societal pressures that many Black women face from a young age while creating characters that are rich and multi-dimensional,” Price shared in a statement. “My hope is that this film ignites an essential dialogue surrounding these themes and fosters understanding and compassion among viewers.”

Since its premiere in 2024 in New York, Hard has made significant waves in the film festival circuit. It has received the prestigious Audience Award at the Anthology Film Festival in Los Angeles, claimed the title of Best Short at Georgia’s Urban MediaMakers Film Festival, and enjoyed an international screening at the Rapport Film Festival in London. Additionally, this film was honored with backing from the inaugural Reel Sisters Film Festival Micro-Budget Grant, which underscores its bold narrative and cultural significance.

The BronzeLens Film Festival proudly enters its 16th year as one of the most esteemed platforms for filmmakers of color in the United States. It holds the distinction of being one of only 38 Oscar-qualifying festivals in the country. The inclusion of Hard in this year’s lineup enhances the festival’s longstanding legacy of advocating for innovative Black cinema and providing a platform for diverse voices in the film industry.

In addition to Lauren E. Banks’ remarkable portrayal of Renesha, Hard features an impressive supporting cast, including Kenya Stiger as Javonte, Jermaine Alvarez Martin as Jordan, and Tiffany Smith as Martinika. The film is produced by Banks in collaboration with WillFilm4Food Entertainment, alongside Dot Saint-Fleur, Kristofer Cross, and Musau Onwubiko, all of whom contribute their unique talents to this powerful project.

Eboni Price, a proud alum of Howard University and participant in Netflix’s Series Director Program, continues her mission to amplify the voices and narratives of Black women through impactful storytelling. With over 80 projects to her credit, Hard serves as another testament to her formidable influence in the realm of independent filmmaking. Her work consistently challenges norms and invites audiences to engage with complex, multidimensional characters.