MEAL TICKET, a short film by Wes Andre Goodrich, makes Oscar’s road

Wes Andre Goodrich’s critically acclaimed short film MEAL TICKET has taken the film world by storm, earning a coveted spot on the road to the 97th Academy Awards®. At just 12 minutes long, this anxiety-filled thriller asks a question that resonates deeply: does morality outweigh opportunity?

The story centers on Saint, a young music manager on the brink of a major breakthrough. His volatile yet talented client, a rising hip-hop star, is set to kick off his debut tour. But just twelve minutes before the show begins, Saint receives life-changing news that could derail everything. Faced with a moral dilemma, Saint must decide whether to pursue his dreams at any cost or confront a harsh truth that could alter both of their lives forever.

MEAL TICKET dives deep into the tension between personal values and professional ambition, making it a story that feels both personal and universal—especially within communities where opportunity often comes at a price.

A Celebration of Black Excellence in Filmmaking

Directed and co-written by Brooklyn-based filmmaker Wes Andre Goodrich, MEAL TICKET is a testament to the power of authentic Black storytelling. The film was developed through Hillman Grad Productions’ Rising Voices program, an initiative spearheaded by Lena Waithe to amplify the voices of BIPOC filmmakers. Rising Voices, created in collaboration with Indeed, Ventureland, and 271 Films, provides resources and opportunities to creators often overlooked by the mainstream industry.

Since its debut at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, MEAL TICKET has been making waves, including being selected for the HollyShorts Film Festival. The film’s inclusion in these prestigious events is a nod to its quality and the importance of its message.

A Cast and Crew That Elevates the Story

The film’s gripping narrative is brought to life by Siddiq Saunderson, a multi-hyphenate artist known for his standout performance in Hulu’s Wu-Tang: An American Saga. Saunderson masterfully portrays the complexities of Saint’s client, a hot-headed hip-hop artist teetering on the edge of greatness and self-destruction.

Behind the scenes, co-writer and producer Patrick Nichols brings depth and experience to the production, having produced award-winning projects like Palm Sunday and Speak Up Brotha!. Cinematographer Ben Hardwicke, who recently shot Netflix’s You’re So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, creates a visually striking world that captures the tension and chaos of the story.

Watch the Interview and Dive Deeper

To hear more about the making of MEAL TICKET and Wes Andre Goodrich’s vision, watch the embedded video interview from Bond on Cinema. Goodrich discusses the inspiration behind the story, the challenges of creating such a high-stakes narrative in a short format, and what this moment means for Black filmmakers.

A Story That Reflects Us

At its heart, MEAL TICKET isn’t just about a music manager or a debut tour. It’s about the choices we all face when our values are tested. It’s a story about us—our ambition, our struggles, and the cost of staying true to who we are.

Take a moment to watch the interview and learn more about this remarkable film. MEAL TICKET isn’t just a film; it’s a reflection of our stories and our community’s power to rise, create, and inspire.

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