In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, the team behind Love Zuri has officially launched the trailer for the heartfelt short film while preparing for its 2026 festival run.
The project was born out of a chance connection at the 2025 American Black Film Festival, where actor Mohamed Williams, filmmaker Love Nafi, and Brooklyn-based director Okema T. Moore first crossed paths. That meeting quickly grew into a creative partnership centered on meaningful, character-driven storytelling.
Following their collaboration on the indie pilot Love Song, the trio now returns with Love Zuri, a moving short that explores fatherhood, autism, and the power of connection.
Logline
When a father is left alone with his non-verbal daughter for the weekend, his fears about her autism begin to shift as music helps him truly understand her.
Directed and produced by Okema T. Moore, written and executive produced by Love Nafi, and based on a story by Mohamed Williams, Love Zuri centers on a deeply personal and emotionally resonant family journey.
The cast includes Mohamed Williams, Llogan Peters, Paige Montana Monroe, Jenkins, Steven Strickland, and Betty Entzminger.
The filmmakers describe the short as both a celebration of neurodiverse children and a story about learning new ways to listen, love, and connect.
Love Zuri is now heading into the 2026 festival circuit, with the team also seeking impact partners and collaborators to help expand the film’s mission of amplifying neurodiverse voices through storytelling.