Award-winning filmmaker premieres movie shot in Cleveland barbershop

Calhoun's short film 'Fade 2 Black' to debut at Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:50pm

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A conceptual illustration featuring bold, jagged black silhouettes of people arranged in an abstract, angular composition against a high-contrast background of deep red and bright white, representing the diverse patrons and themes of a new short film set in a Cleveland barbershop.An avant-garde visual interpretation of the vibrant community and personal transformations captured in Calhoun's new short film 'Fade 2 Black'.Cleveland Today

On Saturday, April 18, award-winning filmmaker Calhoun will premiere their latest short film 'Fade 2 Black' at the Atlas Cinemas movie theater in Cleveland's Shaker Square neighborhood. The film was shot entirely in a local barbershop and will have two showings at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Why it matters

Calhoun is a rising star in the independent film world, having won several awards for their previous work. The premiere of 'Fade 2 Black' at a local Cleveland theater is an exciting event for the city's arts and culture scene, showcasing homegrown talent and highlighting the vibrant community of the Shaker Square area.

The details

Calhoun's new 20-minute short film 'Fade 2 Black' was shot entirely inside a barbershop located in Cleveland's Shaker Square neighborhood. The film explores themes of identity, community, and personal transformation through the lens of the barbershop, a longstanding institution in many Black communities.

  • The world premiere of 'Fade 2 Black' will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • The film will have two showings at the Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square location, one at 3 p.m. and one at 7 p.m.

The players

Calhoun

An award-winning independent filmmaker whose latest short film 'Fade 2 Black' will receive its world premiere in Cleveland.

Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square

A movie theater located in the Shaker Square neighborhood of Cleveland that will host the premiere screenings of 'Fade 2 Black'.

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What they’re saying

“I'm thrilled to be premiering 'Fade 2 Black' in Cleveland, the city that inspired and shaped this film. The barbershop is such an integral part of the Black community, and I hope this movie captures the energy and camaraderie that happens there.”

— Calhoun, Filmmaker

What’s next

Following the premiere screenings on April 18, 'Fade 2 Black' will go on to be featured at several upcoming independent film festivals across the country.

The takeaway

The premiere of 'Fade 2 Black' at a local Cleveland theater highlights the city's growing reputation as a hub for independent filmmaking, showcasing the talents of rising directors like Calhoun who are using their art to explore important themes and celebrate underrepresented communities.