In this #FilmmakerFocus, we’re spotlighting Phillip Youmans — the visionary writer-director behind the haunting and poetic debut BURNING CANE by phillipyoumans. Set in rural Louisiana, BURNING CANE explores faith, family, and fractured masculinity through the eyes of a Black woman confronting personal and spiritual crises in a deeply religious community. Shot when Youmans was just 17 years old, the film is a lyrical meditation on Southern Black life rarely seen on screen. BURNING CANE made history at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival, where Youmans became the youngest filmmaker ever to win: Best Narrative Feature Best Actor (Wendell Pierce) The Founders Award for Best Director The film also earned the Independent Spirit “Someone to Watch” Award and a nomination for Best First Feature. To bring BURNING CANE to your campus, cinema, or community space, visit arraynow.com/array-releasing.