BxFW:May 2025

MACKAI SHARP, Visual arts quickly made its way to the forefront of my life as a way of expressing myself and showcasing my perspective. As a queer 17 year old artist, I strive to capture authenticity and vulnerability in my work. Slowly over time I discovered the value that is found within connecting images to a greater narrative. What I hope to manifest for the future, is the opportunity to highlight the people, places and stories that have gone unrepresented, without an audience. These hopes and manifestations have taken over the importance of my life and have become the reason I wake up in the morning; to share stories.

DING JIE, is a freelance film and television producer. Apart from an Emmy-nomination for the first Singaporean production to compete at the ‘Short-form category,’ DJ is also a Houston Worldfest Platinum Remi winner. DJ’s dream is to tell compelling Singaporean stories for the global audience and is currently developing a feature narrative film.

Still frame of BEFORE THE BEAUTY IS GONE by Mackai Sharp reproduced by courtesy of the directors.

Special thanks to our media broadcast partners at BronxNet Community Television.

This program is made possible, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. For a full list of our distinguished funders, visit www.pregonesprtt.org.