Latasha Harlins Feature Film Premieres At The 2024 Pan African Film Festival

Los Angeles, CA—A new feature film based on Latasha Harlins premiered at the 2024 Pan African Film Festival held February 6-19th in Los Angeles. Written & directed by emerging filmmaker Shannon Dion, Latasha Harlins “A Rose That Grew From Concrete” is an independent feature film and labor of love aiming to finally conceptualize Latasha Harlins life story to be told to the world.

Founded in 1992 by Hollywood veterans Janet DuBois (Good Times) and Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon) the Pan African Film Festival remains dedicated to their mission of highlighting positive Black images through film and visual art. The festival is hosted annually at the Crenshaw Baldwin Hills Mall Cinemark Theaters.

Latasha Harlins “A Rose That Grew From Concrete” unveils Latasha’s story in its fullness, capturing the essence of her life beyond the tragic events associated with her death which was a major blow up to the 1992 Los Angeles race riots. Supported by the Harlins family, the project raised $13,000 through Kickstarter, while securing major filming locations over a swift 6-day production period.

Latasha Harlins’ tragic demise was just thirteen days after Rodney King’s recorded beating. This film aims to present a detailed biography, providing a broader perspective on Latasha’s life.

Director Shannon Dion, a Dallas native, is dedicated to exploring the human experience through films that focus on culture, race, and identity. His previous work includes “Hidden Faces,” a 2018 short film delving into the complexities of identity. Dion, an Oakwood University graduate with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and Theology, holds an MFA in Film from Artcenter College of Design.

Henry Yin, a seasoned Los Angeles-based cinematographer with over 10 years of experience, served as the film’s director of photography.

As we witness the premiere of this impactful film, “Latasha Harlins: A Rose That Grew From Concrete,” the narrative extends beyond tragedy, striving to redefine Latasha’s story through film. Dion’s commitment to powerful storytelling, coupled with the support of the Harlins family, promises to amplify Latasha’s voice in the broader conversation about culture, race, and identity.

We as Black Men must continue to honor an celebrate the stories of Black Women. We should not see ourselves as competitors but as collaborators in telling the stories of our people. Everyday all across the world, there is another black girl like Latasha that is born into this world, with goals and aspirations. And we need to make a concerted effort to nurture their dreams of little black boys and girls by speaking positivity over their lives.

Shannon Dion