Archive · 20 Sep 2025
Baz Sells' Stop-Motion Short: Love and Identity
Imagine a beautiful stop-motion movie about two Black boys, Dula and Eden, who are in love.
The movie is based on a poem and shows their special world.
They are in a world that isn't always nice, but they create their own safe paradise.
The filmmaker, Baz Sells, worked with others to make sure the story felt real and showed how important love and being yourself are.
The film shows the importance of feeling worthy and beautiful, and understanding others, especially if your experience is different from others.
It’s a story about acceptance and love.
The short film "Two Black Boys in Paradise" is based on Dean Atta's poem.
The film, directed by Baz Sells, explores themes of identity and love.
It premiered at several film festivals, including HollyShorts and BFI Flare.
The project was a collaborative effort involving the director, the producer and the poet.
The film aims for audiences to feel seen, worthy, and have an open mind.
- Who
- Baz Sells (Director) and the production team.
- What
- A stop-motion animated short film based on a poem.
- When
- The film's concept to completion took five years.
- Where
- The film premiered at various film festivals and will be broadcast on Channel 4 in the U.K.
- Why
- To tell a story of love, identity, and belonging.
- Film Title
- Two Black Boys in Paradise
- Director/Co-writer
- Baz Sells
- Based on
- Dean Atta's poem
- Main Characters
- Dula and Eden
- Premiered at
- HollyShorts, San Francisco LGBTQ+ Film Festival, BFI Flare
- Award
- Iris Prize
- Frame Rate
- 24-25 frames per second