CinemaOpticsFounded by Crystal Porter Bazemore & Tawan Bazemore
Cinema Optics is a Los Angeles-based production company founded by creative partners Crystal Porter Bazemore and Tawan Bazemore. Dubbed “The Bazemore Duo” by Indie Shorts Mag, the team is known for crafting visually bold, socially resonant stories that challenge convention and center human transformation.
Our debut short film, SOUND, was called “A Masterpiece” by Indie Shorts Mag and “Simply relentless” by UK Film Review. With over 80 official selections and 52 wins—including 9 Best Actress awards for Crystal Porter Bazemore—it established our signature blend of emotional intimacy and visual power.
Our sophomore short, The Recipe, premiered at the 2024 Denton Black
Film Festival and continues its festival run through 2025. To date, the film has received 8 official selections, 8 nominations, and 2 wins: Crystal Porter Bazemore for Best Actress and the People’s Choice Award. Its rich aesthetic, inspired by vintage European cinema and modern-day thrillers, explores themes of inheritance, reconciliation, and truth-telling through a culturally imaginative lens.
The Recipe8 Official Selections | 8 Noms | 2 WINS: BEST ACTRESS & PEOPLE’S CHOICE
Directed by Tawan Bazemore
Written by Crystal Porter Bazemore & Tawan Bazemore
In a reimagined world where history unfolded differently, two women—Olufemi Adisa (Crystal Porter Bazemore) and Carol Anne Cole (Jennifer Althen Beacham)—are brought together by a family recipe and a violent past. As they seek forgiveness and healing, a decades-old murder threatens to unravel the promise of reconciliation.
The Recipe blends lyrical cinematography with psychological depth, offering a cinematic experience that is both intimate and bold. Currently on the festival circuit, it continues to spark dialogue around legacy, grief, and connection.
Wins & Nominations
SITA AWARDS (Winner)
Best Actress, Crystal Porter Bazemore
Queen City Film Festival (Nominated)
Best Director, Tawan Bazemore
Best Female Performance, Crystal Porter Bazemore
Urban Film Festival
Best Short Film, Nominated
The Micheaux Film Festival (Nominated)
Best Actress, Crystal Porter Bazemore
Denton Black Film Festival (DBFF)
People’s Choice Award, Winner
Denton Black Film Festival (DBFF)
Best Short Film, Nominated
Bare Bones Film Festival (Nominated)
Best Director, Tawan Bazemore
Best Actress, Crystal Porter Bazemore
SOUND39 Official Selections | 81 Noms | 53 Film Festival WINS; 9 Best Actress Wins
Directed & Written by Tawan Bazemore
A sonic and visual exploration of loss, SOUND follows a woman’s journey through grief after a devastating tragedy. With minimal dialogue and a focus on pure emotion, the film has been celebrated for its artistic storytelling and cinematic innovation.
SOUND has been officially selected by over 80 festivals, garnering 52 awards and widespread acclaim for its immersive design, visionary direction, and Crystal Porter Bazemore’s lead performance.
Panavision Nomination, Best Short FilM“Will jar your senses and leave you emotionally stunned.”
“3 1/2 stars out of 4. Engaging and enthralling from beginning to end.”
“Rentless.”
“Poetic Cinema”
“The ending will stay with you.”
SOUND is available for viewing on KWEILI TV & TUBI