Short Film Contest Winner

Chisa Hutchinson: A Bold Voice in Storytelling, Selected for “Bad Dad”

Chisa Hutchinson is a name synonymous with fearless storytelling. As a playwright and screenwriter, Hutchinson has made a significant impact with her work, delving into complex themes of race, identity, and human relationships. Known for her sharp wit and ability to navigate difficult subject matter with sensitivity and honesty, her body of work spans theater, film, and television, capturing diverse audiences.

Hutchinson’s storytelling embodies authenticity and boldness, often focused on voices and perspectives that are seldom heard. Raised in Newark, she carved her path with a B.A. from Vassar College and an M.F.A. in Playwriting from NYU. Her early works, such as She Like Girls and Somebody’s Daughter, won acclaim for exploring complex social themes, positioning her as a fearless writer unafraid of difficult conversations. Her collaborations have spanned from the New York NeoFuturists to Blue Man Group, and her plays have been produced by leading regional theaters, including NJPAC, the Working Theater, and South Coast Rep.

Most recently, her work has been featured on television in Three Women on Starz. Hutchinson is also known for her feature film debut, The Subject, a thought-provoking indie available on various streaming platforms. This film, which earned over 30 festival awards, explores the moral complexities faced by a white documentarian who profited from exploiting the death of a black teenager.

Hutchinson’s short film Bad Dad is the debut winner of Escape Route Films’ Short Film Contest. ERF saw in Bad Dad a reflection of the company’s mission to support artists telling stories that break conventional molds. “We’re thrilled to support Chisa’s vision with Bad Dad,” says Jason De Beer, founder of Escape Route Films. “Her ability to tell stories that are both deeply personal and universally resonant aligns perfectly with our mission to create films that challenge, engage, and inspire. Chisa’s voice is one that we’re proud to amplify, and we believe this film will leave a lasting impact on audiences.”

This short film, which delves into the complicated bonds between fathers and their relationships with their children, tackles the complexities of parenting in a divisive era. Selected by ERF, Bad Dad aligns with the company’s mission to amplify unique voices that defy mainstream conventions and to cultivate stories with depth, reflection, and lasting impact. The film examines the raw and complex ties between fathers and children, inviting audiences into the kind of immersive, thought-provoking storytelling that defines both Hutchinson’s work and ERF’s vision for film.

Learn more about Chisa Hutchinson at chisahutchinson.com.