KILLER OF MEN
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KILLER OF MEN
is a powerful and intense exploration of a man, Mace, who is trapped in the brutal reality of slavery and forced combat. It combines elements of historical fiction with spiritual and psychological themes, particularly focusing on Mace's internal struggle and his connection to his African roots and gods, like Ogun, the god of war in Yoruba religion.
Meet the Team
WRITER/DIRECTOR
JORDAN BETINE
Jordan Betine is a Nigerian-American Writer-Director raised in Ashburn, Virginia. He graduated from Howard University in 2020 where he studied Film production. Jordan is drawn to narratives that celebrate the immigrant experience and wants to explore every facet of the diaspora. From tales of resilience to those of cultural celebration. Jordan has previously interned with Florentine Films, BET/Viacom, Greater and Grander Productions and MACRO. Jordan Also owns a production company called Betine Films where makes music videos and commercials.
PRODUCER
RUOXIAO LI
Ruoxiao Li is a storyteller from China. A graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she is currently pursuing a degree in Producing at the American Film Institute. She is mentored by Lianne Halfon, whose notable works include Juno and Ghost World.
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
LUKE SCROGGINS
Luke Scroggins studied theater under David Connelly at the North East School of the Arts in his home town of San Antonio and continued at Otterbein University School of Theatre, earning a BFA in Acting. Television credits include SWITCHED AT BIRTH, GENERAL HOSPITAL and DAYS OF OUR LIVES. After a period coordinating and editing for fashion clients, Scroggins joined the Dark Side and began working in camera. Recently he has moved into the narrative space as Utility on the independent feature FRESH KILLS and the limited series RZR. He made his cinematographer debut on the short films COSMIC BEACH and L'DIRECTOR
PRODUCTION DESIGNER
RAJESHWARI 'RJ' RAGAMPUDI
Rajarajeshwari "RJ" Ragampudi, is a recent graduate with a bachelor's degree in Architecture from India. She is recognized in her university for her undergraduate thesis, an in-depth research-based design project through the study of the films of the Indian film director, Satyajit Ray. Her experience as an Architect has helped her gain practical knowledge in spatial design, construction and project management. Along with this, she is also skilled in creative visualization with a stark interest in Film, enabling her to pursue an MFA degree in Production Design. She strives to design sets that are not only authentic to the setting but deeply character-driven, enhancing and punctuating key moments in the story.
EDITOR
YOU WU
You Wu is a working editor with four years of professional experience. He has worked on a range of short films across different genres, contributing as both an editor and in key roles such as DIT and sound designer. Several of the films he edited have been selected for major film festivals, including LA Shorts and the Avignon International Film Festival.
Our film explores the exploitation of Black bodies in sports and entertainment, emphasizing how this practice strips away their humanity and dignity. We critique the systems that devalue Black lives, reducing people to mere parts rather than acknowledging their whole selves.
Additionally, we highlight the endurance of African culture through the brutal conditions of slavery. This theme underscores the resilience and continuity of African heritage, showing how it survives and empowers individuals even in the harshest circumstances.
Our Motive
The American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory, a top film school founded in 1969, offers a selective two-year Master of Fine Arts program in Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design, and Screenwriting.
With a hands-on, production-based approach, AFI nurtures the talents of tomorrow’s storytellers, producing more films than any other graduate film program.
AFI alumni are frequently recognized at major awards, including the Oscars, Emmys, and Cannes. In 2019, three AFI Thesis Films won Student Academy Awards in the Narrative category.