Every year, the Detroit Black Film Festival highlights stories that celebrate culture, creativity, and community. This year, one of the most heartwarming family films to look forward to is Paw Paw & Dayja, directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Gregory Alan Williams.
The short film tells the delightful story of Dayja, a ten-year-old girl with a big imagination and an even bigger curiosity. Obsessed with the idea of Bigfoot, she sets out on an adventure that brings her closer to her widowed grandfather. Along the way, she discovers something much more important than mythical creatures: that everyone sees the world a little differently, and that every perspective has value.
This beautiful message makes Paw Paw & Dayja more than just a story about a child’s playful curiosity—it’s a reminder to both kids and adults that empathy and understanding are what bring families closer together.
Families attending the festival can catch the film on Saturday, September 27th at 3:00 PM at The Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit. The movie is part of Block Five, with screenings beginning at 3:05 PM.
🎥 With colorful visuals, engaging characters, and a heartfelt message, Paw Paw & Dayja is a film that children and parents can enjoy side by side. Don’t forget to check out the trailer for a sneak peek into this magical family journey.