Pockets of Heaven debuts, LA wildfire evacuation
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- Pockets of Heaven marks Maria Belafonte's feature directorial debut, continuing the legacy of her grandfather Harry Belafonte.
- Pockets of Heaven stars Brandon Wilson, Soap Collins, Aaron Holliday, Alfre Woodard, Jonas Gindin, Gilberto Ortiz, and introduces rapper‑musician Mavi in his feature acting debut.
- Pockets of Heaven follows three young people—a privileged rehab runaway and two unhoused 20‑somethings—navigating love, addiction, and survival during a Los Angeles wildfire evacuation.
- Pockets of Heaven was co‑written by Maria Belafonte and Alexander Zeke Musca, shot by cinematographer Angel Barroeta, and completed principal photography in Los Angeles in December.
- Pockets of Heaven is produced by Sofie Hubbard Warshafsky and Glia Productions, with Maria Belafonte and Alexander Zeke Musca’s New Wrinkle Films, and executive producers Gina Belafonte (Sankofa.org) and Jason Wiesenfeld.
- Pockets of Heaven partners with Help USA and The People Concern to ensure authentic representation of unhoused communities, with post‑production slated for completion in summer 2026.
- Maria Belafonte graduated from NYU’s Gallatin School, has directed music videos and commercials, and serves as creative director of Sankofa.org.
Why it matters: The film gives a high‑profile platform to Los Angeles’ unhoused community, ensuring authentic representation through its partnership with Help USA and The People Concern, while also launching Maria Belafonte’s directorial career and expanding representation in Hollywood, adding a mainstream voice to stories of addiction and survival.
