Larkins '20 Premieres “Tanglewood,” Short Film Representing Black Women

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Dec. 8, 2025) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University alumna Kayla Annmarie Larkins has turned her journalistic eye to filmmaking with her latest short film, “Tanglewood.”

Larkins, a 2020 graduate of N.C. A&T’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (JOMC) public relations program, created “Tanglewood” after identifying a lack of multidimensional roles for Black women in film. She developed four expressive characters, Sloane, Judy, Vivian and Bonnie, whose friendship reflects sincerity, connection and authenticity.

“Tanglewood” centers on Sloane, a sharp-witted radio host whose on-air confidence masks the heartbreak she hides from her three closest friends. The story unfolds over a dinner party, where laughter, secrets and subtle tensions reveal deeper truths about love and self-perception. With moody lighting, landline phones and noir-inspired color palettes, the film channels the cinematic flair of the 1980s and 1990s while feeling timeless.

“My inspiration came from the women in my life: how we date, talk, and let ourselves be transparent,” said Larkins. “I’ve always loved shows like ‘Girlfriends,’ ‘Golden Girls,’ and ‘Sex and the City.’ I wanted that same sisterhood; four women at the center, laughing, talking and learning through each other.”

Larkins has written, co-written, produced, and directed three short films – “Bloodlust,” “Girl Dinner” and “Light a Candle” – embracing multiple roles behind the camera to bring her stories to life.

A Raleigh, North Carolina native, Larkins now calls Brooklyn, New York home as she pursues an MFA in Filmmaking at Brooklyn College’s Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema, having gotten her start at A&T in multimedia and sports production, editing and broadcast communication.

“I was all over Crosby,” she said, referring to Crosby Hall, which houses A&T’s JOMC department. “I took classes with Mr. (Ed) Moye, learned Premiere Pro and sports production, and realized how much I loved being behind the camera, even before I thought of it as a career.

For Larkins, “Tanglewood” was as much a test of determination as it was an artistic endeavor. She financed and produced the film independently, navigating limited funding. For casting, she went hands-on, scouting actors through social networks and word of mouth while leaning on fellow Aggies in New York for guidance, support and donations.

“The power behind ‘Tanglewood’ lies in the team that’s bringing it to life,” said Larkins. “Our heads of departments are women of color; in fact, a majority of our crew are women.”

With “Tanglewood,” Larkins hopes audiences see themselves in the story – whether they relate to Bonnie, Sloane or another character. Her goal is for viewers to feel seen and represented.

While an official premiere date has not been set, Larkins confirmed the film is in early festival submissions, with results expected no sooner than summer 2026. She plans to submit “Tanglewood” to several North Carolina-based festivals and will share confirmed screenings with the A&T alumni network.

Kayla Annmarie Larkins’ “Tanglewood” centers on Sloane, a sharp-witted
radio host whose on-air confidence masks the heartbreak she hides from her
three closest friends, all pictured in this still image from the short film.