Michael Day ended 2021 with a bang. The Northwest Arkansas-based filmmaker won AT&T’s Dream in Black Future-Maker award. This initiative is part of AT&T’s support for diverse communities through uplifting programs, support, and storytelling. According to their website, “It is a celebration of the dreams and the future made possible by more than 400 years of Black history, culture, and contributions. Excellence is in the DNA of these extraordinary honorees who are shaping the now, the new, and the next for the culture."

Each month from February until November, someone is selected for the honor of being a Future-Maker. To qualify, an individual must be Black and create a 30 to a 60-second video on social media using the hashtags #dreaminblack and #attfuturemaker with an explanation as to why they are a future-maker. 

Day said, “I decided to submit on the final deadline of the year. About a month later, I received a message from Instagram, informing me I was selected, ending the 2021 year on a high note for myself and DAYVISION Films.”

As Future-Maker, Day received a certificate marking the occasion along with a $10,000 prize, which he is using to produce more films, and an additional $7,000 in prizes. The funding allows him to compensate actors for their time, upgrade his equipment, and submit to film festivals within and outside of Arkansas and even internationally.

A native of Little Rock, Day uses his upbringing as motivation to embody Black cinema. He discovered his passion for film while focusing on Broadcast Journalism and African American studies at the University of Arkansas. In 2015, he founded DAYVISION and has since created short films, commercials for small businesses, multiple YouTube series, and music videos. In 2019, Day directed his first short narrative, “DAYVISION Films Presents: FOCUS,” which has appeared in multiple film festivals in the country. He has since directed three short films, two microshort films, and a short documentary, all appearing in film festivals throughout the United States. He is currently on a film festival run with his latest film, “DAYVISION Films Presents: And the Winner Is,” a narrative short which addresses Hollywood's exploitation of Black trauma. “And the Winner Is” has appeared in multiple film festivals, including taking home Best Overall Narrative Short at the 2021 Arkansas Minority Film & Arts Association Film Festival. Day hopes to create a platform for Black actors and filmmakers in the state of Arkansas, allowing future generations to dream outside of their environment while learning the rich history of African Americans in film.

For more information, visit the DAYVISION website.