Create the Writers Room, a creative incubator for underrepresented storytellers, is expanding its ongoing partnership with Roku Channel. Selected films from CTWR’s “Five Film Friday” will be streamed on the Roku Channel, exposing filmmakers and talent to the platform’s 100 million subscribers.
Create The Writers Room was founded in 2018 by filmmaker Ricky Castleberry with a mission to provide exhibition opportunities for filmmakers, as well as the tools, education, and industry insights they need to maintain creative control and build sustainable careers. “Five Film Friday” is CTWR’s custom screening series. Each quarter, five outstanding short films or proofs of concept are selected and screened by industry insiders. The initiative will also include intimate panel discussions and fireside chats centered around ownership, authorship, and navigating the evolving entertainment landscape.
“I was inspired to create Five Film Fridays as an outlet for creators to network, build community, and truly understand the business behind the art,” Castleberry said in a statement. “Our collaboration with Roku strengthens our commitment to not just visibility, but education, ownership, and long-term creative control.”
Create The Writers Room titles currently streaming on the Roku Channel include “Sincerely Blood,” “Trailer Trash Magic,” “The Outtakes,” “The Errand,” and “The Distinguished.” Additional titles from CTWR’s Five Film Fridays program will debut on the platform.
The June 26 issue of Five Film Fridays featured “See You Soon,” written and directed by Jay Pendarvis Jr. and starring Asante Black and Isaiah John. “Halfrican” was written by Vic Mensa, directed by Edgar Estevez, and starring Mensa and Ollie Cholotan. “Bubble Pop” was written and directed by Erin Michelle Williams and stars Emmy Raver-Lampman, Kaylin Rice, and Mark Foggot. “Mirage” Written and directed by Janhvi Motola, starring Shavya Samara and Abhimanyu Katiyal. “Bukla,” written and directed by Alex Arjuni and starring Ramitta Salloum and Rais Nakri.
The next Five Film Friday will be held in Los Angeles on October 16th, and the special edition will also expand to New York City. Entries are now being accepted and will close on September 25th. CTWR is accepting feature films for the first time.
Maya Jackson, director of television development at 1Community, is responsible for organizing CTWR’s “Five Film Fridays.” Dwayne Davis has joined the effort as creative operations manager. Castleberry is represented by Khalid Jordan of M88.
