On Screen Manitoba

Congratulations to OSM member Ernesto Griffith and the cast and crew of Billy that won the First Place Narrative Award at the HolyWood Christian Film Festival in Brooklyn, New York on April 21.

Billy was written and produced by the late Winston Washington Moxam and Griffith, who stars as Billy Beal, a Black pioneer who moved from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Swan River, Manitoba in 1906.

The film is based on the life of Billy Beal who was on the Board of School Trustees in Swan River for 37 year, started the first library in Swan River, started a literary society there, directed plays, organized debating teams, built the first radio in Swan River, made electrified fences for cattle farmers, & the list goes on.

The film was directed by Winston Moxam. Ernesto Griffith was the 2nd unit director.

The mission of the HolyWood Christian film Festival is to celebrate Christ through Faith Based Film.

Visit here for OSM's exclusive interview with Ernesto Griffith.