Maryland Auteur Wins ‘Best LGBT Film’ at Sweden Film Awards
A still from Iman DuPree’s ZAIRE. Benji as Marcus (L), Carmen Banks as Zaire (R)
Baltimore’s own Carmen Banks (The Miss Pat Show, WandaVision, The Game) led and helped produce Iman DuPree’s debut, new wave inspired tale, ZAIRE (her character of the same name). The covid-lockdown era film, which also introduces Banks’ co-lead Benji (as Marcus), expands the representation of Black LGTBQ and Maryland-based talent in cinema. ZAIRE was also funded in-part by the Maryland State Arts Council.
Logline: Filmed during DC’s 2025 military occupation, ZAIRE explores the quarantine distance that united two souls who longed for human comfort beyond closed doors.
The film follows two remote workers seemingly at a crossroad. One is summoned to return to the office for work - after the covid-related death of a loved one - while another’s heart is set on delivering a corporate merger. Zaire and Marcus meet online after workplace woes and family nuances amplify an ailing loneliness. DuPree teleports us back to the pandemic where loss, grief and transitions take center stage in a (mostly) black & white romance that neither protagonist sees coming.
ZAIRE boasts a diverse cast, featuring queer and ally supporting talent including Baltimore-based Venus Kii Thomas as “Octavia” and Aaron Davis as “Troy”, with Miera Corey, India Ford (Maryland) Janice Davis (Ohio) and Johnathan Mitchell-Dixon (Chicago). Iman also stars as the voice of “Jamar”.
Independently produced by The Iman DuPree Arthouse, an informal artist collective, and funded in-part by the Maryland State Arts Council, ZAIRE was filmed from fall 2025 into February 2026.
“Great representation with a stellar cast. Touching, funny and REAL. A must watch!! “
- Amiyah Scott (STAR, Operation: Aunties)
2026 - 75 minutes - Drama, Romance, Arthouse - 2.39:1 - Black & White + Color - United States
ZAIRE begins its international film festival run with a trophy for March's ‘Best LGBT Film’ from Sweden Film Awards; a monthly and annual film competition. ZAIRE will compete with other ‘Best LGBT' monthly winners in SFA’s annual competition on May 30th, 2026 at the Saga Cinema.
DuPree's film has also been selected in the UK at the International Celebration of Cinema, the Mega Movie Awards, and the Global Indie Filmmaker Awards. ZAIRE anticipates screening in South Korea, South Africa, Australia, Brazil and Canada alongside domestic film festivals nationwide.
Official selection announcements are forthcoming.
Curious cinephiles can support the film directly by pre-ordering ZAIRE today at www.irisofiman.org - and score an exclusive preview before its early release.
A still from Iman DuPree’s ZAIRE. Carmen Banks as Zaire (L), Benji as Marcus (R)
-From The Iman DuPree Arthouse - APRIL 2026
info@irisofiman.org - www.irisofiman.org
Keywords: ZAIRE, 2026 Film Awards, Indie Film, Independent Film, LGBTQ, Black Cinema, Black Queer Film / Queer Film, Maryland Film, Maryland State Arts Council
About Us
The Iman DuPree Arthouse is an underground artist collective who strives to create the intersectional stories that Hollywood won’t. Established in 2024 by five artists and community organizers, this lean team partnered to secure grants and other contributed revenue to birth the tale ZAIRE. We maximize the capacity of shoestring budgets to harness the power of cinema, to share edifying storytelling with the world. We are fiscally sponsored by Fractured Atlas, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit.
Please consider supporting our artwork HERE.
