Letitia Wright discusses her directorial debut ‘Highway to the Moon’ inspired by knife crime and unity among black youth

Letitia Wright, known for her roles in Marvel’s Black Panther and other intense roles, has made her directorial debut with the short film Highway to the Moon. The film is deeply inspired by the tragic deaths of young black men including the murder of model Harry Uzoka and the knife attack on the younger brother of Wright’s close friend. Wright uses the film to explore themes of unity, love, and the emotional complexities of black boys beyond stereotypes. Filmed with a cast including young actors and non-actors, and shot partly on sacred Navajo land, the movie presents a liminal space where teens who have died meet and try to make sense of their new reality. Wright is also actively engaging with young audiences by visiting schools to discuss the film’s messages. Despite challenges as a first-time director, she remains driven to create stories that uplift and humanize black experiences. Her career continues to evolve as she balances acting, producing, and directing with a strong commitment to faith and artistic integrity.