The Rise of Coogler

Ryan Coogler’s career is often described as meteoric, but his rise as a filmmaker is also a testament to vision, discipline, and collaboration. From his earliest short films to helming one of the highest-grossing superhero movies of all time, Coogler has built a reputation as both a sensitive storyteller and a bold director unafraid to tackle cultural and political themes head-on. At the heart of his journey is his recurring partnership with actor Michael B. Jordan, a collaboration that has shaped both of their careers and produced some of the most memorable films of the past decade.

From shorts to Sundance: the early years

Born in Oakland, California, in 1986, Coogler grew up with an interest in both athletics and storytelling. While studying at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, he created a series of short films that displayed his ability to combine social realities with powerful character-driven narratives. One of his shorts, Fig (2011), which focused on a young prostitute trying to leave sex work for the sake of her daughter, was especially well received and marked Coogler as a filmmaker with an eye for authenticity and human struggle.

His feature-length debut, Fruitvale Station (2013), marked a watershed moment in his career. The film dramatizes the final 24 hours in the life of Oscar Grant, a young Black man killed by a transit police officer in Oakland in 2009. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award. The film also introduced the world to Coogler’s partnership with Michael B. Jordan, who played Oscar Grant with a vulnerability and strength that would come to define their collaborations.

The beginning of a powerful partnership

The director-actor dynamic between Coogler and Jordan has been likened to some of Hollywood’s great pairings, such as Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro. With Fruitvale Station, Coogler trusted Jordan to embody a real person whose story carried immense cultural weight. Jordan, in turn, found in Coogler a director who could bring out nuanced, deeply human performances. This foundation of trust would carry into their next projects.

Reimagining legacy: Creed

In 2015, Coogler made Creed, a revitalization of the Rocky franchise. Rather than telling a nostalgic story, Coogler brought fresh life to the series by centering on Adonis Creed (played by Jordan), the son of Apollo Creed. What made Creed stand out was not just its thrilling boxing sequences, but Coogler’s dedication to exploring identity, legacy, and the idea of carving one’s own path while honoring the past. Sylvester Stallone reprised his role as Rocky Balboa, but the film was unmistakably Jordan and Coogler’s showcase.

Their collaboration here solidified them as one of Hollywood’s most dynamic creative duos. Coogler’s directing pushed Jordan physically and emotionally, demanding authenticity in the boxing sequences and emotional honesty in the character’s relationships. The result was a film that received critical acclaim and breathed new life into a decades-old franchise.

Breaking boundaries: Black Panther

In 2018, Coogler became the youngest filmmaker to direct a Marvel movie with Black Panther. The film was not only a box office juggernaut, grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide, but also a cultural milestone. It was the first Marvel film led by a predominantly Black cast and the first superhero film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

Michael B. Jordan played Erik Killmonger, the film’s tragic and magnetic antagonist. Coogler gave Jordan a role that transcended the typical “villain” archetype: Killmonger’s pain and rage were rooted in historical displacement, systemic racism, and personal loss. Their collaboration once again highlighted Coogler’s ability to craft multidimensional characters and Jordan’s ability to embody them with intensity and depth.

A continuing legacy

Together, Coogler and Jordan have created stories that resonate with audiences not only for their entertainment value but also for their cultural weight. Their projects highlight themes of identity, heritage, justice, and resilience. As their careers continue to evolve—Jordan making his directorial debut with Creed III and Coogler expanding into producing and mentoring younger filmmakers—their partnership stands as one of the most fruitful of their generation.

Conclusion

Ryan Coogler’s journey from a young filmmaker in Oakland to one of Hollywood’s most respected directors is an extraordinary story of talent, dedication, and vision. At every step of his career, he has combined compelling storytelling with cultural relevance, and his collaborations with Michael B. Jordan have amplified his impact. From Fruitvale Stationto Black Panther, their partnership has given audiences characters and stories that are unforgettable. It is a testament to what happens when a director and actor trust each other deeply—and use that trust to tell stories that matter.

Directed by Chloe Kaleah Stewart @chloe.kaleah

Photography by Alanna Brito @ajaxult

Videography by Geo Mojica @geogurt

Styled by K Pereira @kaleb.pereira922

Production Managers: Tayja Whyte @tayjaa.x & Mickayla Davis @_mickayladavis_

Talent: Amira Coleman, Barry-Suzanna Collins, Deanthony Clarke, Demi Durrant, DJ, Lorthe, Gianna Joyce, Giselle Berents, Jaidon Walls, Junior Adjei, Kara Best, Michael “Kari” Brown, Kirimi Mugwiria, Laila Sharrieff, Mekayla Bailey, Melissa, Alcindor, Najee Durrett, Naomi Elizabeth Maharaj, Talia Williams, Zaheyal Leon

Women in Horror: Revenge of the Stereotype

We want WEIRD horror. We want women lead horror. And studios are delivering. 

Women have always been a crucial and integral part of any good horror film. Carrie (1976), Scream (1996), and Alien (1979) all come to mind when thinking of classic horror films that feature a female lead. Recently however women have been featured throughout horror movies in a new way. With the rise of women starring on the screen in horror as a heroine - even if she is a demented one -  rather than a cutaway gag or pair of boobs is an excited and refreshing trend throughout horror films that wasn’t necessarily expected. This trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon with horror movies like Nosferatu and The Substance being nominated multiple times at the most recent Oscars and films like Companion and Pearl quickly becoming cult classics. Horror fans have been hungry for a true female lead in horror, and directors and writers are delivering. 

Earlier this year audiences and critics alike were gifted with the release of Companion (2025) a horror/thriller/comedy starring Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid. The quick paced jam packed movie takes on a unique perspective and plays out through the perspective of our lead character, a futuristic sex-bot. 

Hunter Schafer also stepped out to star in the horror scene, in the cinematic thriller Cuckoo. The eerie and nordic atmosphere takes the thriller aspect up to nine, and a compelling and never before seen story keep audiences entertained even when suspense dies down. Warning: this one is WEIRD. If you enjoyed The Substance or Heretic this one’s for you.

If you have gone outside on or around Halloween since 2022, you have heard of the movie Pearl. The (now) trilogy starring Mia Goth is a twisted story of a crazed woman turned attempted actress, played by Mia Goth, and her subsequent doppelganger, also played by Goth. Pearl, her older sister XXX and her baby sister Maxxxine all star Goth as the titular character, and explore the intricacies of what it’s like to be an (insane) woman across a span of 60 years. 

If you like Hugh Grant or making fun of mormons, you’ll love the (year) movie Heretic. This weird and suspenseful horror follows two young mormon missionaries, Sophie Thatcher and insert actress name oops???, on their trials to salvation, and the possible conversion of a strange man. 

The Substance was arguably one of the most discussed movies of the 2024 Oscar and overall awards season, besides possibly Nosferatu, when it came to horror. The, to put it simply, fucked up body horror earned Demi Moore her first Emmy and made Margaret Qualley a household name (lesbians everywhere cheered.) 

In short; thank god for women and thank Sophie Thatchers agent for keeping her booked and busy. If you’re looking for more female horror to watch, The Ugly Stepsister, The Black Swan, and Midsommer all come to mind and deliciously horror filled movies with insanely talented female leads. Enjoy responsibly. 

Bring Back Comedy: How American High is Bringing New Life to the Coming-of-Age Comedy in the Digital Age

While most production companies are focused solely on making content for the big screen, American High saw the potential to grow on the smaller screen. The Syracuse-based production company, founded by Jeremy Garelick and Will Phelps, was founded on the passion to make this generation’s teen comedies. Their dedication was solidified when they bought an abandoned high school to operate as their home base for their production office and filming location for future projects. The studio has grown tremendously over the last eight years, coming out with hits such as Big Time Adolescence, The Binge, and Summer of '69. As well as having eight picture deals with Hulu (recently renewed for another eight pictures per deadline).  

As they found success on the big screen, they wanted to be able to connect with this young generation where they were spending a great amount of their time, online. Coming out with their first sketch comedy channel, American High Shorts. The page displays the awkwardness and the quirks of high school that remain timeless, all under 60 seconds. Since the launch of American High Shorts, they have gained over 10 million followers across all platforms, 8 billion views, and a Webby Award. I had the chance to chat with Axelle Azoulay, the Head of American High Digital, to walk us through the evolution of the company’s online presence.

“In 2022, our social media presence was low. We were busy making 3-5 movies a year, no one was really paying attention to that, but we wanted to be the high school people…We have this high school with all the sets, all the props, all the costumes just sitting there, and we thought ‘Why don’t we make high school sketches?’ Essentially test ideas, test actors, within a one-minute format on their phone (where high schoolers really are) and see what happens.” Azoulay searched every corner of the Syracuse area for talent, from social media, comedy clubs, to college drama departments. She assembled her first team of creatives, which included Ryan and Aidan Micho, who would later be signed on to the official American High Shorts team. Through the curating process, Azoulay had to check that these creators didn’t only work well on camera, but behind the scenes as well.

“They don’t just need to be funny; they need to be funny, good writers, need good ideas, be good performers, understand social media, and be team players. There are a lot of great writers and great performers, but the combination of everything is pretty special.”

She goes on to explain how these talented creators are paving their own path in breaking into Hollywood, and how being able to adapt to so many roles in order to make content that will stand out to producers like herself.

“They are adaptable in general because they are consumers as well. They were born exactly in this time where you don’t need Hollywood to make it, you can just create content on your own and be noticed if you are good enough. Take control of your fate in your own hands.” 

After spending a week brainstorming ideas, which they would come up with 50-70 sketches they would then film throughout a 5-day period. Generating enough content for two months, and being able to see what audiences gravitated towards. Every two months, they would invite new creatives, modify the groups, and see who worked best together. Throughout this process, they would go viral multiple times with videos such as Alpha Dads, Math Teacher Who's Always Behind, and Problematic Theater Teacher. 

Like their films, they were able to capture the unique experience that is high school in a shorter format. “It’s the world of firsts. It’s something very universal; it’s something we’ve all been through. No matter where we are from. The first time you’ve driven a car, first time you kissed, first time you’ve done anything, so it’s very memorable and shaping.” 

Azoulay was able to piece together the powerhouse group that would be the face of American High Shorts: Grace Reiter, Ryan Micho, Aidan Micho, Julia DeCesare, and Hyde Healy. Once she found her team, they turned into a well-oiled writer’s room. “We operated like a Gen-Z SNL” said Azoulay. “Monday we’d brainstorm, Tuesday we’d write the scripts that were selected, Monday, Wednesday/Thursday/Friday we’d film, and almost every Thursday/Friday we’d have a guest star.” 

After the success of American High Shorts, the American High Digital Universe started to expand. Rather than

go out and buy a college campus, their relationship with Syracuse

University allows them to film content

there when needed. “We opened COLLEGE LIFE, because that was our next target audience, and the next type of movies we wanted to do.” For those who are done with school and trying to navigate the beginning of adulthood, they have a channel for you too. Barely Adults captures the chaos we face in this new chapter of our lives, trying to figure out who we are and what the hell we are doing. With the channel being based out of Los Angeles, this creates another opportunity for the company to collaborate with more creators as guest stars.

Through American High Digital, Azoulay is helping amplify the rising class of online creators. Operating like an industry-level writer’s room, it provides the support and guidance for these young creators to grow.

“We are very creator and talent forward- they get credited for every single video, the first group of American High Shorts went from pretty much no followers to famous today, and being able to do it on their own. Now, after two years, they moved on; some moved to LA, some moved to NY, some are doing stand-up or their own creations. They were cast in our movies, they are coming back to guest star, it's one big family. Now we have a new generation of American High Shorts, who I think are very funny and talented, and are definitely highlighting the next generation of up-and-coming talent.”

In addition to their short clips, the American High Shorts team took their comedy to YouTube, creating their first web series, Minimum Wage, which is currently being pitched to networks. With plans for more web series, YouTube appears to be the connecting factor in the American High Digital Universe among its four channels, joining a new wave of media creators bringing new life to the YouTube production landscape and helping revive the comedy in these spaces.

You can stream American High Shorts, College Life, Barely Adults, and Unhirables on all platforms.

You can stream the entire first season of Minimum Wage on Youtube.