Bygones – A Short Film That Hits Like a Full-Court Press

Running just over 26 minutes, Bygones delivers more emotional impact than many feature-length dramas. Directed and scored by Angel McCoughtry—an Olympian, WNBA star, and vocal advocate for social justice—the film pulses with authenticity and urgency. McCoughtry, known not only for her dominance on the court but also for using her platform to spotlight racial injustice, brings her lived experience into every frame of this powerful short.

At its core, Bygones explores the ripple effects of generational trauma and the lingering presence of racism—particularly within the world of sports. The story follows Charissa, a talented young basketball player with big dreams, and JJ, a quiet older white man who frequents her local gym. What begins as an unlikely friendship founded on a mutual love for basketball slowly unravels as long-buried truths come to light.

The narrative builds tension carefully, shifting between present-day mentorship and unsettling flashbacks that reveal JJ’s past connection to Charissa’s family. When JJ abruptly leaves after recognizing a photograph of Charissa’s grandfather, the emotional stakes rise sharply. Charissa is left to grapple with a painful revelation that turns her trust and admiration into confusion and heartbreak.

The film doesn’t preach, but it speaks volumes. It raises hard questions: Can we ever truly leave the past behind? Can redemption exist when history casts such a long shadow? McCoughtry doesn’t offer easy answers, but she creates a space for the conversation—one that feels especially vital in the current climate, where racism in sports and society remains unresolved.

The title Bygones feels deliberate and ironic. It challenges the viewer to consider whether we really can let the past be the past—or whether it continues to shape our present, both on and off the court.

With emotionally grounded performances from Jordan Presley, Malyah Glover, Lecoe Willingham, Kelly Shapiro, and Tamera Nesmith, and a subtle yet stirring score by McCoughtry herself, Bygones is a testament to the power of storytelling in sport and society. It may be a short film, but its impact is anything but small.