Aaron K Braxton
Writer, Actor, Singer, Director, Teacher, Polymath
Crafting stories that transcend Boundaries, Genres and Expectations
Stories that start with the Heart and Stay with the Soul!
Screenplays
The Passage of Sun: A Fight for Freedom After the Chains
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Slavery's sinister shadow lingers. In post-Civil War Alabama, three brothers defy the brutal Convict Leasing System, risking everything to break the cycle of oppression. Witness their powerful fight for freedom in "The Passage of Sun," a gripping, African American, historical drama.
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The Most Awarded/Accoladed Screenplay in the Industry!
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Ranked in the Top 1% on Coverfly
The #1 ranked Drama Screenplay on Moviebytes
The #1 ranked Urban Screenplay on Moviebytes
The #2 ranked Historical Screenplay on Moviebytes
Ranked #3 in Overall Screenplays on Moviebytes
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​ 2022
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2022 - Winner (Best Drama), Nashville Film Festival
2022 - Winner (Best Dialogue), Script Summit
2022 - Winner (Best Screenplay), DTLA Film Festival
2022 - Winner Best of Fest Award, San Diego Movie Awards
2022 - Honorable Mention Award, Orlando International Film Festival
2022 - Award Winner (Second Place), 100 Screenplays Competition
2022 - Winner (NOVA Jury Award & Best Period), Northern Virginia Int. Film & Music Festival and Capital Film Market (The NOVA Fest)
Nominated - (Best Drama)
2022 - Audience Award Winner, Film Invasion LA
2022 - The Red List, Coverfly
2022 - Winner (Best Dialogue), Script Summit
2022 - Finalist (Best Drama), Script Summit
2022 - Finalist (Top 10), Emerging Screenwriters Historical Genre Competition
2022 - Finalist, Chicago Screenplay Awards
2022 - Finalist, The International Gullah Film Festival
2022 - Finalist, Indo Global International Film Festival
2022 - Semi Finalist, Shore Scripts Screenwriting Competition
2022 - Semi Finalist, Creative Screenwriting Unique Voices
2022 - Semi Finalist, Filmmatic Pitch Now Screenplay Competition
2022 - Semi Finalist, Southern California Screenplay Competition
2022 - Quarter Finalist, Austin Film Festival
2022 - Quarter Finalist, Final Draft Big Break Screenwriting Contest
2022 - Quarter Finalist, Fresh Voices Screenplay Competition
2022 - Quarter Finalist, Great American American Script Contest 2022 - Quarter Finalist, Filmmatic Inroads Screenwriting Fellowship
2022 - Quarter Finalist, Emerging Screenwriters Drama Competition
2021
2021 - Winner (Best Action/Adventure), Urban Action Showcase
2021 - Winner (Best Screenplay), San Diego Movie Awards
2021 - Winner (Best Screenplay), Sherman Oaks Film Festival
2021 - Winner (Best Screenplay), Black Feedback Film Festival
2021 - Nominated (Best Character Arc), The Monkey Bread
Tree Film Festival
2021 - Honorable Mention Award, Like It Film Festival
2021 - Honorable Mention Award, Influx Magazine Film Awards
2021 - Finalist, Miami Screenplay Awards
2021 - Finalist, Boston Screenplay Awards
2021 - Finalist, Action on Film MegaFest Film Festival
2021 - Finalist, Hollywood International Diversity Film Festival
2021 - Finalist, Toronto Film and Script Awards
2021 - Finalist, Marina Del Rey Film Festival
2021 - Finalist, Screenwriting Master Contest
2021 - Finalist, Peachtree Village International Film Festival
2021 - Finalist, LA Live Film Festival - Finalist
2021 - Short List, Barnstorm Screenplay Competition 2021 - Semi Finalist, Big Apple Film and Screenplay Competition
(Fall)
2021 - Semi Finalist, Los Angeles Screenplay Awards
2021 - Semi Finalist, Austin Table Read My Screenplay
2021 - Semi Finalist, Red Flight Pictures Screenplay Awards
2021 - Semi Finalist, Ojai Film Festival Screenplay Competition 2021 - Quarter Finalist, Final Draft Big Break Screenwriting
Competition
2021 - Quarter Finalist, ScreenCraft Drama Competition 2021 - Quarter Finalist, Story Pros International Screenplay
Competition
2021 - Quarter Finalist, Atlanta International Screenplay Awards 2021 - Quarter Finalist, San Pedro International Film Festival
2021 - Quarter Finalist, NYC Screenplay Awards
2021 - (Top 24), Circa Historical Screenwriting Competition
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To Lie Beneath: A Succubus Terrorizes Atlanta in This Gripping Horror (Exes vs. Demons!)
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A divorced couple's nightmare comes true in Atlanta! Marcus and Zora, a businessman and his estranged witch ex-wife, face a terrifying succubus and her incubus partner. Can they overcome their differences to fight this evil force and save their family? Don't miss the chilling horror of "To Lie Beneath."
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One of the Most Awarded Horror/Supernatural Screenplays of 2021
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The #2 ranked Urban Screenplay on Moviebytes
The #7 ranked Horror Screenplay on Moviebytes
The #7 ranked Supernatural Screenplay on Moviebytes
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2025
2025 - Quarter Finalist, Wiki Screenplay Contest
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2022
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2022 - Semi Finalist, Hollywood International Diversity Film Festival
2022 - Quarter Finalist, Boston Horror Comedy Festival
2021
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2021 - Winner (Best Screenplay), Hollywood Blood Horror Festival
2021 - Winner (Best Screenplay), Indie Suspence Horror Sci-Fi
Film Festival
2021 - Best Sci-Fi/Supernatural Nominee, Urban Action
Showcase
2021 - Best Feature Nominee (Summer) Independent Horror
Movie Awards
2021 - Finalist, Los Angeles Crime and Horror Festival
2021 - Finalist, Nosferatu Film Festival
2021 - Finalist, Marina Del Rey Film Festival
2021 - Finalist, Underground Indie Film Festival
2021 - Quarter Finalist, Chicago Screenplay Awards
2021 - Quarter Finalist, 80 Screams International Film Festival
2021 - Quarter Finalist, Emerging Screenwriters Genre Competition
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The Longest Goodbye: A Heartwarming Drama About Love & Loss
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Love endures even when memories fade. "The Longest Goodbye" is a poignant drama about a son's unwavering devotion to his mother battling dementia. Witness their journey of love, loss, and the power of connection in this unforgettable screenplay.
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The #5 ranked Urban Screenplay on Moviebytes
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2022
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2022 - Winner (Best Screenplay), Hollywood International Diversity Film Festival
2022 - Finalist, International Screenwriting Competition
2022 - Semi Finalist, Final Draft Big Break Screenwriting Contest
2022 - Semi Finalist Nashville Film Festival Screenwriting Competition
2022 - Quarter Finalist, Austin Film Festival
2022 - Quarter Finalist, WeScreenplay Diverse Voices
2021
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2021 - Finalist, Le Femmes Underground Film Festival
2021 - Finalist, Marina Del Rey Film Festival
2021 - Quarter Finalist, Emerging Screenwriters Genre Competition
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A Long Way From Sunday: Faith Tested, Family Fractured
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An 11-year-old's mischief sparks a family crisis in "A Long Way From Sunday." A working-class Pentecostal pastor grapples with shocking revelations, leading to a shocking act of violence and the burning of his own church. This edgy, faith-inspired dramatic screenplay explores the dark side of belief.
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The #10 ranked Urban Screenplay on Moviebytes
2022​
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2022 - Winner Outstanding Achievement In Writing Award,
International Screenwriting Competition
2022 - Nominee (Best Screenplay), Massachusetts Independent Film Festival
2022 - Semi Finalist Hollywood International Diversity Film Festival
2022 - Semi Finalist, Table Read My Screenplay
2021​
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2021 - Finalist, Marina Del Rey Film Festival
2021 - Quarter Finalist, Emerging Screenwriters Genre Competition
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BROKEN: A Haunting Tale of Grief, Hallucinations & a Mother's Desperate Fight​
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Haunted by visions and consumed by grief, a mother spirals after her son's death. Will she find solace, or will addiction and hallucinations shatter her family? Dive into BROKEN, a gripping screenplay of loss, love, and the fight for sanity.
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​ Top 25% Coverfly
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The Way Home: A Fallen Altar Boy's Journey of Redemption
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Imprisoned for drug trafficking, a former altar boy grapples with faith and forgiveness. Can he find redemption, or will his path remain lost? "The Way Home" is a powerful screenplay exploring faith, second chances, and the fight for redemption.
​2025​
2025 - Quarter Finalist, Creative Screenwriting Unique Voices
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2024​
2024 - Honorable Mention Award, WideScreen Film
& Music Video Festival
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*Optioned by Gibeau Entertainment: OPTION EXPIRED
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Jesse and the Caterpillar Who Got Its Wings: Discovering Courage and Friendship through Metamorphosis
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In a magical Semi-Animated journey, 10-year-old awkward JESSE and his whimsical ANIMATED-SELF, navigate the highs and lows of friendship, heartbreak, and self-discovery through the enchanting and captivating metamorphosis of caterpillars.​
TOP 1% on Coverfly
#16 Family on Coverfly
#19 Drama on Coverfly
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2025​
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2025 - The Red List​ (2x's), Coverfly
2025 - Honorable Mention Award, The Finishline
2025 - Finalist, ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellowship
2025 - Semi Finalist, Filmmatic Drama Screenplay Awards Season 10
2025 - Quarter Finalist, Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards
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2024
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2024 - Best Screenplay Nominee, WideScreen Film & Music Video
Festival
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Transforming Societal Gaps into Artistic Bridges!
Television Pilots
Press Play (Limited Series): Hip-Hop's Genius vs. Controversy - Can She Save Def Jam?
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A brilliant strategist clashes with industry giants in PRESS PLAY, a 14-episode limited series. Can Nana Carmen revive Def Jam's legacy while facing threats and moral dilemmas? Dive into the music industry's transformation and the fight for hip-hop's future legacy.
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​The Sub: Can One Substitute Teacher Tame the Chaos?
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Welcome to the hilariously honest nightmare of THE SUB, a 10 episode per season dramedy. A substitute teacher battles a bureaucratic, broken school system in this binge-worthy series. Laughter and tears guaranteed!
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2025
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2025 - Winner (Best TV Pilot), Hollywood Access Film Festival
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2022
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2022 - Winner (Best TV Pilot), Indo Global International Film Festival
2022 - Finalist, ISA Virtual TV Pilot Pitch Challenge
2022 - Quarter Finalist, HollyShorts Screenplay Contest
2022 - Quarter Finalists Emerging Screenwriters Screenplay
Competition
2021
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2021 - Second Round, Blackboy Writes Mentor Initiative
2021 - Quarter Finalist, Inroads Fellowship
Gentrified (Pilot): Culture Clash Comedy - White Dads, Black Daughter, Changing Black Neighborhood
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A White gay couple with their adopted Black daughter navigate the hilarious chaos of gentrification in South LA. "Gentrified" is a laugh-out-loud pilot exploring race, family, and finding your place in a rapidly changing community and expanding world.
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2024
2024 - Honorable Mention Award, Widescreen Film & Music Festival
2023 2024 - Quarter Finalist, Filmmatic Inroads Fellowship Season 6
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2022
2022 - Quarter Finalist, Emerging Screenwriters Genre Competition
Seed Money (Drama): In a harvest of corruption, seeds grow wild!
Amid a viral cancer scandal tied to weed killing product, WeedZero, LegumeCorp’s CEO, Rex Pfister, must confront power clashes and ethical quandaries as his family owned mega agribusiness sows the seeds of ambition in order to reap both profits and potential peril.
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2025
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2025 - Quarter Finalist, Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards (Diversity Initiative)
2025 - Quarter Finalist, Los Angeles International Screenplay
Awards
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2024
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2024 - Quarter Finalist, Blackboy Writes Mentor Initiative 2024 - Quarter Finalist, Emerging Screenwriters Screenplay
Competition
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The Besties (Comedy): Home alone, but never outsmarted! Co-Written with Terrah Bennett Smith
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Left behind during her family’s vacation, Kayla, a precocious 10-year-old, embraces her newfound independence until a pair of bumbling robbers come calling; setting the stage for a hilarious game of wits, courage and sibling camaraderie.
2024
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2024 - Quarter FinalistI, nroads Fellowship
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From Page to Stage: A Voice for the Unheard!
Plays
TEAR DOWN THE WALLS: Celebrating African American Excellence
Unveil the rich tapestry of African American achievement! TEAR DOWN THE WALLS honors the struggles and triumphs of Black men & women in science, politics, arts & more. A celebration of Black history & the giants who paved the way.
This Black History play is written to be very inclusive. Multicultural elementary, middle school, and high school students of all ethnic backgrounds, abilities and special needs can and should be included seamlessly in the mounting of this production.
DID YOU DO YOUR HOMEWORK? (One-Person Play): An Inner-City Education Exploration
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Laughter & Tears: DID YOU DO YOUR HOMEWORK? is a powerful 1-person play exploring the realities of bureaucratic inner-city education. Follow Mr. Braxton, an idealistic substitute teacher, through a life-changing journey.
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2010
2010 NAACP Image Award
2010 International Gala Star Award (Bacau, Romania)
2010 GoldStar Roar of the Crowd Award
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BROKEN: A Play on Mental Illness in Black Families
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Unflinching & Witty: BROKEN is a powerful play exploring mental illness in the Black community. A mother grapples with guilt, addiction, and hallucinations after her son's accidental death. A story of resilience and healing.
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2022
2022 - Winner (Official Selection), Road Theatre's Summer Festival 13
2021
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2021 - Semi Finalist, Dreamcatcher
2021 - Semi Finalist, New Works Festival
2021 - Semi Finalist, Garry Marshall Theatre Festival
2021 - TOP 10, Finstrom Festival
2021 - Quarter Finalist, ScreenCraft Playwriting Competition
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2020
2020 - Winner, Max K. Lerner Fellowship
Belafonte Unauthorized: A Solo Play on Harry Belafonte's Civil Rights Activism​
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Go beyond the music! BELAFONTE UNAUTHORIZED is a revealing solo play about Harry Belafonte's fight for racial justice. Witness a legend's activism and influence on the Civil Rights Movement.
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Art has always been the carrier of human evolution. - Harry Belafonte
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***Can be performed by multiple people.
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BOOKS
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Jesse and the Caterpillar Who Got Its Wings: A Heartwarming Tale of Friendship & Growth
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A deeply moving coming-of-age novel about a precocious African American boy searching for greatness!
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​Fifth grade gets an extraordinary twist! Join Jesse, a shy but imaginative boy, as he uses the magic of caterpillars to navigate friendship, self-discovery, and the beauty of transformation. This heartwarming story about acceptance, growth, and the power of imagination is a must-read for kids!
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2019
2019 - Nominee, RSJ Emma Book Award
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Adapted into a Magical Live Action/Animamated hybrid Feature Screenplay!
Jesse and the Caterpillar Who Got Its Wings (LARGE PRINT) - Self-Esteem, Family, Hope & Love
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Find strength & humor in "Jesse and the Caterpillar Who Got Its Wings" (Visually Impaired Edition). Explore self-esteem, friendship, & life's lessons in large print!
Jesse and the Caterpillar Who Got Its Wings: Take flight in Heartwarming Audiobook
Laughter, inspiration, and tears! "Jesse & the Caterpillar" audiobook is a coming-of-age story exploring self-esteem, loss, & life's beautiful transformations.
"I wrote this novel to showcase the hopes and dreams of African American boys and other kids of color, who often feel underrepresented in literature. Many books feature African American characters as afterthoughts, neglecting the rich, emotional depth of diverse communities. Inspired to change this narrative, I crafted "Jesse" to authentically and meaningfully highlight their stories."
PARENT AND EDUCATOR RECOMMENDED
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Infused with Academic Language and aligned with Common Core Standards, the book utilizes real-world connections to assist children in mastering the language necessary to successfully engage in school. Although mastering Academic Language is challenging for many children, it is especially challenging for children of diverse communities who may experience limited exposure outside the classroom.
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This can also be challenging for parents who may sometimes feel unsure of what reading materials are engaging, meaningful, and professionally aligned with Common Core Standards.
Immersed with Academic Language, this book is as relevant as it is important in building self-esteem and allowing both boys and girls the opportunity to recognize their own true greatness. It's a modern release with the timeless beauty of a classic.
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JESSE and the CATERPILLAR WHO GOT ITS WINGS, seeks to break down barriers by leveling the playing field so that all children have the opportunity to read about diverse groups of people. It also seeks to expose the essential pedagogical language necessary for their success in school and in life.
By giving children the opportunity and tools necessary to make authentic connections from the comfort and protection of their own home, environment or classroom, this book becomes a valuable resource for teachers, parents, and those who homeschool their kids.
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Academic Language and Common Core Standards aligned!
“...gives you the ability to reach higher ground and keep climbing. Gave me hope and showed there were possibilities in life.”
-Oprah Winfrey
This is one of the most powerful and well-written books that I've ever read. It provokes deeper thought, many questions, and more ponderings on the nature of adolescence..especially the real lives of many African American boys. Jesse reminds me of Charlie Brown...Great Book! Everybody needs to read this and need to know about you!
–M. Williams, California Science Center Executive
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I read this book to my 5th grade students and they absolutely loved it! Before I knew it, many had gone out and purchased it themselves. I especially like that he put a lot of academic language in the book, which is much needed by my students. Thank you Mr. Braxton for getting my students interested in reading again! It's one of top 10 Best Children's books I've ever read!
–S. Martin, LAUSD Elementary School Teacher
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Finally an African American author has the insight to write about the emotional challenges and depth of young African American males! This book is brilliant!"
-Westley Blake, LAUSD Middle School Teacher
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I read your book in one sitting and absolutely LOVED IT! The book is so pure. I even cried at the end!
-T. Chey, Hollywood Dir/Writer
Going Solo: Write, Produce, & Perform Your One-Person Show in 8 Weeks
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Turn your idea into a captivating one-person show! GOING SOLO guides you through writing, marketing, & producing your masterpiece. Learn from a critically acclaimed writer/actor & create a show with depth & heart in just 8 weeks. Turn your Dreams into Action!
Homeboy's Guide to Southern Cookin': Grandma's Legendary Recipes for Your Kitchen!
Bring the soul of Southern cooking to your table! Learn cherished recipes passed down through generations, inspired by Grandma's love and attention to detail. Fresh, flavorful dishes that honor tradition. Get ready to create unforgettable meals!
Playwriting Made Simple: Write, Produce, Perform! From Script to Stage in 8 Weeks
Unlock your inner playwright! Playwriting Made Simple is your fast-track to creating captivating stage plays. Learn from professionals: scene structure, dialogue, character development, and more. Get your play from page to stage in as little as 8 weeks!
Producing Made Simple: Stage Your Dreams & Produce Captivating Theater
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Empower yourself! Producing Made Simple is your guide to bringing small & mid-sized plays to life. Learn pro-tips for finding venues, budgeting, marketing & more. Perfect for aspiring producers, actors & writers. Get your play on the stage!
I Am|Special Edition: Limited-Edition Inspirational Journal with Daily Quotes for Success
Unlock your potential with the I Am: Special Edition Journal! This beautifully colored daily guide features over 365 quotes to ignite motivation & spark action. Achieve success, reduce stress & boost creativity - just 10 minutes a day!
Short Films
The Skin I'm In: Short Film About Black Fatherhood in America (5:15 min)
The Skin I'm In explores the emotional turmoil of an assimilated Black father grappling with how he unprepared his mixed-race son for the realities of race in America. (Runtime: 5 minutes, 15 seconds)
2022
2022 - Official Selection, Dead in Decatur Film Festival
2022 - Official Selection, Indo Global International Film Festival
2021
2021 - WINNER (Best Writing), Independent Horror Movie Awards
2021 - WINNER (Best Social Short), Silver Mask Film Festival
2021 - Nominee (Best Atmosphere), Independent Horror
Movie Awards
2021 - Nominee (Best Original Concept), Independent Horror
Movie Awards
2021 - Semi Finalist, Cosmic Film Festival
2021 - Semi Finalist, Luna Lumen Film Festival
2021 - Official Selection, OTB/Only The Best Film Awards
2021 - Official Selection, GIFF/Genesis International Film Festival
2021 - Official Selection, Black Film Festival ATL
2021 - Official Selection, Focus International Film Festival
2021 - Official SelectionIndie Shorts Mag Short Film Festival
2021 - Official Selection, Silicon Beach Film Festival
2021 - Official Selection, Best Global Shorts
2021 - Official Selection, Actor & Director Awards ADIFF
2021 - Official Selection, African Smartphone Film Festival
A Seed of Regret
A gripping animated, experimental short film about one man's need to assimilate into American culture and the tragic consequences it has on his only son.
2025
2025 - Winner (Best Experimental Film), Political Film Festival
BROKEN
BROKEN follows a grieving mother as she spirals into a harrowing world where reality and illusion blur, battling sensory and auditory hallucinations while abusing alcohol to cope with the death of her 17-year-old son.
2025
2025 - Best Short Film Nominee, Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival
2025 - Best Song Nominee (I'M STILL HERE), Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival
2025 - Semi Finalist, BBR Films
Acting
Aaron Braxton has starred, guest-starred and co-starred in several film, television and stage projects; including a leading role in the upcoming theatrical release of the feature film The Laundress. Currently he is a series regular on the television series The Wright Turn. (Click the picture to view the series!)
Check out Demo Reel below!
Demo Reel
