Trailer

A war and romance drama of sacrifice and a battle for recognition. "Harlem Hellfighter Henry Johnson fights valiantly in World War I, saving lives in a brutal ambush—only to face his greatest fight for recognition at home.

Log Line

Harlem Hellfighter Henry Johnson enlists to fight in World War I, leaving behind his pregnant young wife, only to face racism from his countrymen. Under French command, he proves his valor in a brutal ambush, earning the nickname Black Death. But when he returns home, his heroism is exploited, and he’s left to battle injuries and a nation that refuses to honor him. Blood Tax is the powerful story of the fight to reclaim a hero’s legacy.

Synopsis

Cast

Rory Clarke

as Henry

DeShawn White

as Edna

Crew

My name is Rory Clarke, and I am the director of “Blood Tax”; an independent short film shooting this fall in Schenectady, New York. I am a Caribbean American storyteller and native New Yorker. Having this uniquely American tale developed and shared with the broader world is one of the many benefits and reasons this film should garner your support.

For 3 years I’ve extensively researched the life of Henry Johnson. I’ve invested countless hours reviewing historical documents, articles and working with local historians in Albany to assist me with creating a fully developed character in the world of this short film. The work has become my passion.

Support for the project has come from several organizations, including Armory Studios NY & Film Schenectady, who served as mentors for the production with a first look.

Rory Clarke

Writer, Director & Producer

Koshi Kiyokawa

KIYO was born and raised in Japan. After graduating from Nihon University with a degree in Cinematography, he began building his career as a camera assistant in Vancouver, Canada. For the past fourteen years he has worked as a freelance cinematographer for major commercials TOYOTA, LEXUS, HONDA, NISSAN, SUBARU, Panasonic, SONY, Canon, Adidas Reebok, NIKE, P&G PANTENE, Maxfactor SK-2, Coca-Cola, music videos and documentaries in Tokyo, Japan. He has established himself in the industry by shooting over 600 commercials and music videos. He relocated to NYC in 2013. His recent works include feature films " The Garden Left Behind" (won Audience award at SXSW in 2019, IFP in 2017), “Fair market Value” and a Netflix original series "Erased" 12 episodes (Available on Netflix Worldwide).

DP/Cinematographer