Taking storytelling to new heights: Orlando natives to debut “Welcome” documentary
The short film highlights the story of Shawn Welcome, the City of Orlando’s first Black Poet Laureate, his artistic journey and community impact in collaboration with creators at Northe Park.
Updated: 8:44 AM EDT Mar 31, 2026
Two Orlando natives are set to debut the documentary, “Welcome,” at the 2026 Florida Film Festival. The short film highlights the story of Shawn Welcome, the City of Orlando’s first Black Poet Laureate, his artistic journey and community impact in collaboration with creators at Northe Park. “Welcome” is directed by award-winning filmmaker Justin Whittingham, who was born and raised in Orlando. The film’s production company, Northe Park, was founded by Orlando native Joshua Outing in honor of Outing’s late grandmother. Outing says the Tangelo Park neighborhood is where he learned about art, film, love, faith, violence and hope. Upcoming documentary screenings:Florida Film FestivalApril 11, 9 p.m. at Enzian Theater in Winter ParkApril 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Regal Winter Park Village (Theater A)Sunscreen Film FestivalMay 1, 5:05 p.m. at AMC Theater #3 in St. PetersburgSouthern Fried Poetry Slam OrlandoJune 11, 11 a.m.Poetry workshops will also be held during the duration of the event: June 9-13.
ORLANDO, Fla. —
Two Orlando natives are set to debut the documentary, “Welcome,” at the 2026 Florida Film Festival.
The short film highlights the story of Shawn Welcome, the City of Orlando’s first Black Poet Laureate, his artistic journey and community impact in collaboration with creators at Northe Park.
“Welcome” is directed by award-winning filmmaker Justin Whittingham, who was born and raised in Orlando.
The film’s production company, Northe Park, was founded by Orlando native Joshua Outing in honor of Outing’s late grandmother.
Outing says the Tangelo Park neighborhood is where he learned about art, film, love, faith, violence and hope.
Upcoming documentary screenings:
April 11, 9 p.m. at Enzian Theater in Winter Park
April 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Regal Winter Park Village (Theater A)
May 1, 5:05 p.m. at AMC Theater #3 in St. Petersburg
Southern Fried Poetry Slam Orlando
June 11, 11 a.m.
Poetry workshops will also be held during the duration of the event: June 9-13.