"Love Is Blind" Sweeps Film Festival Awards, Launches Director Parneille Walker Into the Spotlight
- Tammy Reese
- Jun 12
- 4 min read
By Tammy Reese
In a breakout moment that’s capturing hearts and headlines, “Love Is Blind,” a sharp and heartfelt romantic comedy has emerged as a major winner on the international film festival circuit. Directed by first-time filmmaker Parneille Walker, the indie short has charmed audiences from Harlem to Cannes, racking up honors including Best Short Film, Best Actress, and Best First-Time Filmmaker. With its witty take on the chaos of modern dating and a fresh lens centering Black and Brown leads, Love Is Blind is more than a film, it’s a statement. And for Walker, a veteran of Hollywood’s post-production world, it’s the first of many bold, authentic stories to come.
Love Is Blind is connecting with audiences around the world. What inspired the concept behind the film?
Honestly, it came from real life! Dating in Los Angeles can be…a ride. Between my own experiences and the hilarious chaos my friends have shared, I had a goldmine of awkward, comedic moments. I wanted to channel all of that into something that felt honest and funny — something people could see themselves in.
You’ve worked behind the scenes in post-production for major networks. How did that background prepare you for this directorial debut?
Absolutely. Working in post at studios like Warner Bros and Disney taught me how to finish projects at a high level. As a Post Supervisor, I had to keep everything on track — from picture lock to final delivery. That experience was priceless. It gave me the confidence and skill set to bring Love Is Blind across the finish line as a first-time director.
Independent filmmaking is never easy. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while producing this film?
Funding was definitely a challenge, like it is for most indie projects. But beyond that, handling permits, insurance, and union compliance was a huge learning curve. I knew I wanted to make something that had the potential to grow — maybe into a series or feature — so I was committed to doing it right. There’s power in showing that Black and Brown creators can execute professional, scalable work on our own terms.
Rom-coms rarely center diverse leads. How intentional were you about changing that narrative?
Extremely intentional. I wanted to break away from the limited roles we often see. Love Is Blind shows Black men being vulnerable and funny, and Black women being quirky, lovable, and fully human. Chris and Sara aren’t caricatures — they’re us. It was important for me to create characters that reflect the depth and beauty I see in my own community.
With all this momentum, what’s next for you and Love Is Blind?
I’d love to develop Love Is Blind into a series or feature — there’s so much more story to tell. Beyond that, I have a female buddy comedy and a family adventure film in the pipeline. I’m excited to keep creating stories that spotlight joy, humor, and the layered lives of people of color. I want my work to make audiences feel something real — whether that’s laughter, reflection, or just the comfort of being seen.
More About The Project:
Directed by first-time filmmaker Parneille Walker, Love Is Blind is a sharp, modern romantic comedy that follows a man on a cringeworthy blind date in Los Angeles, with everything that could go wrong, going wrong. With comedic twists and poignant moments, the film captures the awkward beauty of modern dating through the lens of Black and Brown leads.
“Love Is Blind blends classic rom-com charm with the raw, relatable awkwardness of modern dating,” said director Parneille Walker. “I set out to create something honest and hilarious that centers people of color in roles full of emotional range and comic brilliance. Getting this film made independently took grit and unwavering belief — but it’s proof that with the right vision and voice, Black and Brown creators can deliver big-screen quality that resonates.”
Walker, a seasoned post-production supervisor turned filmmaker, has worked on major studio productions across CBS, Warner Bros, Fox, and Disney. Love Is Blind marks her directorial debut, positioning her as a bold new voice in comedy and character-driven storytelling.
The film stars Brandon Fobbs (The Wire, Pride), Ivonnah Erskine (Grey’s Anatomy, Wild ‘N Out), Melvin Jackson Jr. (The Wire, The New Edition Story), and Aasha Davis (Friday Night Lights, Pariah).
With strong early momentum on the film festival circuit, Love Is Blind is poised to become a launching pad for its cast and director, bringing visibility to indie excellence and underrepresented voices in entertainment.
Watch the official trailer:
Visit the website: www.loveisblindshortfilm.com
Follow Love Is Blind: Instagram: @loveisblindthefilm | YouTube: @Parneezypics
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