World Premiere / USA / 2025 / English / 60 min / Documentary, Fort Lauderdale, Cigars
Director, Producers: Brittnay Therese Dawson;
Key Cast: Ryan Leeds, Jason Reznik, Pete Berntsen, Alex SanGiovanni, David Resnick, Joe Lanser, Jose Menendez, Miya Burt-Stewart, Rum Chopra, Gracee Smith.
Contact brittnaytherese@gmail.com
What began as one man’s tribute to his late father became a cultural force that reshaped South Florida’s cigar scene. Empire follows the journey of a modest lounge as it transforms into a hidden world of sophistication, ritual, and belonging — a place where people from every walk of life come together to find community and connection, all forged through the leaf. At its core, the film is an invitation to slow down and rediscover the quiet art of conversation in an increasingly disconnected world.
SPECIAL GUESTS: Brittnay Therese Dawson and others from Empire
DIRECTORS STATEMENT
The Empire documentary began as a personal story, but quickly revealed something much larger. Through the interviews, I felt the passion the owners share for bringing people together and keeping alive rituals passed down for generations. What began as a dream project grew into something far greater than they ever imagined. More than a lounge, Empire is an experience — one that must be felt personally.
DIRECTOR BIO
Brittnay Therese is a South Florida–based independent filmmaker and creative director whose work explores human connection, culture, and the hidden stories found in unexpected places. With a background in documentary storytelling and journalism, her films are rooted in authenticity and character-led narrative. Across her work, Brittnay examines legacy, ritual, and community as anchors that deepen and shape each project. Her directorial debut documentary, Behind the Boom, premiered at the Omaha Film Festival. Her subsequent feature, EMPIRE, continues her exploration of stories shaped by the people behind them.
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