From the look of it, a lot of money, relatively speaking was spent on this film. Much of that went into cinematography, one would imagine.

But that's really the best part of it and it's not enough. Technically, the film is excellent - superb editing, rich colours, good acting.

But it falls down on story - and that's what matters most. An idea with lots of unfulfilled potential, The Dying Color, left me feeling more than a little unsatisfied.

Two young African American sisters, in dire poverty, have to take care of their dying grandfather.

The role consumes their lives and while the older sister is stoic and dutiful, the younger one, we detect, is resentful and impatient.

The bedridden Grandad's caretakers are often interrupted with cries of "blue", "yellow" or whatever color he needs to see to relieve his pain and suffering. It's a device I found intriguing, even if I didn't understand it.

And it did keep me watching. This 15 minute film is tidily structured, well edited and beautiful to look at - it should make an excellent reel piece for Director of Photography Brian Rigney Hubbard - but not compelling.

Ayo Johnson