Filmmaker Jerry Lamothe (Blackout, Amour Infinity) has released his award winning short film The Tombs, online, for all to watch. This, in celebration of his birthday (which was actually yesterday).

The writer/director also publicly expressed his interest in directing the long-in-development Tupac biopic, which Antoine Fuqua was previously attached to helm, but later stepped away from.

“It’s certainly something I would like to campaign and be considered for. I seldom (if ever) pursue work-for hire gigs, and frankly, rarely ever care to. But this project in particular, I’ve been following it for a long time. I definitely wouldn’t mind being on their short list, and sharing some of my ideas. I’m drawn to it. I found myself writing notes, even scenes and dialogue for it. I see and know the tone and texture I would go for and that would compliment it. Regardless, I’m excited about its potential. Myself aside, right now I feel both the director and lead, should be relative unknowns. It needs both a hungry/breakout helmer and star not someone who sees it as just another high profile gig, or an actor too familiar, or bias to the audience. It needs an independent spirit. I hope they don’t go glossy/gimmicky with it.” – Jerry Lamothe

No director is attached currently (at least, we aren’t aware that one has been hired). Our last update on the project was a month ago, when Emmett/Furla Films came on-board to co-finance the Morgan Creek Productions movie, with a budget listed at $45 million.

Tupac’s mother Afeni Shakur will produce.

Lamothe, a 2012-14 Disney│ABC DGA Directing Program finalist, is currently developing an independent feature film titled, The Promise keeper, which boasts a cast that includes S. Epatha Merkerson, Jamie Hector, Garcelle Beauvais, Edwidge Danticat, Jimmy-jean-Louis,  Pras of the Fugees and French actress, Stana Roumillac.

While we wait for Morgan Creek’s announcement of who will direct its Tupac biopic, get familiar with Lamothe’s work by watching The Tombs below:

The Tombs by Jerry Lamothe from Jun Oshima on Vimeo.