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When NASA loses contact with astronauts in space, the world starts to panic. But in Radio Sky, the person who steps in isn’t in Mission Control. He’s in a small apartment, wearing ankle monitors.

Written, directed, produced, and starring Carlitos Do Souto, Radio Sky is a high-stakes thriller that blends space isolation with cyber suspense. The film is making its world premiere at the Pan African Film Festival (Feb.16-22) in Culver City on February 17, 2026 where it is also nominated for Best Feature.

The story follows Mac Randolph, a hacker under house arrest for breaching top-level government systems. When breaking news reveals NASA has lost contact with the International Space Station, Mac illegally hacks into the Deep Space Network looking for answers.

He finds one survivor.

Rose Finley, played by Desiree Ross, is alive but being held hostage by a Russian billionaire who claims NASA stole proof of alien life. From his bedroom, Mac becomes her only lifeline. If he helps her, he risks violating probation. If he doesn’t, she dies.

But Radio Sky is more than a thriller. It’s also a film about representation, resilience, and responsibility.

Rose’s father, Joseph Finley, is NASA’s Director of Communications, played by Dennis Haysbert. Known for his commanding presence in 24 and The Unit, Haysbert brings emotional weight to a father balancing national duty with his daughter’s life.

During our interview, Carlitos spoke about what it meant to work alongside Haysbert. He described him as a true professional and said his voice and stature were exactly what the film needed. That presence adds authority to the role, but also heart.

We also talked about the challenge of wearing multiple hats on set. Carlitos wasn’t just directing. He was acting. Producing. Leading the creative vision. Managing the tone. That kind of responsibility can easily become overwhelming, but he explained how preparation and discipline allowed him to stay focused in each role. When he was acting, he trusted his team. When he was directing, he stepped outside himself. It required balance.

Another important part of our conversation was representation. Carlitos is intentional about showing people of color in positions of power and intelligence. A Black man as NASA’s Director of Communications. A young Black woman as a first-time astronaut. These are not background characters. They are central. They are leaders. And they are portrayed with strength and humanity.

He also shared that Desiree Ross has the “it factor.” Watching her performance, you understand what he means. She carries vulnerability and determination at the same time, which makes the stakes feel real.

Visually, the film keeps things minimal. Most of the tension exists between a space station and a small apartment. It’s contained, focused, and emotional. The scale feels large, but the story stays personal.

In his director’s statement, Carlitos describes Radio Sky as a story born from creative necessity — two isolated souls connected only through static and code, fighting to survive. At its core, it’s about human connection and redemption.

If you’re in Los Angeles, you can watch Radio Sky during its world premiere at PAFF at The Culver Theatre in Culver City from February 16–22.

To learn more about Carlitos Do Souto’s creative process, working with Dennis Haysbert and Desiree Ross, and how he balanced acting while directing, read the full interview linked below.