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KJ Smith Talks Leading and Producing ‘The Available Wife’, Tapping Into Her Calling, and Working with Tyler Perry

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KJ Smith is making waves in the industry. In the last few years, she’s been busier (and happier) than ever. From co-leading one of Tyler Perry‘s hit series Sistas to recently starring in Netflix’s top-rated titles #BlackAF and Fatal Affair, the actress (who now also added the producer title to her resume) is not planning to slow down any time soon.

The Available Wife, one of Smith’s latest and dearest projects, is currently going through the festival circuit and has already been nominated for Best Narrative Feature at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF).

The film is based on Carla Pennington‘s book of the same title, which was adapted for the screen by Tressa Azarel Smallwood (BET’s All In) and Jamal Hill (Brotherly Love), who also directed the feature. Also starring in the romantic feature are Terayle Hill, Clifton Powell, and Roger Guenveur Smith.

The storyline centers around Nicole Wright (Smith), a successful music executive whose life is about to fall apart. While having an affair with Kingston (Hill), the sexy artist on the rise full of promises, Nicole learns the hard way that looks can be deceiving and his motives are as dark as the secrets she keeps.

This is Smith’s first time undertaking such a multifaceted role, she shared with us. Although the complexity of Nicole’s character made her exciting to play, the actress could not fully relate to her at first. “It was hard for me because I would simply not make the choices that she made. This is the entertainment industry, you know. One of the things that they warn you is this may be a very dark place. And I’ve faced the same decisions that Nicole had to make and I chose a different path. I’ve literally been in this situation and I did not make that choice.”

Eventually, Smith found other ways to connect to Nicole. “She would do anything for her family, that’s something that was common. The fact that she doesn’t let anything take her down. It’s like me, I never give up, I never have, and I never will,” she shared. The actress hopes that the viewer will have sympathy for Nicole and will see why she made those choices.

‘The Available Wife’ official poster

The Available Wife is special to Smith in many ways: this marks her first leading role in a feature film and her first time producing a project of such magnitude. “I feel like I was really tapping into my calling. I’ve always been a natural-born leader, I’ve always been able to multitask. I’ve always had that capacity and that ability. When you are an actor you kind of do what you’re told, so the opportunity to have a say-so in how this film goes and how my character is portrayed really made me feel empowered and I just fell like I was in my zone, I felt great!”

When it comes to passions outside television and film, Smith enjoys fitness, yoga, and dance classes. Traveling has become her most favorite thing. Now, with COVID still holding most productions on hold, the actress has more time to enjoy new places and discover new cultures.

The pandemic, however, could not hold Smith away from work for too long. Tyler Perry Studios made history by becoming the first in the country to resume production in July. Smith, who stars as Andrea Barnes in Perry’s hit show Sistas, says she had no reservations about going back to the set. “I trust Tyler Perry and I knew we were gonna be okay. I trust him, I trust the team. We are family now, so I don’t worry about it.”

Courstesy of KJ Smith, IG: @KJSmith

Working for Perry has been lifechanging. The world-renowned filmmaker and entrepreneur is not just her boss, Smith considers him a friend and her biggest inspiration. “I don’t know how he finds time to respond to my text messages, but he always responds, quickly. I mean no one’s done what he’s done in this business.”

Smallwood, who owns MegaMind Media and co-wrote the screenplay to The Available Wife, has also made an impact on Smith and her work. “I call her often, she gives me great advice and especially as an up and coming producer. She has made so many films. She is just so great!”

The Available wife is currently available at ABFF Play through August 30, and will later drop on one of the streaming platforms. Smith says an announcement will be made soon, so stay tuned!

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‘Unstoppable’ Starring Jharrel Jerome and Jennifer Lopez (Trailer)

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Unstoppable

Prime Video has released the trailer for “Unstoppable” starring Emmy award winner Jharrel Jerome (“When They See Us”) and Jennifer Lopez. The film, which is based on the inspiring true story about wrestling champion Anthony Robles is set hit select theaters Dec. 6 and will launch on the streamer on January 16, 2025.

“Unstoppable” official poster

“Unstoppable” tells the inspiring true story of Robles, a wrestler born with one leg who defies all odds to become a NCAA Division 1 champion. Jerome takes on the role of Robles, while Lopez plays the part of his mother, Judy Robles.

The film explores the challenges Robles faced growing up, including being born with one leg and facing rejection from his dream school, Iowa. However, with the support of his mother and his own determination, Robles rises to become a champion wrestler, ultimately winning a national championship against the school that rejected him.

The drama features an all-star ensemble cast including Jerome, Lopez, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, and Don Cheadle.

Robles himself can be spotted in the film and is credited as ‘Anthony Robles Double’, performing the complex wrestling moves and stunts. He is also a producer on the film.

On October 27, the “Unstoppable” cast as well as Anthony and Judy Robles attended the special screening of the film at AFI Fest special. You can see the pics below.

According to the press release, Jharrel Jerome trained for months and worked very closely with Anthony to establish the physicality and determination required for the role.

“Unstoppable” is produced by Artists Equity, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s production company.

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Idris Elba Plans A Move To Africa To “Bolster” Their Film Industry

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Idris Elba

Idris Elba made a major announcement that could very well shift the Global narrative lens to Africa. The British star is planning an intercontinental move!

Known for his commanding presence on screens worldwide, from the gritty streets of Baltimore in “The Wire” to the crime-ridden alleys of London in “Luther,” Elba is now turning his sights to a much grander stage – the entire African continent.

“Much of the imagery about Africa isn’t even generated from Africa,” Elba stated at the Stellar Development Foundation’s Meridian conference earlier this month. This simple yet profound observation underscores his mission to transform the film industry in Africa, aiming to give the continent’s young, dynamic population a platform to tell their own stories.

Idris Elba meets with President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo 

Elba’s initiative is not just about building studios; it’s about building an ecosystem where African narratives can thrive globally. He’s not just talking the talk; he’s walking the walk, literally, by planning to relocate to Africa within the next decade. “I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider—it’s going to happen,” he affirmed to the BBC, showcasing his commitment to being on the ground, fostering this new era of African cinema.

The actor’s vision includes the establishment of film studios in Zanzibar, where the government has pledged nearly 200 acres for development. This move, Elba believes, could be “the first building block of a global entertainment hub.” His ambition doesn’t stop at construction; he’s tackling the financial backbone of the creative industry, too. By partnering with Stellar, a blockchain-based platform, Elba is introducing the Akuna Wallet, designed to streamline payments for local creatives, especially in economies with limited banking infrastructures. “It’s all been a puzzle,” Elba admits, referring to the logistical challenges, but he remains optimistic: “It will grow, and it can grow.”

Elba’s deep roots in Africa, with his mother hailing from Ghana and his father from Sierra Leone, lend authenticity and passion to his endeavor. “If you watch any film or anything that has got to do with Africa, all you’re going to see is trauma, how we were slaves, how we were colonized, how it’s just war, and when you come to Africa, you will realize that it’s not true,” he passionately explained. This sentiment is not just about correcting a narrative but about enriching global cinema with stories of resilience, culture, beauty, and innovation.

Idris Elba and wife Sabrina Dhowre in Rwanda

His involvement extends beyond infrastructure. Elba is set to star and executive produce a television adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s classic “Things Fall Apart,” signaling his intent to not only support but actively participate in the storytelling from the continent. This project alone underscores his belief in the power of African literature and its potential for adaptation into visual media, which could inspire a renaissance of African storytelling.

However, this grand vision comes with its challenges. The African film industry, while burgeoning, faces hurdles like inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, and a need for more local cinema spaces. Yet, Elba sees these not as barriers but as “opportunities in the waiting.” His strategy involves not just building but also fostering education, partnerships, and economic models that support sustainable growth in the creative sector.

As Idris Elba strides into this new chapter, his actions speak louder than his words. His commitment to Africa’s cinematic future isn’t just about adding another successful venture to his résumé; it’s about igniting a cultural revolution that could see African stories told by Africans, influencing global audiences in ways we can only begin to imagine. Here’s to hoping that Elba’s vision will indeed turn into reality, proving once again that the universe isn’t just full of stars but also of dreamers who dare to make those stars align.

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“One Of Them Days”: Keke Palmer and SZA’s R-Rated Comedy Drops First Trailer

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One of Them Days

“One of Them Days” is a hilarious buddy comedy set to premiere in theaters on January 24, 2025. Starring the dynamic duo Keke Palmer and SZA, the film promises a rollercoaster of laughter, mishaps, and the quintessential quest for rent money, all wrapped in the vibrant energy of Los Angeles.

Imagine waking up to discover your rent money has vanished, courtesy of a less-than-responsible boyfriend. This is where we find Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA), best friends whose day spirals into a series of comedic attempts to salvage their living situation.

"One Of Them Days" official poster starring Keke Palmer and SZA
“One Of Them Days” official poster starring Keke Palmer and SZA

The newly released trailer follows their day-long adventure filled with desperate, laugh-out-loud strategies, from donating blood to scaling utility poles for a pair of coveted Jordans. It’s a modern take on the ‘one crazy day’ trope, infused with the spirit of classic comedies but with a contemporary twist.

Palmer, known for her versatility across acting, singing, and hosting, brings her infectious energy and comedic timing to the role of Dreux. SZA, on the other hand, is making her acting debut with this pic, bringing her unique vibe to her character, Alyssa.

The film is helmed by Lawrence Lamont and written by Syreeta Singleton, both of whom previously collaborated with Rae on “Rap Sh!t.”

Watch the hilarious trailer below.

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