Gritty Vibes to release independent film "April Again"

Culture

Feb 1

Written By

The film will drop late Summer 2018

Here at Gritty Vibes, putting talented artists on a platform is what we do. This summer, we will extend our artistic range into film, in the form of the independent movie entitled April Again. This film will address several issues which effect the community including gentrification, mental health and the incarceration cycle. It will feature a couple faces familiar to those who have been rocking with us for a while, along with some experienced actors. It will also feature a few pieces of clothing from local designers and original music by The Immanuel Wilkens Quartet. Check out our immensely talented cast and crew below!

CREW:

Cinematographer - Wes Darbouze

Wes and his DG media group have been behind the camera for a number of music videos and video productions for local artists over the years. Looking to dig into some narrative work, he will be the go to guy for us this summer.

Camera man - Erewil Ferreira

The photographer who goes simply by "Wellz" first caught our eyes with his 1979 Warriors themed shoot. He will be providing some dope B-Roll footage and photography of the cast and the city at it's grimiest, like only he can.

Writer/Director - Tyrel Hunt

Hunt is the creator of Grittyvibes.com and the writer of 99% of it's articles. He has written the script for the film and will direct it as well.

Musical Composer - Immanuel Wilkens

We went to watch Wilkens perform in Jamaica Queens and it didn't take long for us to be sold on his talent. The composer, arranger and band leader studied at Julliard and now leads his own Quartet. The Philly native is a force in the Jazz community, as the prodigious talent has been performing since a youngster.

CAST

D. Dumebi Egbufor as Bianca

Egbufor boasts an impressive resume, with features in theatre, film and television. She plays a detective in the CW Network's "Black Lightning" and has been featured on shows such as "Dynasty" and Fox Network's "The Resident." On stage she's been a part of productions such as A Raisin in the sun, The Church On Fire, and dozens more.

Amanda Morris as Manda

Morris is an award winning playwright who collaborated with us months ago via a sit down interview where she told us of her ambitions to use acting to help the youth in her hometown of Spanish Town, Jamaica. Since that day, the acting major at Howard University has been a part of a number of theatrical productions in the DC area. She's performed at iconic venues such as the Kennedy Center and Mann center and can be seen briefly on NBC's "This Is Us". She is currently working on a short filmed entitled "Color Theory."

Cassandra Stewart as Lisa

Stewart beat out a competitive bunch for the role of Lisa with her strong audition. She was trained at The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, and April Again will be an opportunity for her to flex her abilities on camera.

Cito Blanko as himself (Train Perfomer)

Blanko was featured on our site a while back for his ability as a poet, and in April Again, he'll be able to display it. He's been tearing up spoken word events like the "Gift of Gab showcase" for a minute, so you know his cameo will be fire.

Dorbens Ricardo Lemma as Marvin

The veteran actor was trained at the MN Acting Studio and The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. He's had lead roles in theatre productions like "Black Wall Street" and "Adam & Eve" and films such as "Detachment", "Love Me Tender" and The "Pledge".

Gabriella Mungalsingh as Imani

Mungalsingh was a part of the aforementioned 1979 Warriors themed photoshoot and she's been on our radar ever since. While she has pursued modeling passionately, she also has began to branch out into acting with skits etc posted on her Instagram. We are excited for her to be able to show off her abilities in April Again.

Sean Pritchard as Mr Jefferson

Pritchard has made several appearances on television including the Food Network numerous times as well as "Looking for stars" and "Breaking Vegas". We're super excited for the experienced actor to take his talents to our film.

Darian Rolle as Ryan

Rolle studies theatre at North Carolina Penbrook, and plans to make the voyage to NYC upon his May 2018 graduation. He has participated in various theatrical productions and made his share of appearances on TV as well. He's appeared on TV One's "Evidence of Innocence" along with TNT's "Good Behavior".

Luis Trinidad as Charles

Trinidad began pursuing acting in High School and went on to participate in theatrical productions at Cardozo High School and Queens Community college. He is fresh off a role in a production of "Macbeth" in the Jefferson courthouse library and is currently studying at the Penny Templeton studio.

Aaron Smallwood as Jermaine

Smallwood learned his craft at Hampton University where he graduated as a theatre major. He furthered his education at The Acting Studio NYC and participated in several television and theatre productions. On television, he's played supporting roles on the Direct Tv international short film channel's "In/Finite" along with "Placebo Heart" and on stage, he's had a leading roles in "Nat Turner: The Trial" and "3 More Sleepless Nights."

Dare Moreno as Naomi

Moreno majored in theatre at both the Thomas G. Pullen School of the arts and Ellington School of the arts. She's played roles in a number of theatrical productions including Charlie Brown Christmas, The Ugly Duckling and Romeo and Juliet. She's also been a regular in student films such as Divine Intervention and THE LIGHTEST ONE.

George Hawkins as Corey

Hawkins has played leading roles in a plethora of student films including "Girls Ain't Nothing but Trouble," "Dark Simplicity," and "Blood Tease". He also has experience on stage where he's had a hand in productions like "Nine Falls From Grace" and "The Fallen Hero," at Castillo Theater.

Lance Brown as TJ

Brown is an up an coming actor, currently still in school at Harlem's City College. He majors in theatre and film, and has participated in several school productions. He will be gaining some solid experience on screen with this film.

Justin Kirkland as Devonte

Kirkland is a young veteran in front of the cam who has participated in over 30 projects in his promising career including "Identity Thief", "Malice", and "What Happened To Love". He is currently working on the new hit TV series "Body To Body" with veteran director Roc Williams.

Look out for this in late summer 2018!!