by Julius Stukes Jr.

This film was born from a deep need to give voice to two of our most pressing, yet often silenced, crises. It’s a story that lives at the painful intersection of mental health and youth homelessness, and it’s a story I felt compelled to tell not just for entertainment, but as a catalyst for understanding perspective. Every scene in this film is 100% BASED ON REAL LIFE STORIES. This film is NOT fiction. This is an accurate portrayal based on perspectives of Men culture. Specifically, Black Men culture.

Nearly one in five Black adults grapple with their mental health each year, but so few receive the care they need and deserve. At the same time, we’re seeing a heartbreaking surge in youth homelessness, with more young people than ever trying to survive on their own, often while battling unseen psychological wounds. By weaving these two narratives together, we’re not just making a point; we’re building a bridge of empathy. My hope is that by understanding the dynamics of these perspectives and experiences, even for a moment, audiences will feel moved to demand better support systems for our most vulnerable.

Authenticity is our north star. Every scene is grounded in real-life experiences, because this story isn’t something we invented. It is a tool that we can use to put a mirror in our faces and ask ourselves, who are we? The goal is to resonate on a human-first level, to make ALL viewers, of ALL genders and cultures, feel as if this movie is based on their lives.

Beyond the credits, I want this film to inspire tangible advocacy for mental health awareness, particularly among Black Men who are taught to be silent, and for conversations on youth homelessness. As a filmmaker, I have a responsibility to tell and preserve history with the nuance, care, and complexity they deserve. 100 years from now, they are going to ask me what I contributed to society. I will show them this movie.

My only goal is that it sparks action. The conversations have been had. It is now time for action.