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Logline

When Ezra’s past and present collide in a surreal encounter with his younger self, he’s forced to confront long-buried family trauma that could change the course of his life forever.

Synopsis

Set against the sprawling canvas of Los Angeles, Do Not Answer! delves into the unraveling psyche of Ezra, an expectant father haunted by the shadows of a traumatic past. When a mysterious call shatters the tranquility of his new life, Ezra is thrust into a haunting odyssey through the labyrinth of his memories.

Terrified of perpetuating the generational wounds that scarred his upbringing, Ezra is confronted by a manifestation of his younger self. This spectral encounter becomes the catalyst for a visceral exploration of healing as he embarks on a journey into the depths of his own subconscious.

Within the recesses of his mind, Ezra grapples with the echoes of love and loss, unearthing the transformative power of self-discovery. The narrative crescendos in a poignant climax where he must confront the ghosts of his past, leading to a resolution that promises redemption, closure, and the possibility of a brighter future.
 

Meet the Filmmakers

Jordan K. Paul – Writer/Director/Producer
Jordan K. Paul, a critically acclaimed West Indian filmmaker hailing from St. Croix, USVI. He earned his BA in TV/Film production from DeSales University and, over nine years in LA, delved into every film department in the industry. His directorial debut, Animals, premiered in 2023, earning acclaim at multiple festivals including the Pan African Film Festival, Micheaux Film Festival, Montreal International Black Film Festival, and more. Jordan’s love of films helped him think beyond the coasts of his home island and he hopes to inspire more Caribbean filmmakers to do the same.

Darryl “DMC” McDaniels – Executive Producer
Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, a hip-hop pioneer as part of Run-DMC, is renowned not only for his music but also for his advocacy in mental health. Despite his fame, McDaniels grappled with depression and self-doubt, topics he courageously addresses in his memoir “Ten Ways Not to Commit Suicide.” His openness has made him a beacon for those facing similar struggles, encouraging them to seek help.

Alongside his music, McDaniels is a dedicated philanthropist, founding the Felix Organization to support foster care children. His advocacy earned him the Mental Health Association of New York City’s 2017 “Mental Health Hero” award. As Executive Producer of DO NOT ANSWER!, McDaniels brings not only musical expertise but also a commitment to mental health well-being, enriching the film’s team.

Sope Aluko – Actress/Producer
Sope is a Nigerian-born British-American Actress/Filmmaker. She is most known for her film roles in Marvel’s Blockbusters: Black Panther, Wakanda Forever and Venom. As a Writer and Filmmaker, Sope is keen to share African stories – Tales/Folklore that have been passed down through generations, and stories from her life experiences as a Nigerian-British-American Immigrant. She feels compelled to shine a spotlight on the positive and most engaging stories about the African Diaspora that will resonate with the diverse global audience. Sope started her production company, ‘SopeBox Productions’ in 2020 under which she wrote, produced, executive produced, co-directed and starred in her first short film titled, Chidera (also a proof-of-concept TV series). Chidera world premiered at the prestigious Oscar qualifying 2023 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) and as of February 2024, can be viewed on all American Airline flights globally via their Inflight Entertainment. Finally, Sope is a proud Christian, happily married, and a mother to two young men currently enrolled in college. She is bi-coastal and currently splits her time between her hometown Miami, and Los Angeles.

John Connor – Cinematographer
John Connor, a seasoned Cinematographer, boasts a rich history in the film industry, including work on projects like Jack Ryan Season 4, Monster Dahmer, and Seal Team 6. Growing up amidst cinematic greatness, John’s career spans diverse roles, culminating in a lifetime achievement award from the S.O.C. for 25 years of technical excellence. His journey includes collaborations with directors like Tony Scott, David Fincher, and JJ Abram, with Top Gun Maverick marking a recent milestone.

Daphne Reid – Actress
Daphne Reid, an accomplished actress and interior designer, gained fame as Vivian Banks in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Born in 1948, she made history as the first black woman on the cover of Glamour magazine during her modeling career. With a degree in interior design and architecture from Northwestern University, Reid co-founded New Millennium Studios and continues her career, recently guest-starring in an episode of the Bel-Air series.

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Contact

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