Actress and entrepreneur Vanessa Simmons is eagerly anticipating the release of her latest project, the psychological thriller “She Wants My Life.” In this gripping film, Simmons portrays Niesha, a suburban mother whose seemingly perfect life is upended by a dangerously obsessive tutor.

Vanessa Simmons and Khalil Kain

Simmons, known for her advocacy in mental health and wellness, is particularly excited about this role as it allows her to explore the complex layers of psychological struggles on screen. “This movie deals with a lot of layers and important issues which is really important,” Simmons shares. “I’m excited and honored to be playing Niesha and can’t wait for you guys to see it.”

The film delves into themes of identity, obsession, and the fragility of mental well-being in the face of manipulation and deceit. Simmons’ character, Niesha, must confront not only external threats but also her own inner turmoil as she fights to protect her family and sense of self.

As the founder of U4IA, an online wellness community, Simmons has long been passionate about promoting mental health awareness. Her role in “She Wants My Life” aligns perfectly with this mission, offering a nuanced portrayal of the psychological challenges many face in their daily lives.

Behind the Scenes of ‘She Wants My Life’ featuring Khalil Kain and Vanessa Simmons

“She Wants My Life” promises to be more than just a thrilling watch; it’s set to spark important conversations about mental health, personal boundaries, and the sometimes blurred lines between perception and reality. Simmons’ performance is expected to bring depth and authenticity to these complex issues, drawing from her own experiences and advocacy work.

Directed by Shannon Washington and featuring a talented ensemble cast including Krista Kalmus as Veronica and Khalil Kain as Marcus, “She Wants My Life” is poised to be a thought-provoking addition to the psychological thriller genre. As the release date approaches, anticipation builds for what Simmons describes as a layered and impactful story that will resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.

Author: Bolanle Media Staff

Congratulations to Chad Tailor and co-directors Kearsten Johansson and Abdul Mohaimen for being finalists for Best Dark Comedy Film at the Houston Comedy Film Festival (HCFF) with their film “Her Corpse.” This dark comedy takes a satirical look at our generation’s fascination with true crime and vigilante justice.

The Inspiration Behind “Her Corpse”

“Her Corpse” draws inspiration from the real-life misadventures of online amateur sleuths and their often misguided attempts at vigilante justice. The film satirizes this obsession through a narrative that juxtaposes the absurdity of its protagonists—reminiscent of characters from “Superbad,” “The Hangover,” and “Horrible Bosses”—against the backdrop of high-stakes drama.

The creative team behind the film has a rich history of collaboration. Kearsten and Abdul first met at Toronto Film School, where Kearsten cast and coached Abdul, Tyler, and Nikola (the cast of “Her Corpse”) in a memorable scene from “Superbad.” This early collaboration highlighted the natural comedic chemistry between the actors, which Abdul drew upon when writing the script. Kearsten was immediately captivated by the script’s blend of humor and gravity, reflecting on the naive enthusiasm and unintended fallout of amateur sleuthing. Chad, who has mentored Abdul throughout his filmmaking journey, also played a key role in bringing this project to life.

The Challenges of Making “Her Corpse”

Despite having a talented cast and crew, the production of “Her Corpse” faced its own set of challenges. One major hurdle was managing sound disruptions during the filming of a crucial exterior location. The team was fortunate to have a skilled sound recordist and post-sound mixer who ensured that these issues were resolved seamlessly, maintaining the film’s quality.

A Journey from Acting to Filmmaking

Kearsten, Chad, and Abdul each began their careers in acting before transitioning into filmmaking. Kearsten and Chad have been working together professionally since 2018, producing several short films and now moving into series and feature film development. “Her Corpse” marks Abdul’s first film as a behind-the-scenes contributor, and it is the first collective project for the trio, with many more to come.

What’s Next for the Team?

The team is currently in pre-production for their next short film, “Finesse,” set to begin filming this fall. Kearsten and Chad are also completing post-production on “Straw Man,” a film adaptation of Jacob Roth’s memoir about his battle with anorexia, and Chad is finalizing a short film titled “Memento Mori,” which explores the impact of Canada’s assisted suicide program on friends and family.

Connecting with the Team

For those interested in future projects or collaborations, you can connect with the production company through their website Tailored Films or via email at tailoredfilmscanada@gmail.com. Follow them on Instagram at @tailoredfilms.corp for updates. You can also reach out to the key creatives on their personal Instagram accounts:
– Kearsten Johansson
– Chad Tailor
– Abdul Mohaimen

Film Organizations

Kearsten is an active member of WebSeries Canada and Women in Film & Television (WIFT), while Chad is a member of ACTRA and the OUTActra committee in Toronto, as well as an Accredited Acting Coaches & Educators (AACE) member.

Current Status

“Her Corpse” is embarking on its film festival run, with plans to explore distribution options in the near future. The team is excited to share their work and connect with new audiences. Stay tuned for more updates and follow their journey through social media and their official website.

From the Film Festival Circuit Founder, Mikal Fair:

Author: Bolanle Media Staff

We’re thrilled to spotlight Joelle Marie Velez and Peter Anthony Castillo’s latest film, “Sock It To Me,” a finalist for both the Best Horror Comedy Film and Best Horror Comedy Micro Film awards at the Houston Comes Film Festival. This unique blend of comedy and thriller explores the fragility of relationships through a seemingly trivial object.

The Inspiration Behind “Sock It To Me”

Joelle’s screenplay for “Sock It To Me” was inspired by a personal, albeit humorous, experience: discovering an unfamiliar sock in her laundry. This seemingly mundane discovery prompted Joelle to explore deeper themes of suspicion and paranoia within romantic relationships. The film delves into how a simple object can disrupt a peaceful situation and reflects on the darker corners of the mind. By combining suspense, mystery, and dramatic irony with a comedic touch, Joelle crafts a story that balances camp horror with psycho-analytical depth.

The characters are inspired by real people in Joelle’s life. Her husband, who partially inspired the character Damien, is described as her greatest supporter and is very much alive and well. The character Charlie is based on a close friend and is portrayed by comedian Archy Jamjun. Damien’s therapist, portrayed by Joyce Mojica from the Chicago improv scene, contributed valuable insights into the psychological elements of the script.

The Challenges of Filmmaking

One of the significant challenges Joelle faced was managing the complex balance between comedy and suspense. This project, completed as a thesis at the Second City Film School, benefited from the guidance of experienced improvisers and comedic directors. Joelle, who transitioned into filmmaking from a career in venture capital, found the process both challenging and rewarding. Her background in finance highlighted the importance of owning one’s material and being in control of the creative process.

What’s Next for Joelle?

Joelle has been busy with various projects. She recently produced a web series with Peter Castillo, who co-directed “Sock It To Me,” and is working on a documentary with Adam Villani, the film’s director of photography. Looking ahead, Joelle is excited about a new passion project set in Colorado, inspired by old westerns and opera.

Get in Touch

For future projects or collaborations, Joelle is open to connecting on Instagram. She’s also an active member of the Chicago Independent Film Alliance, where she continues to engage with the film community.

Festival Circuit and Future Opportunities

Joelle has just begun the festival circuit for “Sock It To Me” and is eager to explore opportunities with distributors and agents. If you’re interested in reaching out, she’s excited to discuss potential collaborations and share more about her work.

Joelle’s innovative approach to blending comedy with thriller elements in “Sock It To Me” reflects her unique voice and creative vision. We look forward to seeing where her filmmaking journey takes her next.

From the Film Festival Circuit Founder, Mikal Fair:

Author: Bolanle Media Staff