TV & Film | Entertainment News
In a monumental stride for representation, openly queer director and producer Josiane "Des Gray" Desir has partnered with rapper Moneybagg Yo's new streaming app Bread Gang TV to release her new short film, "Mixed Girl".
Produced by Des Gray, Joslyn Vance and Andre King Holland, the film is co-produced by Yandy Smith-Harris and Jermaine “J Young MDK” Carter and co-written by Nikki Carter.
"Mixed Girl" is a poignant narrative that transcends racial boundaries and confronts the complexities of identity. Raised in a racially divided small town, the film follows Leslie (Mikaela Seamans), a white teenage mother grappling with alcoholism and drug addiction, who falls for James (J Young MDK), an African-American college student she meets at a fraternity party. Unbeknownst to James, Leslie becomes pregnant and gives birth to a biracial baby girl named Ashlynn (played by Livia Jarcem), thrusting them into a tumultuous journey that spans years.
Gray's film explores the aftermath of their unexpected union, depicting Leslie's descent into chaos and alcohol abuse as she raises two children burdened by a traumatic childhood. The narrative evolves as James, now aware of his troubled daughter's existence, seeks custody, setting the stage for a gripping battle that delves into the challenges of bridging the gap between their two vastly different worlds.
Drawing on discriminatory skin complexion experiences from her sister and a close friend, Gray crafts a narrative that goes beyond the surface, providing a nuanced exploration of love, identity, and the repercussions of societal expectations.
"I feel like sometimes being a mixed girl you get overlooked," Gray told Revolt.
"That's why this movie Mixed Girl" means a lot to me. I want this message to go out to all the mixed girls around the world to know that you are not alone, that you have a voice, that you can speak up, and that it is okay to not feel like you don't belong anywhere. As long as you feel like you can belong to yourself is all that matters."
Des Gray, a true trailblazer in the entertainment industry, is the founder of the production and film company Foreign Made Films. Her directorial journey began in 2018 with Lil Donald's "Do Better" music video, which garnered an impressive 70+ million views.
Since then, Gray has left an indelible mark, producing and directing videos for global hitmakers such as Davido, Chris Brown, Young Thug, Lil Baby, Rick Ross, and Future.
As the only Haitian-American woman director in the music industry, Gray's work has amassed billions of views worldwide, solidifying her reputation as a visionary storyteller with a unique voice.
"Mixed Girl" marks her foray into the world of narrative filmmaking, showcasing her ability to navigate complex themes with authenticity and finesse. The film is scheduled to release December 5th on Moneybagg Yo's new streaming app Bread Gang TV, promising a visual and emotional feast for audiences.
Following the premiere, "Mixed Girl" will be released on all platforms including Tubi TV, Pluto, Crackle, and Vudu on December 15th. As the countdown begins, Des Gray's "Mixed Girl" stands poised to make a lasting impact, challenging norms, and fostering dialogue on the universal themes that connect us all.
Watch the Trailer Below: