THE STORY
The Before is a romantic drama centering Black queer and trans folk as they navigate their love lives through the findings of a mysterious photo album. This story blurs the lines between modern romance and fantasy as it centers Black Queer folk living their lives while leaning/relying on various spiritual practices known within the diaspora to lead them to the answers they’re seeking.
WHY
The mainstream film industry has historically been seriously lacking in Black and Queer narratives even as separate topics, let alone the intersection of the two. Given the film’s story, we believe The Before will shed light onto the everyday lives of Black queer folk – not just the trauma we face – and open the minds and hearts of those willing to watch as well as spark important conversations about Trans rights during a time when those rights are up for debate. If you’re anything like us, you’ll agree that Black Queer and Trans folk deserve to live their lives just as honestly and freely as everyone else and deserve to see themselves in joyful, meaningful narratives. Help us make that happen by contributing to the completion of our film :)
NOT YOUR AVERAGE RELATIONSHIP
It is important to note that this film also offers a positive portrayal of polyamory: defined as the practice of having more than one romantic partner at the same time. To learn more about the practice of polyamory, check out this article by Them.us
TEAM
Olivia Miles (they/them) Director, Co-Writer is a filmmaker and graphic designer based in Washington, DC. A Howard University alum hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Olivia has been able to span their creativity and love for film throughout their community.
Shannon N. Brown (she/her) Producer is a content producer and filmmaker. She is an alumna of Fisk University and Howard University. Upon pursuing a Master’s of Fine Arts in Film at Howard University, Shannon has garnered experience in various crew roles and positions with the African American Film Critics Association, Viacom CBS, Allied Global Marketing and The Martin Agency where she is currently a producer. In 2019, she launched her independent film production company Black Film Queen Studios where her filmmaking and artistry is dedicated to the various narratives of Black women and the Black experience.
Meagan Sims (she/her) Director of Photography is a Chicago native pursuing her master’s degree in film at Howard University. With an emphasis in Cinematography, Meagan’s methodology highlights both naturalistic and dream-like visuals that call attention to the variety of subjects that fill the frame, while also putting emphasis on the usage of light and shadow to showcase the breadth of experiences of being BIPOC. Along with her artistic work, Meagan is committed to creating a collaborative workspace where fellow creatives can share their visions and contribute.
Assistant Director:Patrick Mensah:Boadi Script Supervisor:Janai Cherry 2nd Assistant Director:Dimitrius Webb Assistant Camera:Elon Durant Production Design:Kai Hartman Set Design:Rhythm Bowers Props:David Wooten Head of Wardrobe:Sarah Sanders Hair: Sarah Sanders Makeup: Alanah Bailey Boom Operator: Jarius Wells Boom Operator:Caleb Brown Sound Design: Kyle Oppenheimer Associate Producer:Keyshawn Makell BTS:Ryan Hampton BTS:Isaiah Decruise Key PA:Delmar Patterson Camera Production Assistant:Hunter Holliday Camera Production Assistant:Tony L. Harrison Jr. Lighting Production Assistant:Caleb Brown Production Assistant: Shalaan Powell Production Assistant:Alvin West
CAST
Cecily: Java Kasim June: Saffy Carter: Jade E. Green Madame: Rocheny Princien
COVID-19
Three years have passed since the initial COVID-19 lockdown and it was important to our cast and crew that we keep practicing proper COVID compliance safety measures while filming on set. All cast and crew members were required to get tested either 24-48 hours prior to our shooting or day of via rapid test administered on site. There was a COVID compliance officer present during all days of shooting and production that checked temperatures, and provided PPE such as K/N95 masks, gloves and hand sanitizer. We sanitized all shared surfaces and enforced social distance. We are proud to share that upon wrapping, our film production was COVID FREE!
WHERE'S YOUR MONEY GOING?
- Cast and crew compensation
- Post production team: EDITOR, SOUND DESIGNER, COLORIST
- Distribution + film festival applications
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Spread the word! We can only reach our crowdfunding goals if we expand beyond our networks! If you'd like to support Black Queer and Trans filmmakers and help normalize the production of Black LGBTQIA+ stories, YOU can be the difference in our success!
This story is a long overdue one that has been patiently waiting for its time to shine and with your help, we can do just that! We have dedicated our time and our passion to this project but we're looking for those of you willing to dedicate resources to our effort! Whether it be $10 or $20, anything is greatly appreciated. But if you're able to spare more than $50, we would love that :)
Please share our campaign via social media, email, word of mouth or any way you see fit! Not sure what to say exactly? Here are some examples:
I'm so excited to see the short film THE BEFORE directed and produced by Howard University Alums @aiviloselim and @bfqstudios!
Help Black and Queer filmmaker @aiviloselim by supporting their cross-dimensional short film THE BEFORE about 3 Black lesbians being brought together by fate and a mystifying photo album.