"Red Clay" tells the poignant story of Nook, a conflicted teenager navigating the challenging terrains of adolescence amidst his mother's crippling drug addiction. In a bid to overcome their dire circumstances, Nook makes a fateful decision that marks the sacrifice of his child-like imaginative nature for pragmatic tactics for survival and the preservation of his family. This short film explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, the desperate choices one can make in the pursuit of redemption, and ambition as the faint driving force amidst life’s unwavering chaos.

Caught in a rampant cycle of poverty and desperation within his Atlanta, Georgia community, Nook, a conflicted teenager dreams of a better life, but finds himself ensnared in the very world he envisions escaping. 

In the film, set in 2003, Atlanta is nearly 10 years post the 1996 Olympics, displaced Black communities are struggling to rebuild, Black Mafia Family (BMF) still reigns supreme, and trap music has emerged. Unbeknownst to the world, this becomes a cultural reset ignited by sacrifice, resilience and ambition.

Introducing: Jaylan Ragin

Executive Producer/Writer : 2 Chainz

Tauheed Epps, professionally known as 2 Chainz, is an American rapper, actor, entertainer, serial entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Today, the Grammy-award winning and multi-platinum artist is also an emerging filmmaker. Epps is the Executive Producer and Co-Writer of “Red Clay”, a short film inspired by his life’s journey thus far. What started out as a passion project has evolved into a form of art therapy for the rapper. “Red Clay” is 10 years in the making and a testament to Epps’ endless artistry. 


Executive Producer/Writer : Omar Epps

Omar Epps’ legacy spans over three decades of captivating diverse audiences across generations through acting, writing, producing, entrepeneurialship, and philanthropy. Epps’ in depth passion for the arts, and vast cultural impact is furthermore unveiled in his gift of screenwriting and producing of “Red Clay.” What started out as an artistic collaboration amongst family,  has evolved into Epps continuing to lead and foster a cathartic and potentially healing experience with his art and leadership through this film. 


Christian Nolan Jones is a Director based in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. The New York University Tisch School of Arts graduate has based his career on telling real stories through innovative storytelling. In 2022, Jones’ latest short film GLITTER AIN’T GOLD (2022), won the Special Jury Award for Directing and Community Filmmaking at the famed SXSW Film Festival. Between Jones’ roots in Atlanta paired with his mission to empower fellow filmmakers in Atlanta and around the world, he aids in the impact of his contribution to bringing the story of “Red Clay” to life in this short film.

When I think about the term red clay, I’m reminded of hot, humid Georgia heat. The orange, caked up dirt would leave residue on your shoes, clothes, and hands. It makes me think about those summers as a kid when I would play in the heat all day and the sweat would stick to me like an extra layer of skin. Even if only for a brief moment, I’m transported back to a simpler time.

For our film’s protagonist, for  every moment he relishes in his innocence, there are twice as many setbacks that keep innocence further from his reach. As a black man, I reflect on my and Nook’s coming-of-age experiences as a fork in the road.These become the moments that define our journeys, and who we become as people. I recognized something in Nook’s character that indicates he will take the road less traveled. My hope is that the audience will also see beyond the surface to become curious about Nook’s journey to come.

Where to Watch?

We are currently submitting to your favorite film festivals worldwide! 


Partner with Us!

This film presents cultural nostalgia with timeless themes. Throughout their personal journeys, each character will embody traits, styles, and tastes that are imbued within segments of our core demographic, seamlessly presenting rich opportunities for brand partnerships including, but not limited to, apparel, beauty, technology, automobiles, fast food, beverages, and spirits. For more information reach out to producedbysade@gmail.com.


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