LOGLINE
When a shy, teenage girl is gifted a family heirloom from her Jamaican Granny, it sparks a newfound courage to live life on her own terms. But as she transforms into who she's always wanted to be, she becomes unrecognizable to those closest to her and must decide if her new path is worth fracturing those relationships.
SYNOPSIS
After stumbling upon a long-forgotten voice message from her past, Belle's resolve to be an artist is reignited. Yet, there's a significant obstacle that stand's in Belle's path - her mother. Her mother, still grieving from the recent loss of Belle's sister and muse, Bili, has taken a protective stance that makes it increasingly challenging for Belle to pursue a highly sought-after art internship.
As she grapples with the choice between following her passion for art or succumbing to her mother's expectations, Belle is gifted with an unexpected source of empowerment. An ancestral heirloom, passed down from her grandmother, reveals the legacy of brave women in her lineage and sparks the courage Belle needs to take the bold step of applying. Even against her mother’s opposition.
As she settles into her internship, Belle's world starts to transform. Her artistic talents begin to blossom, and her inner world is gradually becoming her reality. However, as Belle embraces her individuality, she inadvertently ruffles the feathers of the people closest to her.
In the aftermath of her decisions, Belle is confronted with uncomfortable truths about her relationships, her aspirations, and her own identity. She must face the person she sees in the mirror and come to terms with the consequences of her choices.
RELEASE DATE & DETAILS
December 1, 2023, on Fuse TV
Fuse+ in the US and India
Shades of Black in the US, Canada (Pluto TV), and Internationally
Genre:
Coming-of-age drama
Running Time:
62 minutes
Year:
2023
Credits
Created and Written by Safia Bartholomew
Directed by Tristan Barrocks
Producer Leah Rifkin
Director of Photography Angel Navarro III
Associate Producer Corey Kareem
Co-creator and Story Editor Kern Carter
Principal Cast
Kayla Kuhnke as "Belle"
Shirley Jackson as "Jade"
Romello Griffith as "Jason"
Ayan Elmi as "Sharon"
A CRY Creative production
Editor Outpost12 Studios
Lead Editor Taylor Leeder
Executive Producer Braden Dragomir
Colourist Darling
Andrew James as "Michael"
Grace McDonald as "Granny"
Olecia Obarianyk as "Julia"
Makenna Pickersgill as "Kennedy"