A Blade in the Grass is a coming of age short film that takes place in Detroit Michigan during the spring of 1986 when three high school friends decide to cut class and attend a day party under curious circumstances. The events of that day left unanswered questions until a chance reunion between two of the friends gave meaning to the true definition of friendship.
DIRECTOR’S
STATEMENT
I wrote “A Blade in the Grass” as a short story in 2005 though the real events took place in separate days 25 years apart. This short film is a deeply personal experience that single handily affected the relationships in my life through a reflective dive to heal and understand generational trauma and learn empathy. Overtime, I was able to grasp parts of so many unanswered questions; and begin to understand how silence grows shame and disdain. I attempt to narrate these reflections that lingered through adolescence and throughout adulthood as best a short film can. The “blade” reference in the title was a perpetual image that fueled the writing of the short story into the film which I hope has the ability to touch someone silently blaming themself for everything that is wrong in their life. The most important reason for making this short film was to acknowledge that these experiences happened and that pretending to be “ok” doesn’t make the feeling of being empty go away. I believe people want to find their purpose, happiness and meaning in life with that said my dear friend/angel Keysha Sain passed away 2019 battling breast cancer before I could share our film. In the end she found her purpose, happiness and her meaning. I continually strive to follow her example.
HANNAH MORRIS
cast & Crew
ZAHIRAH MUHAMMAD
(SIMONE)
(KEYSHA)
RIA
is an artist, model, entrepreneur, and visionary. Her journey found roots in a technical background of dance, music, writing, and theater. After earning a BA in Socio-Cultural Anthropology from New York University, she merged her passions for art and service into a multimodal creative career. She is the founder of a boutique media and production art house and director of a community impact organization. Hannah enjoys cooking, reading and traveling.
(LISA)
born in Pontiac, Michigan (1997) and raised in Detroit / Macomb her journey has led her to become successful independent artist working on her debut album. She thanks her education to Wayne State University Theatre Program.
RIA is singer, songwriter, actress, model and creative director.
TRACY PARRISH
DEVON BANKS
(MRS. CHAUDER)
has a BFA from Wayne State University 1986, Detroit. Her background is in fine arts, a variety of interior design and construction trades for residential, commercial and film. She’s dabbled in art education/therapy and event hosting. S.A.H.M., with massive gratitude to her husband and adult child. She was, and is happy and humbled to support artists in seeing their visions come to life.
(LENNY)
started acting in the summer of 2019 after being tired of working for Amazon and loved it ever since. As of today, He has multiple films on Tubi with more to come in the future. When I’m not working he loves to play basketball and video games.
KARLY ALEXANDRA
CHRISTOPHER COLLINS
(CHRIS)
born and raised in Detroit Mi. Chris is a passionate thespian that enjoys working in the independent film sector. He enjoys going to the theatre and writing when he not working or working out. My life revolves around my passion for the craft of acting.
(FELICIA)
is an actress and DJ where her real passion lies. Karly is a music fanatic and a bit of a techie. She loves to find obscure music, cut a make beats and dance. Moving crowds is a theatre of its own and she loves to do both.
LOGAN SMITH
(STACY)
is junior in high school. She loves cheerleading/ dancing and becoming a entrepreneur as thriving hair stylist amongst a few of her interest. When Loghan isn’t studying she’s shopping with her friends or going to concerts.
ERIC JACKSON
(BRIAN)
born in Michigan (1990), he’s the youngest of three brothers. He’s an actor whose been working and studying since 2013. Eric is passionate about digital art, fitness, writing and horticulture.
is an American actress and vocalist from Detroit, MI. She first began her acting career in 2017 appearing as an extra in a commercial. Shortly after, she landed her first leading role in the film “Thru The Course Of A Day” which gained viral attention in the weeks preceding its release and led to her 2018 nomination in the first annual Detroit Filmmaker Awards.
MANAZAH CHANDLER
DENNIS FIFE
(DEENA)
(ELDERLY MAN/
HOME OWNER)
is a military veteran. He’s an amateur stand up comic, but truly enjoys building small home structures and repairing anything with an engine. Dennis Fyfe is a family friend who generously donated his talent and time to this project.
DANIEL BRANCH
(BUNNY)
looks to find the constants in his life. Daniel has a healthy lifestyle which includes working out and fitness training As he began his modeling journey he found a way to express himself without speaking. He likes to be able to help artists and his favorite brands to showcase their visions through fashion, pictures and videos is an experience he’s forever grateful for. “There’s something special about being a part of someones dream/vision and seeing it come to life that has helped me have more faith I my own dreams along with discovering my own gifts and talents that God has given him.”
is an actress, poet, author; born and raised in Muskegon, MI, MaNazah Chandler moved to Detroit, MI to attend Wayne State University (WSU) graduated in May 2015 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts. . She’s also a 3-Year AmeriCorps Alum. MaNazah's greatest passion is Voiceover (VO). Her most recent voiceover placements are in the Bruce Willis film, "A Day to Die'', which premiered in theaters in March 2022 in addition to "Call Her King" and "Black Heat" in 2023. Ms. MaNazah works as a Daily Substitute Teacher for University Prep Schools as well as a Suite Attendant at Ford Field.
ROMNEY
FUNDERBERG
(ALFONSO)
graduated from Wayne State in 2021 with a BFA in Drawing and Photography. Some of the things he enjoys doing in his spare time are graphic design, photography and collecting shoes and vintage Detroit Piston clothing.
CINEMATOGRAPHERBIOGRAPHY
ALEJANDRO MEJÍA
(CINEMATOGRAPHER)
Alejandro “Jano” Mejìa is known for the feature film “Prefect Sense” (2011) starring Ewan McGregor and Eva Green. Currently, Alejandro Mejìa is globally recognized for his cinematic contributions leading to awards in BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY in distinguished film festivals for multiple films in the categories such as; Best Documentary, Best Narrative and Best Feature. His work in 306 Hollywood (2018) earned him “Best Cinematography” in a Documentary at the Critics’ Choice Awards, 499 (2020) he won Best Cinematography in a Documentary Film at Tribeca Film Festival. Sons of Monarchs (2021) he won The Golden Frog at Cinematographers Debuts Competition at Camerimage and his work in Sansón and Me (2022) Alejandro won The Golden Frog for Feature Documentary Films Competition and Best Feature Documentary Films Competition at Camerimage. The Knife (2024) also won Best Cinematography for a U.S. Narrative Feature at Tribeca Film Festival along with winning Valle di Guadalupe Film Festival. His work in “Above and Below” (2024) has earned him recognition in Valle de Guadalupe Film Festival for Best Cinematography in a Narrative along with his documentary for 499 (2020) recently was recognized, again; winning Best Cinematography in a Documentary. I am so honored to hav worked with Mr. Mejìa and shared his expertise and creativity with me while inspiring me our project to a higher art that we collectively created with Tatiana Garcìa, the crew and cast.
PRODUCER BIOGRAPHY
TATIANA GARCÍA
(CREATIVE PRODUCER)
Tatiana García, a Creative Producer with a 22-year career,
boasts a diverse skill set, including film producing, musicalizing,
and editing. Born in Mexico City, she holds a B.A in Visual
Communication, a Diploma in Film and gender studies, a
Professional Certificate in Film Producing from NYU, and an
M.F.A in Media Production/Film Production from CCNY. Tatiana
started as a freelance associate producer at MTV (Latin
America) and transitioned to independent films in Mexico City
before moving to New York in 2007.
In New York, Tatiana's career flourished. She worked at the
Tribeca Film Festival as a pre-screener, was the Associate
Director of Cinema Tropical, and later became the Coordinator
of the Producing Program at New York Film Academy. Tatiana
has a rich portfolio, producing documentaries, features, TV,
music videos, docu-series, and digital content. Her
collaborations include projects with renowned companies like
Jingletown, NGL, PBS, BNS, NBC, Sesame Workshop, Netflix,
and Bambú Audiovisual.
Tatiana Garcìa is my most treasured friend and angel. Tatiana held my had, held me up and swooped in when I needed her the most. I can only pray we get to do it again, together. <3
DIRECTOR
BIOGRAPHY
LISA BRANCH
(DIRECTOR)
Lisa Branch is the writer, director and an actor in this film; born and raised in Detroit Michigan. Lisa moved to Chicago to pursue a career as a modern/jazz dancer where she acquired her SAG card dancing in national commercials which led her to New York City to continue a professional career as an actress and “model”. Lisa began booking roles in network/cable shows, independent film and theatre. In 2016, Lisa entered William Esper Studio studying with Bill Esper himself. His teachings continue to make a huge impact in her creative life. This is Lisa Branch’s first film as the writer, director and producer. Its been emotional.
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