About the film
Every choice made comes with a price…
About the Movie
Out The Gate is a gripping urban drama that delves into themes of loyalty, love, betrayal, and redemption. Based on the best-selling novel “My Manz And ‘Em”, the film follows Malik Jones as he returns home after 10 years of incarceration, determined to leave his street life behind. With stunning cinematography by J Boogie Visuals and PMF Goat, this is a raw and emotional journey you won't forget.
Written and directed by JM Benjamin, and produced by Alpha ISO Films LLC/Def Beat Ent, this 90-minute film captures the struggle of reentry and the power of second chances.
Synopsis
Out The Gate is a 90-minute featured narrative film about loyalty, love, betrayal, and choices. The story centers around Meesha Taylor, the leading AA female, who focuses on Malik Jones, the top AA male. He is as thorough as they come in the streets. But disloyalty from one of his closest comrades costs him ten years of his freedom.
Now home, Meesha and Malik's paths cross again. Malik wants no more parts of the streets any longer. He has new ideas and a new direction... meanwhile, his ex-street affiliates have evolved in the drug business. Even though they haven't reached out to him in 10 years, they want Malik back on the team when they discover he's home.
But Meesha has other plans for Malik, knowing a good man when she sees one. Meesha supports the man she has grown to love as Malik struggles to reposition himself in society as an ex-offender. When Malik is faced with his past confronting him, he is put in a position to have to make some serious choices and decisions that will affect more than just him.
"A childhood crush resurfaces when a single and goal-oriented woman encounters a man from her old neighborhood who has recently returned from prison."
Set in Indianapolis, Indiana
Malik Jones, a reformed prisoner, wants nothing else to do with the streets. After returning back to Indianapolis, Indiana aka "Naptown", he crosses paths with Meesha Taylor, a well-established sister from his old neighborhood.
But when Malik's past confronts him, he is put in a position to have to make some serious choices and decisions that will affect more than just him.
Director Spotlight
JM Benjamin
Writer/Director
JM Benjamin brings his unique vision and authentic storytelling to Out The Gate. As both the writer and director, he ensures that every frame captures the raw emotion and real-world experiences that define this powerful urban drama.
With a deep understanding of the communities and stories he portrays, Benjamin creates cinema that speaks truth to power and offers hope to those seeking second chances.
Based on the Best-Selling Novel
Out The Gate is adapted from the acclaimed novel "My Manz And 'Em", bringing the powerful story from page to screen with authentic emotion and compelling character development.
Cast & Crew
Director
JM Benjamin
Writer/Director
Executive Producer
Keith Terry Productions
Executive Producer
Cinematography
J Boogie Visuals
Cinematographer
PMF Goat
Cinematographer
Jay Cee
Cinematographer
Production
Alpha ISO Films
Producer
Def Beat Ent.
Producer
Boss Lady Media
Producer
Editing
Jacob Peoples
Editor
Noah Egel
Editor
Whodunnit
Editor
Special Effects
Brandon White
Special Effects
Cast
Montez Lafayette
Malik
Jalia Brewer
Meesha
Tawana Willis
Janet
Mutulu Ekundayo
Cheddar
Mike Travier Jr.
Phil
Crucial Crucial
Doub
Stevie Reign
Pete
Richarh Tyson
Justice
Cesha Greene
Dawn
Renita Alliece
Val
Destiny Basnight
Jessica
Brittany Preston
April
Shawn Landrum
Kwawe
Tina Harris
Mrs. Solomon
Heather Strain
Parole Board Kelly
Brittany Cox
Raven
Robin Willis
Extra
Dada LaBella
Waitress
Jacob Bradford
Parole Board Duggard
David M Seiter
Judge Thomas
Tim Jones
Ace
Trelyn Bouie
Ness
Derran Isom
Attorney Muhammad Bashir
Darrell Dunlap
Det. Crawford
Clifton Harris Sr.
Dee
David Beaman
Lamar (the plug)
Quesha Mundy
Baby Doll
LaTasha Guy
P. O. Jensen
Genesis Childress
Mandy
Nikita Ocaiso
Girl 1
Robert Webster
Brother Raheem
Jru M Benjamin
Jalil
Tremain Willis
C.O. Harris
Shannon Falvey
Prosecutor Elaine Ryan
Gene Howard
Big Al
Naim Randolph
Ski
Margie Addington
Court Reporter
Jamaal Perry
Hugo
Tamilya Miller
Dr. Kahn
Kristen Nash
Jackie
Jason Ritchey
Sheed
Genre & Audience
Genre: Urban Drama
Target Audience: Male and females 18+ and the seven million incarcerated, ex-offenders, twenty million people, and families affected by mass incarceration.
Impact & Mission
A Story of Second Chances
Out The Gate speaks directly to the seven million incarcerated individuals, ex-offenders, and the twenty million people and families affected by mass incarceration. This film offers hope, understanding, and representation for those seeking redemption and a fresh start.
Authentic Storytelling
Through authentic characters and real-world scenarios, the film explores the challenges of reentry, the power of love and support, and the difficult choices that define our paths forward. Every scene is crafted to resonate with those who have lived these experiences.
Film Gallery
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