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Logline

Simone is trying to co-parent with her ex. Art is trying to prove he’s not still in love with her. Their families are wild, their boundaries are unclear, and their newborn is already judging them.

Synopsis

Simone and Art are exes on the verge of parenthood, two best friends with a messy past, a hilarious but complicated bond, and a baby girl, Storey, on the way.

Over one chaotic afternoon, a roadside blowout spirals from a rap song into a tangle of old wounds, only to shift when a gas station stop sparks an unexpected moment of reflection.

They argue over birthing playlists, revisit their breakup, and wrestle with whether raising a child together without being a couple is naïve or necessary. The sting is real, but so is the love.
 

Meet the Filmmakers

Brandyn Johnson — Writer/Director
Brandyn Johnson is a father, filmmaker, and educator from Brooklyn, NY. California is where he currently calls home. During his time at USC, he developed a proficiency in screenwriting, creative producing, directing and film sound through mentorship from award-winning professionals like Brenda Goodman, David Balkan, Barnet Kellman, and Midge Costin. In a nutshell, his narrative work largely focuses on the new vs the old—the things we learn and take from the past that inform the futures we build for ourselves. Continuing to strengthen his understanding of the film language, he’s committed to telling thoughtful and honest stories that reflect the people and diverse communities that have shaped him. Johnson is a 2025 Film Independent Project Involve Fellow and currently serves as the Program Manager for Ghetto Film School LA. The young people in his life, including his 8 year-old son Grey, are his harshest yet most loving critics.

Tyrin Bell-Sinkfield — Producer
Tyrin Bell-Sinkfield is a producer who fell in love with the entertainment industry at a young age. The NYC native graduated from The Pennsylvania State University and began his career in the mailroom at Creative Artists Agency. He quickly landed a desk in the TV Scripted department before working on the Hulu series, How to Die Alone. Bell-Sinkfield is currently the TV Coordinator at FilmNation Entertainment developing, packaging and producing series for premium cable and streaming platforms. His passion is to bring underrepresented stories to the forefront. He is a 2025 Film Independent Project Involve Creative Executive fellow and just recently wrapped production on his debut short film Seaweed Snacks starring Patrick Cage (One Of Them Days), where he served as Executive Producer.

Khari Johnson— Producer
Khari Johnson is a Mississippi raised, LA based writer, director and producer. A graduate of USC School of Cinematic Arts, Khari has worked in the film industry, first with Chernin Entertainment, beginning 2020. Since then he’s produced two original pilots for YouTube and HooRae Media, a documentary with the NAACP, and several music videos with UMG and WMG. As a writer his work has been featured on Short of the Week, Directors Library, and Vimeo Short of the week. Most recently his comedy special, Sam Jay: Live in London was featured on Vulture’s 4 New Comedy Specials You Should Definitely Watch (January 2025). Khari served as a Line Producer on Seaweed Snacks.

Masora Fukuda — Producer
Masora Fukuda is an award-winning producer based in Los Angeles and is a 2025 Film Independent Project Involve Producing Fellow. She produced Shania Twain’s music video Giddy Up! earning her the 2024 Telly Award for Best Music Video. Internationally, she has worked on Happyend (2024 La Biennale di Venezia official selection, directed by Neo Sora; Tokyo Talents Alumni) and Sixteen (AFI DWW+), along with producing music videos, commercials, and podcasts featuring talents such as Quincy Jones, Shohei Ohtani, and Pharrell Williams. Her short film credits include Mirai To Future (2023 Pramana Asian Film Festival) and How To Make Shepherd’s Pie (2022 LA Shorts). Originally from Nishinomiya, Japan.

Sade Ndya — Cinematographer
Sade Ndya is a cinematographer whose creative style is grounded in surreal-like imagery and dynamic lighting dedicated to portraying the beauty in being black. American Cinematographer has named Sade Ndya as a ‘ASC Rising Star’ for her recent advancements in cinematography. Through her organizing work, Sade works with Made In Her Image, a non-profit that provides women and nonbinary youth of color with education, resources and industry opportunities in film, media, and technology. Their programs have expanded with partnerships from companies like Panavision, A24, and Sundance. Sade is represented by The Gersh Agency and is a 2025 Film Independent Project Involve Fellow.

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Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.