Bloom, a new coming-of-age romance film set in the heart of Tuscany, may soon feature Kedar Williams-Stirling (Sex Education), Yara Shahidi (Grown-ish), Keith Powers (Uglies), and Renée Elise Goldsberry (Hamilton). This project marks the feature debut for Cole Swanson, who will both direct and write the film.
Centered around a young Black artist named Ace (Williams-Stirling), Bloom follows his journey of self-discovery after receiving a scholarship to study in Italy. As Ace adjusts to his new life, he finds himself drawn into “The Casa Rosa Kids,” an elite circle of wealthy, rebellious Black friends. Against the romantic Italian landscape, he builds deep connections and kindles a powerful romance that pushes him to new levels of self-expression and identity.
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The film has been described as Love Jones reimagined in Italy, centering on affluent young Black characters wrapped up in a complex love triangle. Dane Clarke II and Joel Poku of Pineloft Entertainment developed the film and will produce alongside Jolene Rodriguez of Broken English Productions. London’s 1PLUS1 Productions, founded by musical artist Skepta, has joined the project for music consulting, adding an extra layer of cultural depth to the film’s score and atmosphere.
Kedar Williams-Stirling is known for his standout role on Netflix’s Sex Education and has previously appeared in Small Axe and Roots. Yara Shahidi wrapped a six-season run as Zoey Johnson on Freeform’s Grown-ish and has starred in Peter Pan & Wendy and The Sun Is Also a Star. Keith Powers recently appeared in Uglies, Netflix’s sci-fi adaptation, and has notable roles in Straight Outta Compton and The Tomorrow War. Renée Elise Goldsberry, celebrated for her Tony and Grammy-winning role in Hamilton, currently stars in Girls5eva, which recently moved to Netflix.
Swanson’s collaboration with Pineloft Entertainment is ongoing; he previously worked with the team on Betty & Blue, a jazz film starring Keith David that was showcased at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival this past summer. Bloom promises to bring fresh energy to the coming-of-age genre with a unique focus on young Black wealth, art, and romance against a beautiful Italian backdrop.
Originally read on Deadline.