MACRO Film Studios’ Charles D. King and James Lopez have joined as executive producers of If I Go Will They Miss Me, the Sundance standout starring Danielle Brooks and J. Alphonse Nicholson, alongside the release of a new clip from the film ahead of its theatrical release. The film opens in a special engagement in Los Angeles on September 11 before expanding to theaters in 30 or more markets nationwide on September 18.
Directed by Walter Thompson-Hernández, named in Variety’s 10 Directors to Watch, the film is set in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles and follows twelve-year-old Lil Ant, played by Bodhi Dell, a young artist navigating life after his father Big Ant, played by Nicholson, returns home from prison. As their relationship strains under unspoken emotions and shifting expectations, Lil Ant begins experiencing mysterious visions of boys drifting through his neighborhood, visions that slowly reveal deeper emotional and generational ties between fathers and sons. Brooks plays Lozita, the emotional backbone of the family, holding the household together as she balances love, frustration and the quiet weight of keeping everything from falling apart.
The film blends magical realism with grounded family drama, using surreal imagery not as escape but as reflection. Musician Jon Batiste contributes a reimagined cover of “This Bitter Earth” and serves as an executive producer, further grounding the film’s emotional tone in music and memory.
If I Go Will They Miss Me premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews and audience acclaim before independent distributor Rich Spirit acquired U.S. and select international rights in a deal reportedly near the $1 million mark.
The film is produced by Josh Peters, Saba Zerehi and Ben Stillman. Executive producers include Robina Riccitiello, Steven Beckman, Isaac Ericson, Jennifer J. Pritzker, Sakurako Fisher, Meredith Crowley, Jonathan Weiner, Grace Lay, Tyler Bagley, Jack Chinery, Brooks, Nicholson, Jon Batiste, Ryan Lynn, Charles D. King and James Lopez.
If I Go Will They Miss Me opens September 11 in Los Angeles and expands nationwide September 18.