The first official trailer for Artisan has been released, offering a striking introduction to the deeply personal psychological thriller developed by former NFL star–turned–filmmaker Vernon Davis (The Ritual Killer) and helmed by Emmy-nominated director Joslyn Rose (Stand).
Anchored by performances from J. Alphonse Nicholson, Myles Bullock, and Bechir Sylvain, the film is set to begin its festival circuit in 2026. Rounding out the ensemble are Simone Leanora, Margo Hall, and Donald E. Lacy.
Drawing inspiration from Davis’s real-life experience witnessing mental illness within his family, Artisan centers on a gifted chef (Nicholson) whose emotional world begins to fracture under mounting pressure. The character’s journey—caught between identity, grief, and the pursuit of artistic excellence—serves as the heartbeat of the film. The newly released trailer teases a tense, sensory-driven portrait of a man fighting both his craft and himself.
The screenplay evolved from Davis’s original story, first shaped by Joslyn Rose and Dominique Mouton (The Lower Bottoms), then adapted for the screen by acclaimed playwright and author Howard L. Craft (Freight). Davis leads the producing team under his Reel 85 Productions banner, alongside Dido Belle Productions’ Mouton, Rose, Simone Leanora, and Christina Quinn. Executive producers include Davis, Nicholson, Rose, Henry Penzi, and Nick Mahar.
Vernon Davis on the Heart Behind Artisan
“This story is deeply personal that confronts trauma, healing, and the silent battles so many families face,” Davis said. “Watching members of my very own family struggle with various mental health challenges has profoundly shaped the way I see the world. I wanted to make a film that humanizes the struggle, opens conversations about mental health, and shows how art—whether through food or filmmaking—can transform pain into something healing.”
Director Joslyn Rose on the Film’s Emotional Core
“Artisan is about the light and shadows we all carry,” Rose shared. “Vernon brought me a story rooted in profound loss and resilience, and together we worked to shape a narrative that confronts what often goes unspoken—including the complexities of mental health. This is a story about the power of creative brilliance to emerge from those difficult, internal moments. Sharing the official trailer is the beginning of the conversation we hope this film inspires.”
With its unflinching look at the intersections of mental health, artistry, and personal history, Artisan is poised to be a standout on the 2026 festival circuit.