LA-based filmmaker Walter Thompson-Hernández is bringing something quietly powerful to the West Coast this spring—and it’s officially getting a new look ahead of its California debut.
If I Go Will They Miss Me, starring Oscar nominee Danielle Brooks and J. Alphonse Nicholson, has released a teaser video, offering a fresh glimpse into its emotionally layered world ahead of its California premiere at the 69th San Francisco International Film Festival.
The film will screen Friday, April 25 at 6:00pm at the Marina Theatre, with director Walter Thompson-Hernández expected to attend for a post-screening Q&A.
Set in the Watts neighborhood of South Los Angeles, If I Go Will They Miss Me blends magical realism with grounded family drama and subtle nods to Greek mythology, crafting a coming-of-age story that feels both intimate and mythic in scale.
At the center is 12-year-old Lil Ant (Bodhi Jordan Dell), a young artist navigating life after his father Big Ant (J. Alphonse 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 begin to reveal deeper emotional and generational ties between fathers and sons.
Danielle Brooks plays Lozita, the emotional backbone of the family, holding the household together as she balances love, frustration, resilience, and the quiet weight of keeping everything from falling apart.
Together, the trio anchors a story that uses surreal imagery not as escape—but as reflection.
Alongside Brooks, Nicholson, and Dell, the film features Myles Bullock, Bre-Z, Zaria Kelley, Mark Lane III, Nandi Nfr Ka, Kameron J Meadows, Jeremiah King, and more.
The film first premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, where it quickly emerged as a standout in the independent lineup.
Following its Sundance debut, independent distributor Rich Spirit acquired U.S. and select international rights in a deal reportedly near the $1 million mark. The film is now being positioned for a fall theatrical release.
Musician Jon Batiste also contributes to the project, recording a reimagined cover of “This Bitter Earth” and serving as an executive producer—further grounding the film’s emotional tone in music and memory.
The film was produced by Josh Peters, Saba Zerehi, and Ben Stillman, with executive producers including Robina Riccitiello, Steve Beckman, Isaac Ericson, Jennifer J. Pritzker, Sako Fisher, Meredith Crowley, Jonathan Weiner, Grace Lay, Tyler Bagley, Jack Chinery, Ryan Lynn, Danielle Brooks, and J. Alphonse Nicholson.
The deal marks another notable title for distributor Rich Spirit, founded by James Shani. The company has quickly carved out a reputation for backing bold, conversation-driven films, including The Apprentice and the experimental documentary BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions.
As the San Francisco International Film Festival prepares to host its 69th edition, If I Go Will They Miss Me stands as one of its most anticipated California premieres, continuing the festival’s tradition of spotlighting emerging voices before they break wider. The festival runs April 24–May 4, 2026 | Tickets on sale now.
With a new video now in circulation and a theatrical release on the horizon, the film is stepping into its next chapter—one that asks a quiet, haunting question at its core:
What do we inherit… and what do we become when we try to break it?