Jussie Smollett is set to bring his latest project, “The Lost Holliday,” to the big screen. The indie film, which garnered praise for its heartfelt narrative at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), will open in AMC theaters on September 27.
The film stars Vivica A. Fox, Jabari Redd, Londyn Carter, Brittany Hall, and Marquise Vilson, alongside Smollett himself.
In ‘The Lost Holliday,’ Vivica A. Fox portrays Cassandra Marshall, who arrives in Los Angeles to plan the funeral of her estranged son, Damien Holliday (played by Jabari Redd). However, upon her arrival, Cassandra is shocked to find that her son’s funeral is being arranged by Jason Holliday (played by Jussie Smollett), Damien’s husband—a marriage and relationship she was entirely unaware of. Through her interactions with Jason, their adopted daughter Arielle (Londyn Carter), Jason’s sister Cheyenne (Brittany Hall), and best friend Duck (Marquise Vilson), Cassandra embarks on a journey of discovery, learning more about her son in death than she ever knew during his life.
Miriam A. Hyman, Memphis Cade, Cynthia Bailey, Corey Knott, Alex “ADIV” Duncan IV, Betty Coleman, Bella Bahhs, Gina Belafonte, and Leslie D. Baker round out the cast.
Co-written by Jussie Smollett and Jerrell Chesney, and produced by Smollett alongside Mona Scott-Young and Tressa Azarel Smallwood, ‘The Lost Holliday’ delves deep into the complexities of family dynamics, exploring themes of friendship, fatherhood, adoption, grief, and the enduring bonds of love. The film also stands out for its celebration of LGBTQIA+ representation, offering a poignant look at the challenges and triumphs faced by a same-gender-loving couple as they navigate family tensions and societal expectations.
Executive producers for the film include Tom Wilson, Janet Smollett, Joe “Jody” Williams, Eddie Mac, Stephanie R. Gayle, James Earl Hardy, Jerrell Chesney, Michael Lang, Anthony Smallwood, Sheila Legette, and Vivica A. Fox.
‘The Lost Holliday’ promises to be a moving and resonant exploration of love, loss, and acceptance, making its limited theatrical release this September a must-see event.