Victoria Monai Richards is stepping behind the camera for her directorial debut with Search Party: Where’s Paw Paw, a family comedy feature that recently wrapped production in Los Angeles. Richards also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Sherrie Richards and stars in the film alongside Tommy Davidson (In Living Color, Proud Family), Tichina Arnold (Martin, Everybody Hates Chris), Daisy Fernandez and Nijah Brenea.
Set in the early 2000s and rated PG, the film follows college student Noble Williams (Richards) who rushes home after receiving an alarming call about her PawPaw’s (Davidson) declining health, only to discover he has gone missing from the nursing home. Joined by her two best friends and her chaotic Auntie (Arnold), they must track him down using only strange clues and even stranger characters before time runs out.
“I wanted to make the kind of comedy I grew up loving, something genuinely funny, colorful, and ridiculous that the whole family can enjoy together,” Richards said. “My hope is that audiences leave the theater laughing, quoting their favorite moments, and making memories with the people they love.”
The project comes from Faith Plus Works Productions, a newly launched family-owned production start-up spotlighting joyful family-centered stories told with faith and originality, alongside The Harold Brothers. The film is produced by Sherrie Richards, Victoria Monai Richards, Joseph Harold, Joel Harold and Grant Gilmore.
A theatrical release is expected this fall.