Project Snapshot
Format | Feature Film
Genre | Comedy, Fantasy
Status | Filming July 2025 (Pre-Production Underway)
(Cast & crew secured.)
Release | 2026 (Festival & Community Tour)
Current Campaign (Phase 1 Goal) | $40,000 (GIVEBUTTER)
Distribution Strategy | Community-first screenings +
Limited theatrical rollout
HBCU & Community Tour | 10+ cities in development
IP Ecosystem | Film + Original Card Game + Merch Extensions
(Built to launch a sustainable Black-owned media pipeline)
Studio | Kickphase
Fiscal Sponsor | Black Film Space
Contact | info@kickphase.com
The Story
Set during a family cookout, About That Time follows two cousins, Benji and Jay, who stumble upon a time-traveling portal in the woods behind their grandmother’s house.
Benji, a struggling entrepreneur, sees the portal as a chance to rekindle the love of a childhood flame and secure a to-go plate of Grandma June’s coveted mac and cheese after it runs out.
But for Jay, six months sober, the portal holds something deeper: a desperate hope that if he can bring back a plate, he might also be able to bring his brother back from the dead.
It doesn't take long for their grandmother to catch on to their time-traveling antics and reveal a buried family secret tied to the portal—a hidden danger that threatens not only their lives, but the entire family legacy.
The Cast
Ephraim Nehemiah
Mahogany Raspberry
KJ Dullen
Deonna Tamar
Chrystal Holmes
Wordsmith
Shaia Scott
Deja Unique
Ami Elanah
Jack Russel Rose
Jerazya Griffin
Jaden Wesley Brown
Colin Brown
Winston C. Lewis
Dequan Rose
Mecca Verdell
Donnell Davis
Derek Fox
Your donation is tax-deductible, thanks to our nonprofit fiscal sponsor
7% of all donations go to supporting career-advancing opportunities for Black filmmakers. That means your support is both powerful and practical.
Support The Film
Impact and Distribution
The Story Is Real. The Impact Is Bigger.
We believe storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for cultural healing.
About That Time is more than a film —
it’s a cultural tool for healing, remembrance, and joy.
It invites Black audiences to see themselves in the full spectrum of our emotional truth:
It reframes grief through Black joy.
It celebrates family without erasing dysfunction.
It lets us grieve — not quietly, but together.
Meet The Team
The trusted voices bringing this story to life.
Click our portraits to learn more.
Jonathan Kemp
Writer, Director, Producer
Founder of Kickphase and visionary behind About That Time, Jonathan leads the film’s creative direction, narrative voice, and long-term studio strategy. His work centers cultural preservation, emotional truth, and cinematic ownership.
Matthew Walker
Producer - Logistics & Operations
Matthew manages the logistics that bring the vision to life. From shoot schedules to on-set coordination, he leads crew operations with discipline and precision while maintaining Kickphase’s collaborative spirit.
Clayres Johnson
Casting Assistant
With a deep understanding of character, chemistry, and authenticity. Her work on About That Time helps ensure every role is filled with performers who carry not just the lines — but the heart, humor, and history of the story.
Kjordahn Owen
Composer
Deonna Tamar
Producer - Partnerships
Casting Director
A producer, casting director, and story-first collaborator, Deonna brings intentionality and empathy to the production process. She oversees partnerships, casting, and community engagement with a focus on care-based leadership.
Xavier McBath
Costume Designer
Xavier McBath is a Costume Designer whose work honors character, culture, and emotional authenticity. With a keen sense for both period and contemporary fashion, Xavier helps weave visual identity into every frame of About That Time.
Aaliyah Manns
Assistant Director
Aaliyah Manns bridges creativity and structure—keeping sets focused, teams supported, and stories flowing. She brings clarity, calm, and cultural care to every production she’s part of.
Corey Harbin
Gaffer
Samuel Jones
Director of Photography
Samuel is the visual backbone of About That Time, crafting the film’s tone through lighting, framing, and movement. His approach blends artistry with emotional storytelling — grounding the fantastical in intimacy and texture.
Jacar McNeil
Graphic Design
A multidisciplinary designer, Jacar shapes the film’s visual identity across its campaign, production design, and future marketing. He leads the creative design for About That Time’s world, both onscreen and beyond.
Benjamin D'oleo
VFX/Script Supervisor
Ben helps shape About That Time through visual effects—designing with rhythm, clarity, and care. He’s focused on crafting seamless VFX that amplify the film’s emotional core and chaotic joy, ensuring every magical moment still feels grounded in truth.
Shaye Southall
Sound
Kjordahn is a composer who blends rich textures, emotional melodies, and hybrid orchestral sounds to create immersive scores that elevate story, stir feeling, and connect music to visual art.
Pull Up A Seat.
Whether you’re a backer, a funder, a storyteller, or someone who just loves Black stories told with care — there’s a seat for you here.
Support the Story
Donate Through Givebutter!
Join our community and help us fund About That Time.
Contact the Team
Questions and inquiries related directly to About That Time. Send them here.
Or email us directly at: