A time-traveling Black family cookout comedy about grief, legacy, and love.
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.
Project Snapshot
Format | Feature Film
Genre | Comedy, Fantasy
Status | In Pre Production (Filming July 2025)
Release | 2026 (Festival & Community Tour)
Budget | $175,000
Crowdfunding Goal | $40,000
HBCU & Community Tour | 10+ cities in development
Distribution Strategy | Community-first screenings +
Limited theatrical rollout
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.
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.
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.
Jacar McNeil
Art Director
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.
Benjamin D'oleo
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.
Known for his sharp eye, storytelling intuition, and calm under pressure, Ben helps shape About That Time in post—cutting with rhythm, clarity, and care. He’s focused on crafting a seamless edit that honors both the emotional core and the chaotic joy of the film, ensuring every frame moves the story forward.
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.
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.
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:
