About That Time FIRST LOOK | Behind the Build: Crafting a Doorway to Another Time

Writer and Director Jonathan Kemp stands in front of the time-traveling archway constructed for his debut feature film About That Time. Photo by: @Shotsbydavi

If there's one visual that defines About That Time, it’s a mysterious natural gateway tucked behind Grandma June’s house in the woods. It's the heartbeat of the film's magic, memory, and emotional weight. The idea? A passage through time disguised as a backyard relic. Something hidden, familiar, almost spiritual.

To bring this idea to life, Jonathan Kemp (director) and Matthew Walker (Producer) tapped into the talents of Set Designer Freddy Farmer and Scenic Painter Elisa Cortez Pozsonyi. Together, they created a physical manifestation of the impossible: a time-traveling structure rooted in Black southern lore, neighborhood woodwork, and visual wonder.

Set Designer Freddy Farmer and Scenic Painter Elisa Cortez Pozsonyi break down what their About That Time build entailed.

Producer Matthew Walker gets his hands dirty transporting and constructing this elaborate set piece. Photo by: @Shotsbydavi

Photos of the build show the portal taking shape from the ground up. The crew assembled it under the Virginia sun, fitting each piece together like sacred architecture. The final result? A stunning, hand-crafted archway that feels like it belongs in the soil.

And in the film? It delivers.

About That Time

First-look Stills 

reveal just how dangerous something so beautiful can feel. Its presence onscreen is haunting, grounding, and quietly beautiful.

Dequan Rose (Young Lawrence) in First Look Stills for the independent feature film About That Time.

"The archway isn’t where our ancestors live. It’s where our denial lives," says Kemp. "It doesn’t represent ancestry as legacy—it represents the parts of our ancestry we refuse to face. It’s not evil. But it is indifferent. It’s truth without mercy. It doesn’t care about your growth arc or your redemption."

He continued, "The archway isn’t home. It’s not safety. It’s a shortcut to closure that doesn’t exist. Seduction cloaked as salvation. A tree in Eden that was never meant to be touched. But it was left there because love doesn’t protect through force—it protects through choice."

Photos by: @Shotsbydavi

Even with more scenes left to shoot, this archway already stands as one of the film’s most unforgettable visuals. It may look like magic — but it was built with real sweat, time, and sacrifice. And now, we need your support to cross the finish line.

If this story, this craft, or this vision moved you —donate now at givebutter.com/aboutthattime. All gifts are tax-deductible through our nonprofit fiscal sponsor, Black Film Space.

Help us bring this home. Not just the film. But the future of independent black storytelling.

Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes looks at the craft, vision, and care going into every frame.

Support the journey → givebutter.com/aboutthattime

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IG: @Kickphase.studios