Calling all black horror fans into the mind of the great Zora Neale Hurston!

The Prologue follows a greedy man, named Johnny, as he stalks the swamps for redemption and salvation from an untamed Conjure Doctor, Uncle Monday.

Over a fateful day, Johnny reaches the pits of despair. He is framed by a vindictive fling, threatened with child support, and loses everything he ever cared about in this world. Seeking solace, he learns of a magical hoodoo man who can create a spell for any ailment. The Prologue follows Johnny's quest to mend the wounds of urban living that too often plague neglected and impoverished communities. And his life-changing encounter with Brotha Monday.

"The Prologue" is a haunting tale of transformation and revelation. It addresses issues such as grief, substance abuse, morality, and spiritual reconnection with a higher power. The film also follows the journey of individuals as they navigate their inner demons and rediscover their lost traditions and cultural roots.

Our artistic approach is led by the concept of voyeurism, or peering into one's life (looking in), as a way to examine and build more empathy for others who lead complicated lives. The thesis of this film is to entertain, teach, and heal by showing how our communities deal with individuals who are often labeled as "too much," "messy," or always involved in "drama."

We will show striking cinematography, smart storytelling, and breathtaking drama, capturing the landscape's eerie beauty and the narrative's moody atmosphere.

The tone of this film will shift between three perspectives: Johnny Wesley, Uncle Monday, and the landscape of Amitville. In Johnny's POV, we will feel cold, dark, and unsteady. Reflecting his internal disposition and mental state. In Uncle Monday's POV, we will feel at ease, calm, light, and an enduring love. When we switch to the land's POV, we will feel grandeur, vastness, and the unpredictability of the climate in this Floridian town.

Throughout the shifting narratives, we will gain a deeper understanding of how the mind (demonstrated by Johnny), body (demonstrated by the land), and spirit (demonstrated by Monday) interact and affect the relationship we have with ourselves and others.

Our folklore tale is inspired by the great Zora Neale Hurston and her short story Uncle Monday, about a black conjure doctor who lives in the swamps of Florida. He is known to heal, or harm, all who seek him.

When I first read the story, I was immediately sucked in by its vivid imagery and profound messages.

I felt a responsibility to bring these visuals and themes to the screen, showcasing the cultural significance and impact of Black folk legends on American history and educating younger generations about Hoodoo culture. This film is not just a retelling but a revival of our shared heritage and an exploration of our spiritual and moral journeys as people.

We live in a time when preserving and celebrating diverse cultural histories is more important than ever. "The Prologue" comes at a crucial moment when audiences are hungry for authentic stories reflecting the Black experience's depth and complexity.

By bringing this project to life now, we can shine a light on the lesser-known facets of Zora Neale Hurston’s work, spotlight black history concerning the culture and practices of Hoodoo, and contribute meaningfully to the black horror genre. Additionally, our commitment to sustainable filmmaking practices aligns with the growing movement towards eco-friendly production methods in the industry.

Hear from director, Jessica Imhotep, and how she found the story:

It is a journey from start to finish, exploring themes of black purpose, the fall of nuclear families, spirituality, personal development, and gossip culture.  

After years of chipping away at textbooks, literature, and films, I've learned the art of filmmaking is not just a practice, a pretentious title, or a desire. It is akin to an eternal flame inside, just as the heart or spirit. It offers me the courage to challenge storytelling methods and societal morality and forge a path for minority perspectives. 

The other side is my holistic film approach– a lifestyle that sources ambition from suffering, understanding through community, and passion for art. My art is who I am.

Johnny Wesley (the man)

Johnny possesses a quick temper, prone to occasional anger outbursts when provoked or when confronted with the deception of others. Becoming suspicious of others due to his recent betrayal, Johnny becomes cautious, mistrustful, and paranoid. The weight of his predicament and the realization that scammers are hiding among everyday people make him act erratically and question the intentions of everyone he encounters. Under stress, Johnny turns to street drugs to cope, which further affects his behavior and mindset. 

Uncle Monday (the Hoodoo man)

In his presence, one cannot help but feel a sense of reverence and respect. He exudes a natural authority that commands attention, inviting those around him to pause and listen to his words of wisdom. Despite his power and knowledge, there is a humbleness to his demeanor, a quiet confidence that comes from a deep understanding of his place in the world. 

Mrs. Bradley (the mother)

Barbara Bradley, commonly known as Mrs. Bradley, was once living the American  Dream alongside her husband, Walter, and their two thriving daughters. As a dedicated stay-at-home mother, her main focus was caring for her family. However, circumstances changed when her husband suffered a debilitating injury, prompting Mrs. Bradley to take on additional part-time work to alleviate their financial strain. As the demands of her job increased, Mrs. Bradley gradually transformed from the devoted mother she had always been. She became less available and is on the verge of a mental breakdown.

Barbie (the fling)

Barbie, the daughter of Barbara, a misguided teenage girl, was once on a promising path before she crossed paths with Johnny. Upon meeting him, she fell into the throes of puppy love and became determined to do whatever it took to keep him in her life. Barbie sought solace in Johnny when grieving her father, driven by a need for comfort and connection. When that connection was threatened, she did things she thought imaginable.

Don Juke

Don Juke is a shrewd hustler skilled in the art of deception and manipulation. He prides himself on being a hustler who does whatever he gets paid to do, no matter the moral implications. So when Johnny crosses paths with him, the games begin.

Today we are beginning our long road to being fully funded.

We are currently in the development stage but want to raise enough startup funds to kick this project off. The majority of arts agencies, executive producers, and grant organizations require "first money" from production teams as a sign of good faith that the idea is viable.

To fund the entire 85-minute film will take approximately $350,000. So our goal is to raise 10% (or $35,000) and get the rest funded through the above-mentioned sources. To do this, we will be doing a series of small fundraisers, like this one.

Raising $6,500 will be enough to shoot a teaser trailer and do a marketing campaign at the end of the year.

We invite black horror fans, folklore enthusiasts, Zora Neale Hurston admirers, academic scholars, and designers to join us in bringing this project to life.

If we reach our stretch goal of $15,000 we will host a IRL mixer and networking event in Atlanta to thank our contributors and supporters. The more we exceed our goal, the closer we get to being fully funded.

• Help us get there by pledging $50 or more to our cult classic.

• Follow me @jessthefilmmaker and @reellegacies to reshare all of our content. The more eyes we have on our social media, the more likely we are to reach our goal.

• Sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss out on any of our exclusive events and BTS of the project.

Together, we can celebrate and support Black creators and unique cultural projects, ensuring these important stories are shared with future generations.