This southern coming-of-age drama delves into themes of homecoming and reclamation through the road trip journey of a father and daughter. Alonzo, the young single father wrestling with his own unfulfilled aspirations and his introspective daughter, Ruth who is on the cusp of self-discovery, have left behind their city life. Packing their lives into an old car, they head south to a place steeped in Alonzo’s memories but unknown to Ruth. This journey unfolds as one that will challenge their relationship and reveal the bonds that tie them to the land and history they’re returning to.

As they navigate winding roads and quiet southern landscapes, the trip becomes more than just a drive home; it transforms into a journey of memory, self-discovery, and reflection. For Ruth, each road traveled brings her closer to understanding her family’s history and how it shapes her identity. Together, they confront not only the complexities of the past but also the hopes and uncertainties of the future.

Why?

Beginning early in the last century, Black Americans partook in a great migration that led them out of the south and towards seemingly greater opportunities in other parts of the country, but now more than ever with rising costs of living and financial frustrations, Black Americans are returning to the south seeking security in their roots. Tobacco Road is a powerful narrative that offers a fresh perspective on this current remigration south and reconnection with our past.

This film begs the question, what does it mean to return home? How do we go about reestablishing our connection to the past in order to pave a way towards our future? At its heart, Tobacco Road explores the complexity and beauty of coming back to where we began, redefining the concept of home through a modern lens.

Why us?

For the past three years, I’ve spent my time at Howard University refining my craft and artistic style. My thesis film, Tobacco Road, will be a representation of all I have learned and what I hope to bring to the world of cinema. My work reflects the intimacies of the black southern experience, the construction and deconstruction of identity, spirituality and the complexities of the family dynamic through untold ancestral stories that long to be unearthed. 

My work is deeply influenced by the idea that community shapes and sustains us, and I strive to illuminate the collective experiences that define our shared histories and futures. My thesis film, Tobacco Road, is not only a representation of all I have learned over the past three years but also a love letter to my roots—a tribute to the people and community that have shaped me. Through my work, I aim to reflect the importance of belonging and connection, highlighting the nuances of communal life and the profound influence it has on our personal narratives.

Visual Style

Capturing the minimal and mundane in intense ways. The story is told through the eyes of Ruth who is constantly observing and noticing the intricate details of the world around her. Her sketches are a meditation.

Alonzo is experiencing a sort of disconnect in his return home, intentionally taking more time than necessary. Part of him feels like his world is shrinking and he is doing all he can to hold onto some sense of openness.

Budget Breakdown

We are currently crowdfunding with a goal of raising $15,000 to cover essential post-production expenses for Tobacco Road. These funds will ensure the film achieves the highest quality in its final stages, focusing on:

• Film Editing and Color Correction: $5,000
• A significant portion of the budget will be dedicated to these critical post-production elements, enhancing the visual and auditory experience of the film and immersing audiences in the story.
• Sound Design and Original Score Composition: $4,750
• Music plays a crucial role in Tobacco Road, and this will cover the creation of an original score that captures the emotional tone and depth of the film.
• Publicity and Marketing: $3,750
• We will allocate resources toward promoting Tobacco Road, including festival submissions, digital marketing campaigns, and reaching a wider audience.
• Remaining Production and Photography Costs: $1,500
• Though most production is complete, there are still some outstanding costs that need to be addressed, ensuring all aspects of the shoot are covered.

When the film is finished, we plan to:

• Organize local screenings and events in partnership with community organizations, cultural centers, and educational institutions.
• Secure interviews and reviews to increase the film’s visibility within target communities and broader audiences.
• Submit the film to festivals focusing on southern, Black/BIPOC and LGBTQ cinema, experimental narratives, and environmental themes.
• Use the completed short film as a proof of concept for a feature-length version of Tobacco Road.

Your support will be instrumental in helping us finish Tobacco Road and share this deeply personal story with the world. We are grateful for every contribution toward bringing this vision to life!

Our hope for Tobacco Road is to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Black Southern life and honor the legacy of our ancestors and community. This film is a tribute to the rural roots that have shaped who I am.

This project is not only personal but also timely. As more Black Americans are returning to the South in search of stability and connection, I feel an urgency to tell this story. Tobacco Road captures the complexity and beauty of this homecoming, while asking deeper questions about identity, memory, and belonging.

We’re excited to continue the journey of Tobacco Road with you, and we need your continued support to bring this vision to life! Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us get closer to our goal—whether it’s $5, $100 or more, every dollar counts in helping us complete this film.

Not able to make a pledge? You can still make a huge impact by spreading the word! Share our campaign with your friends, family, and networks—especially those who support independent and student filmmaking.

Stay connected with us as we move through production! Follow our journey for behind-the-scenes updates, trailers, and exclusive content. With your help, we can make Tobacco Road a reality.

Incentives are offered in exchange for donations made to this campaign.