"FIRST": A Heartfelt Journey of Love Premiering This Thanksgiving on Prime Video
From a viral hit to a cultural landmark, "FIRST," the highly praised romantic drama, is set to debut on Prime Video on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Directed by the dynamic duo Jahmela and Brandon Yarbrough, this heartfelt portrayal of Black love has already accumulated a slew of awards, including the Jury and Audience Awards at the Essence Festival and the Audience Award at the Pan African Film Festival, as well as being recognized as a Screencraft Feature Film Finalist.
"FIRST" is a 128-minute film that transcends traditional love stories, paying tribute to the human experience and resonating with anyone who has ever sought a genuine connection. The film features Will Catlett in a standout role as Charles, an aspiring documentarian. His chance reunion with childhood friend Robin ignites a transformative journey of love and self-discovery.
The THAheadline team recently had the chance to meet and interview the cast and crew of FIRST. During the interviews, they openly shared their inspiring journey in bringing the film to life. They also offered an insider's perspective on some of their most memorable "firsts" in their personal lives and throughout the creative process, which added a personal touch to the film's narrative.
"When we started this project as a web series in 2014 on Issa Rae's Watch First Digital Series, we never imagined it would touch so many lives," Jahmela B. Yarbrough reflected. "Issa Rae's early support of our digital series and her Hoorae team's encouragement helped us take this journey from a web series to a feature film."
The evolution of "FIRST" from a digital sensation to a feature film mirrors the creators' romantic journey. "Converting our personal experiences into cinema wasn't just about making a movie," Brandon Yarbrough explained. "It was about proving that authentic Black love stories deserve the big-screen treatment. Every setback, every 'no' we received only fueled our determination to tell this story our way."
"FIRST represents the kind of storytelling we need right now," producer Lynneise Joseph emphasized. "It's authentic, joyful, and unapologetically celebrates Black love while speaking to universal truths about human connection. This is exactly why I wanted to be part of bringing it to a wider audience."
Originally a passion project, "FIRST" has grown into a cultural touchstone, highlighting the power of perseverance and the demand for authentic representation in storytelling. It goes beyond typical romance by weaving in real-life Black love stories featured in an accompanying docuseries for a fresh perspective.
Set to premiere during Thanksgiving week, "FIRST" invites families to come together for a heartfelt story about love, second chances, and the courage to begin again. This film beautifully captures connection, hope, Black love, and resilience across generations.
With a dedicated fan base across North America, the UK, Africa, and the West Indies, "FIRST" honors cultural specificity while exploring universal themes. Its premiere offers the perfect opportunity for families and friends to enjoy meaningful entertainment this holiday season.
Don't miss the debut of "FIRST" on Prime Video on November 27, 2024. Join your loved ones to experience a love story that captures significant moments, one "first" at a time.
THAscore: 8/10
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