Take an electrifying journey through the vibrant world of one couple’s relationship in Executive Producer Nicholas Maye and Van Lathan’s latest film, “Once Again (for the very first time)”.
Nicholas Maye and Van Lathan also executive produced the Academy Award-winning film, “Two Distant Strangers,” under their Six Feet Over Productions banner. Directed by Boaz Yakin, “Once Again (for the very first time)” features choreography by Olivier Award-winning street dancer and choreographer, Rennie Harris and was composed by Beyoncé alum, Marcus Norris (“Honk for Jesus”).
Earlier this month, “Once Again (for the very first time)” set for a world premiere as part of the Official Selection in the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and took home the acclaimed Audience Award!
Viewers are taken for a ride through the complex and enticing relationship of legendary street dancer DeRay (Jeroboam Bozeman) and Naima (Mecca Verdell), a spoken word poet through a series of artistically crafted memories, vivid dreams, dance battles, and rap ciphers.
At the start of the film, (and as seen in the trailer) the audience watches DeRay plummet from the heavens like a fallen star, his body landing with a thud outside the apartment of his soulmate, the spoken word poet Naima.
“She’s watching me”, DeRay states poignantly while keeping the audience enthralled as they watch him hesitate to once again, open the door to his soulmate, Naima. DeRay struggles with the decision to let in the one person who forever changes the trajectory of his life with complications of her own.
Narrated from the dual perspectives of DeRay and Naima, Once Again (for the very first time) delves into pivotal moments in their shared and separate journeys, as they attempt to find their way to each other (again), or decide if they are better off apart.
Viewers can expect to find themselves spellbound as they go through the ever-changing dynamics of DeRay and Naima’s relationship – one that is heartfelt and explores the beauty and betrayal behind the human condition.
Naima’s story takes viewers through her upbringing as a child, riddled with key moments that changed the course of her life and her perspective on her worth in relationships and sense of vulnerability.
“You shouldn’t be here”, Naima says as DeRay echoes the same sentiment. “I’m safe here”, Naima retorts before DeRay recounts, “that’s a lie”. The audience watches as the duo struggles to find a balance and trade poetic lines back and forth.
DeRay’s story offers insight into his own childhood – this too is laden with specific choices that forever alter his perspective on family dynamics, his masculinity, and his perceived role as a provider.
This film’s forward-thinking approach to representation and the effect of unprocessed emotions is refreshing for the modern audience.
