Kemba, an MPI Original produced in association with BET Original Films, will have its world premiere as an official selection at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival on November 8, 2023. 

Kemba follows the journey of a sheltered college student who falls in love with a man, only to find out he isn’t who he seems. When Kemba learns of her boyfriend Khalif’s true identity as a drug kingpin, he turns abusive—grooming straight-laced Kemba to overlook his illicit dealings. 

Though she never dealt or handled drugs, in a tragic turn of events, Kemba receives an outrageous sentence for her boyfriend’s crimes—placing her in the middle of the government’s “war on drugs.” Never losing hope, her parents along with an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund launch a campaign for appeal and later clemency, harnessing the power of Black civic organizations, sororities, celebrities, and lawmakers.

The feature film is based on the true story of Kemba Smith and stars Nesta Cooper (Apple TV+ series See) in the titular role. The film’s outstanding cast also includes Siddiq Saunderson (Wu-Tang: An American Saga), Sean Patrick Thomas (Till), and Michelle Hurd (Star Trek: Picard). 

A special Q&A will take place after the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, screening featuring special guest executive producer Kemba Smith Pradia. Tickets can be purchased here. To learn more about the film and to sign up for updates regarding additional screenings as they are announced, please visit KembaMovie.com.