Deborah Jane, Strange Fruit: The Hip-Hopera’s screenwriter and executive producer, is the first Black woman director to create a cinematic Hip-Hop musical. Her ground-breaking film just celebrated its Red Carpet Gala and Film Premiere at Santa Ana’s Frida Cinema. The event was a one-of-a-kind landmark, not just a single evening of celebration, but the beginning of a series of lively events aimed at fostering global racial peace.
The Red Carpet Gala featured a dramatic Antebellum slave scene from the film — a captivating dance shot in the cotton fields of Georgia — as part of the ongoing effort to produce Strange Fruit as a feature film. LaShelle Robinson, a current African American Wall Street professional, embarks on a historical adventure to alleviate a hereditary curse by rescuing her enslaved ancestor from a lynching. The first scene, “Hear the Cry,” made an indelible impression, conveying the raw emotion and strength that define Strange Fruit’s story.
At the same time, the event marked the formal debut of House of Deborah Jane Studios, a multicultural film studio dedicated to celebrating various perspectives in cinema and creating a social and spiritual effect on the globe. The studio opens in the center of Orange County and has teamed with The Sound in Santa Ana, a local church. They are actively soliciting funding to continue Strange Fruit’s production as a feature picture.
Sponsors such as Uncle Nearest Whiskey and the African American Alliance Fund of the Orange County Community Foundation contributed to the lively environment. The event was a beautiful display of splendor and celebration, with over 150 people dressed to impress, including community leaders and entertainment professionals.
The evening’s emcee, Cyndi Galley, connected the heritage of jazz pioneer Billie Holiday to the present day, spotlighting Deborah Jane’s battle for social justice through musical film. The event also included a Broadway-style concert highlighting Strange Fruit’s 20-year journey from disturbing nightmare to revolutionary cinematic experience.
One of the most moving moments of the recent gala occurred when Unity Day LA CEO Ray Adamyk washed the event’s Producer Recio Young’s feet before humbly asking for forgiveness for the pain his ancestors had inflicted on African Americans, demonstrating the power of these gatherings to promote healing and unity.
This unforgettable evening acted as an invitation to future film premieres. Future galas will feature business leaders and panels addressing the critical problem of racial healing in our country. These talks aim to spark provocative viewpoints on the role of art and movies in advancing social justice and educating on American history, especially in light of recent massacres and school bans on Black literature.
House of Deborah Jane Studios intends to start a Strange Fruit College Tour combining provocative cinema, energetic performances, and, of course, discussions about race. By involving the next generation in their social mission, the film is able to speak to both the history and present of society, celebrating our resilience while admitting our challenges.
To ensure this vital work continues, House of Deborah Jane Studios is asking for contributions to the production of their feature film via its GoFundMe page. Each donation allows the narrative to unfold, the conversations to continue, and our collective understanding to grow.