to a familiar stranger, 2023
"To A Familiar Stranger" is a short film that delves into the journey of self- transformation and the shifts that manifest within oneself over time. New transitions arising while old transitions gradually fade away, is a continuous cycle that we all experience and will for the rest of our lives. Although we remember our past selves and past experiences, we no longer feel as connected to them as we once did, almost feeling like a familiar stranger. The idea of the film resonates with me, as I have witnessed a significant shift within myself from an individualistic perspective to one that values connection and community, particularly among women.
The process
The process
I have always loved being able to witness the process in which a project was born. Continuing on this page will be the journey from inception to completion as I unveil glimpses of both the pre-production and production phases. Enjoy :)
To a familiar stranger Storyboard
To a familiar stranger audio & Script (rough draft)
For as long as I can remember, I have always been drawn to the piano. It has such a complex tonal structure, that creates so much depth and richness. It was no doubt that when I showed Ethan some of the shots we filmed, that the piano was a perfect addition.
One day I felt like live drums would pair well with the piano. I went to visit my friend Eturnal(who I once played the drums with) and let him play freely as we recorded him. It was an amaing session.
Because this film was me talking to a past version of myself, there was no better way but to narrate.
The tone of the music is a little eerie, while the mood is serene.
To a familiar stranger photoshoots
I was inspired to craft five unique photoshoots, each capturing the essence of five key scenes from the film.SELF.
Filming was coming to an end and I realized I had not made anything by hand for this film. As we were making our road trip to Bluemount Vineyard, I had plenty of time to think about any ideas I havent yet fleshed out. My initial idea was to create a very long beaded skirt. Once the skirt was made, I realized how heavy it was and that it would wear better around my neck. The beaded headpiece was something I made the night before the shoot, as I thought it pair well with the entire look.
Creative Director & Producer: Jadea Knight
Photographer: Aminah McKenzie
Model: Jadea Knight
Wardrobe: Jadea Knight
REBIRTH.
After making the beaded pieces in my last shoot, I continued to feel inspired to make something. Because the model was pregnant, I wanted to make something that was comfortable for her and her belly. I decided to make a multi textured skirt. As I grow older, I realized how many rebirths happen in our lives. There is an importance of allowing some things to pass on, and make room for anew.
Creative Director & Producer: Jadea Knight
Photographer: Jadea Knight
Model: Jasmyne Hampden
Wardrobe: Jadea Knight
PLAYFULNESS.
Including my little sister in this project was truly been a delight. Her and I are 20 years apart and it’s been a little difficult for me to connect with her. I felt like having her apart of this project grew our relationship as I got to spend a lot of time with her. I hope one day she’ll understand how important her role was in this film and in my life.
Creative Director & Producer: Jadea Knight
Photographer: Jadea Knight
Model: Journi Knight
Wardrobe: Jadea Knight
COMMUNION.
The most important message in this film is communion, sisterhood. In the last year, I’ve made it my duty to prioritize women in my life because I cannot heal alone. This film in itself has healed a small part of me just by being surrounded by people who trust me.
Creative Director & Producer: Jadea Knight
Photographer Laneecia Ricks
Models Kijah Hopson, Sky Makena, Ariana Mccoy, Mya White, and Melissa Temple
Wardrobe: Jadea Knight
HEALING.
This idea was apart of many ideas while I curated this project, but I ended up not doing it. It wasn’t until about three months after releasing the film, I wanted to still bring this idea to life. I wanted this to represent the after math of creating the project. I continued to feel very vulnerable after sharing my project with the world, but I felt anew.
Creative Director & Producer: Jadea Knight
Photographer: Laneecia Ricks
Model: Jadea Knight
behind the scene- on set photography
Photographer: Laneecia Ricks
A Letter To A Familiar Stranger
Alongside my first solo exhibition, I created a book titled A Letter to a Familiar Stranger. I wanted to offer something tangible that people could hold onto—a way to extend the experience of the film and exhibition beyond the screen and gallery. At 154 pages, this book serves as a visual and emotional companion to my short film To A Familiar Stranger, inviting readers to join me on a deeply personal journey of self-transformation and continuous evolution.
Through an intimate collection of photographs, essays, the film’s screenplay, behind-the-scenes moments, and reflective foreword and afterword, the book offers a deeper connection to the themes explored in the film. It was important to me to create something that not only complemented the project but also allowed people to engage with it on their own terms, in their own time. This book is a piece of the story that you can hold, revisit, and reflect on, just as I’ve done throughout the creative process.
Photographer: Ethan Doitteau
credits
credits
Director and Producer
Jadea Knight
Director of Photography
Tremaine Etheridge
Writers
Jadea Knight
Taniiah Lewis
Tremaine Etheridge
Narrator
Jadea Knight
Voice Over
Toni Morrison
Ertha Kit
Executive Producer
Tremaine Etheridge
Editors
Tremaine Etheridge
Jadea Knight
Composer
Ethan Edward
Sound Designer
Daniel Gassmann
Costume Designer
Jadea Knight
Live Instrumentalist
Eturnal El-Bey
1st Assistant Camera
Trevor Saniano
2nd Assistant Camera
Alvin Parker
Production Assistants
Josh Williams
Alora Bess
Justin Colasito
Ethan Doitteau
Jesse Green
Kiera Richardson
on set Photographers
Laneecia Ricks
Ethan Doitteau
Cast
Diamond Arrington
Lauren Floyd
Kijah Hopson
Ariana Mccoy
Erin Wardlaw
Mikayla Davis
Ananya Green
Doris Hawkins
Trisime Jernigan
Sky Makena
Mya White
Abeer Haroun
Remzik Scott
Kenzie Stewart
Journi Knight
Kylie Stewart
Special Thanks to
The Contemporary Arts Network
Mariann Fluker
Hemadri Modi
Rain Spann
Nasstaja Swift