A full house gathered in Atlanta for the screening of The Lost Holliday, the latest film directed, produced, co-written, and starring Jussie Smollett.
The film, which made its debut earlier this year at the 2024 American Black Film Festival, also features Vivica A. Fox, Cynthia Bailey, Jabari Redd, and others.
The event brought together cast members, filmmakers, and fans eager to experience the heartfelt story. Following the screening, a panel discussion was held, moderated by renowned writer and professor Dr. Daniel Black. The panel included Smollett, producers Mona Scott-Young and Tressa Smallwood, as well as actor Jabari Redd.
The film’s themes of love, forgiveness, and family are at its core. In an exclusive interview with ADW, Smollett expressed his hopes for audiences, saying, “I really hope the audience takes away love. There’s so much love in this film. It’s all about love, forgiveness, family, making amends for the things that you thought it was too late to do.” He added, “I really want us to realize how much more alike we are than not… We’re Black, period. And I hope we recognize love and joy in that.”
Shot in just 11 days, the film’s fast-paced production added to its intensity. “It’s super intense, but it’s also an intensity that I love. I love the chaos of it all, and just pulling it all together… we got it done,” Smollett remarked.
During the panel, Mona Scott-Young spoke about the film’s heartfelt essence, saying, “We poured so much love, family, and heart into making this film. It’s beautifully written, acted, directed, and produced. We hope the audience feels that.”
One of the film’s standout themes is its portrayal of adoption within Black families. Dr. Daniel Black raised a poignant question during the discussion, asking how the film redefines or expands the concept of family in the Black community.
Tressa Smallwood addressed the topic, stating, “The Lost Holliday is happening more and more, and it gives people hope. There are so many children who need to be adopted, and we’re opening up a new door by saying it’s okay—and it’s a good thing.”
Scott-Young added, “I also think the subtext of this movie is all about family. Not just the family you’re born into, but the family you adopt, the family you make, and the people you meet and connect with.”
Though filled with drama and moments of laughter, the film’s central message is one of hope and reconciliation. Smollett’s vision of Black love, unity, and the power of forgiveness struck a chord with the audience. “We’re in a time where we talk at each other, but we’re not talking to each other,” Smollett noted. He hopes The Lost Holliday will remind viewers, especially Black audiences, of what unites us. “I want us to realize how much more alike we are than not.”
The Lost Holliday will be showing in select AMC theaters beginning September 27.
