Autumn Bailey-Ford To Executive Produce Jemarcus Kilgore’s Southern Romantic Comedy Short ‘Darren And Anissa
Autumn Bailey-Ford has signed on as an executive producer for ‘Darren and Anissa,’ a Southern Romantic Comedy short written by Jemarcus Kilgore (All’s Fair) and directed by Candy McLellan. The short acts as a proof of concept for a feature film penned by Kilgore, Bailey-Ford is also set to produce. The short film shot by SCAD Alumni and Director of Photography, Rachel Olivia Taylor, is gearing up for the 2026 Film Festival Season.
“It’s a love story; they never get old. To see two young kids love each other despite what their parents think goes against the odds. It shows that true love can never be broken or separated.” - Autumn Bailey-Ford.
Darren and Anissa follows Darren Bennett and Anissa Callaway, two small town locals who come from rival families and have known each other since before either could fill a pair of cowboy boots. But when a night of horse races and festivities lands the two smack dab in front of each other, they spark a romance that can't be ignored. The Classic Southern Charm of Black Cowboys meets the timeless love story of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
The short film follows Darren and Anissa spending a day together to reintroduce Anissa to ranch life. As the day continues, the two begin to wonder if they can see each other for more than their last names.
“I wanted Darren and Annissa to feel like a memory and a possibility at the same time, a story about two people who refuse to let the past decide who they’re allowed to love. This short is a proof of concept for a larger film about tenderness, legacy, forgiveness and hope” says Director Candy McLellan regarding her vision for the short.
Jemarcus Kilgore (All’s Fair, BMF, Black Lightning) is set to star as Darren, with influencer and actress, Mona Swain starring as Anissa. Kilgore started writing the film several years ago, but completed the script in February of 2025 after the passing of his mother. “God gave me the idea for this script years ago, but gave me the courage to finish it at time where all seemed lost.” Kilgore said when asked about his writing process.
“I wanted to tell a story about black cowboys that wasn’t a period piece or surrounding our pain. I want to create stories that the world doesn’t expect us to tell. Our stories go so far beyond our trauma, we deserve to see ourselves in light hearted stories that we can enjoy in a fun low stakes environment.”
The short is produced by Kilgore Studios, Bad Dad Productions, and Legacy Hill Studios. Bailey-Ford joins a team of producers that includes Jemarcus Kilgore, Marcus Hopkins-Turner, and Christopher Ammanuel.