Actor and writer Jemarcus Kilgore is stepping into a new chapter with Darren & Anissa, a romantic drama rooted in Black cowboy culture and Southern legacy. Known for his work on All’s Fair, BMF, and Black Lightning, Kilgore now brings his creative vision to the forefront as the writer, creator, and lead actor of a story he has carried for years.
Darren & Anissa follows Darren Bennett and Anissa Callaway, childhood acquaintances from rival families whose connection reignites during a night of horse races and Southern festivities. What unfolds is a love story that blends the enduring pull of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet with the lived reality of modern Black cowboys. The proof of concept is slated for release early next year, with plans to film the feature in Fall 2026.
Kilgore conceived the idea four to five years ago while participating in a writers group. Though the concept flourished creatively, writer’s block stalled its progress. In February 2025, after the passing of his mother, he found the resolve to return to the script.
He describes that season as both devastating and clarifying, crediting his faith and personal loss for giving him the courage to complete what he started. For Kilgore, the timing feels aligned. As cultural conversations around Black cowboy heritage have reemerged in mainstream spaces, including the impact of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, he recognized a renewed appetite for stories that reflect this living tradition.
Rather than framing Black cowboys as relics of the past, Kilgore centers a contemporary Southern experience. Raised in Georgia, he draws from what he knows intimately. His storytelling mandate is clear: depict narratives that defy expectation and expand the scope of Black life onscreen. By anchoring the romance in Southern culture, he positions Black love as powerful, layered, and worthy of cinematic scale.
At the heart of Darren & Anissa is a deliberate focus on Black women. Kilgore has stated that Black women are his primary audience. Though Darren may be the titular lead, he views the women in the story as catalysts and cornerstones. He aims to portray them not through trauma, but through strength, beauty, tenderness, and agency.
Actress and content creator Mona Swain stars opposite Kilgore as Anissa Callaway. Swain, whose stage credits include portraying Tina Turner in TINA: The Tina Turner Musical, was drawn to the role because it allowed her to explore softness onscreen. She notes that Black women are often depicted through struggle narratives, and she welcomed the opportunity to embody romance, vulnerability, and emotional nuance.
Her theatrical background shaped her approach to the film. Playing an icon like Tina Turner demanded discipline and emotional truth, and while stage performance requires projection and stamina, film demanded restraint and stillness. Swain embraced the intimacy of the camera, allowing subtle moments to carry weight.
The chemistry between Kilgore and Swain was built before cameras rolled. The two previously worked together in a regional production of The Wiz, where Swain played Dorothy and Kilgore understudied the Lion. Months of rehearsal and performance cultivated trust, which translated naturally into their on screen dynamic. That foundation enabled them to portray a relationship that evolves from childhood familiarity to division and ultimately to love.
Emotionally, Darren & Anissa navigates forgiveness, self discovery, and generational conflict. The narrative acknowledges inherited animosity between families, examining how prejudice can be taught and sustained. Against that backdrop, Darren and Anissa move from friends to adversaries to lovers. The film promises classic Black romance, yet refracted through a contemporary lens that reflects the complexities of 21st century relationships.
For Kilgore, the development process has been informed by years on professional sets. He actively sought mentorship, shadowing directors whenever possible. Collaborating with industry veterans such as Niecy Nash-Betts, Russell Hornsby, and Christopher B. Duncan sharpened his understanding of craft and set dynamics, while working alongside rising talents like Da’Vinchi, Christopher Ammanuel, and Tyriq Withers reinforced the balance between artistry and career growth.
Authenticity has been central to the proof of concept. Kilgore trained intensively to ride a horse in a single day to ensure credibility. Immersing himself in ranch culture deepened his appreciation for the bond between rider and horse, a connection he describes as essential to understanding the spirit of the community he portrays. Both actors emphasize empathy as the foundation of performance, allowing personal experiences with love and loss to inform their characters’ journeys.
Early reactions to promotional stills, behind the scenes footage, and the trailer have been strong. Support from audiences and media outlets has affirmed their belief that there is demand for this narrative. Swain notes that her supporters, who have followed her artistic growth, have embraced her transition into film with enthusiasm.
Looking ahead to Fall 2026, Kilgore envisions Darren & Anissa as more than a successful release. He aspires to create a culturally resonant love story that stands alongside defining Black films such as Love & Basketball, Black Panther, and The Woman King. His goal is not only box office success but enduring impact. Swain echoes that hope, expressing a desire for audiences to see themselves reflected in the romance, the family tensions, and the courage required to choose love.
With its fusion of Southern heritage, modern Black cowboy culture, and intergenerational romance, Darren & Anissa positions itself as a story about love worth fighting for and a cinematic reminder that Black narratives are expansive, tender, and timeless.
Images Courtesy of Jemarcus Kilgore
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