As more states move towards legalizing cannabis is the way to go, many of those who faced times behind bars for possessing the plant before new laws were passed are often left outside looking in.
A new short film by director Mikey Don shines a light on those incarcerated for cannabis who come outside to a new world. CashColorCannabis spoke with Mikey about the film and why it felt “Jah Know” was needed.
CashColorCannabis: Explain to us the concept of Jah Knows?
Mikey Don: The concept of Jah Know stems from, what I believe, is the innate workings of this country. The issues of inequity and inequality have long been one of the many roadblocks to Black advancement. Jah Know magnifies that through the new legal cannabis industry. Ras, the main character, is home after serving a prison term for a non violent cannabis offense. Now that he’s home, not only does he have to traverse the world as an ex-con, which poses its own hellish experience, he’s faced with having to be excluded from a burgeoning industry that has victimized him and thousands of other people of color and their families.
CashColorCannabis: The story is certainly relatable, especially now. Is Ras based off anyone?
Mikey Don: Ras and his story was inspired from a mix of my personal experience and that of a close friend. I’d been to a Cannabis Business seminar a few years earlier and quickly realized there was going to be no space for people who looked like me. At the time, that friend was coming home from serving the same type of sentence Ras has served in the story. But I feel that most people know someone, either immediately or through some degree of separation, who’ve been affected by the so called “war on drugs”.
CashColorCannabis: After his release, he’s met by Congressman Lynch. Is Rad nervous at all about what the politicians want with him? Does he fear being exploited.
Mikey Don: Most people from the inner city or poverty stricken area, have some hesitation or out right distrust of authority figures. That stretches to politicians. It’s often viewed as a rule of thumb, in those areas, that politicians are another source of hot air and relative bullshit. This is the same situation. “I don’t know or trust you, so wah yuh wan bredren?!”
CashColorCannabis: Speak to us about producing the film. Who helped with getting the film done?
Mikey Don: We are still in pre production but are only a few weeks away from actual production. As with any film, pre production is a rat race to get schedules, locations, casting and budgets in order. We’ve checked most boxes and are powering through with the help of our incredible cast and crew, headed by our producer Diana Haro.
CashColorCannabis: What was the most difficult part of production?
Mikey Don: Our intention is to go on a full festival run next year when the film is complete and position ourselves to shoot the feature length version.
CashColorCannabis: What’s the next steps for ‘Jah Knows?’
Mikey Don: Change is the ultimate goal. This is an age where the access to integral information is at an all time high. The combination of that and art that supports change is paramount. Your support is needed in the form of spreading awareness and donating. I’m running a campaign on Indiegogo. Please help us meet our goal before it ends on August 10. #indiegogo
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