St Louis Feature ‘Ride or Die’ Shines at Tribeca; Director Josalynn Smith, Producer Jamie Foxx Lead the Team

The blossoming St. Louis independent film scene has a massive feather to add to its relatively newly crafted cap. The indie thriller Ride or Die was filmed in the Missouri city and has just made its World Premiere at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival. The esteemed ensemble of producers fortifying Josalynn Smith’s directorial debut include Oscar winner Jamie Foxx.

In Ride or Die, when Paula (played by Briana Middleton), a young Midwesterner who dreams of a fresh start in California, runs into Sloane (Stella Everett), her secret high school crush, who has her demons, the chemistry is electric. What starts as a casual reunion between two high school classmates quickly evolves into something deeper when they make a spontaneous decision to road-trip across the country together. However, unforeseen consequences make their journey more perilous, transforming their whirlwind romance into a tense thriller.

Tribeca’s Faridah Gbadamosi declares Ride or Die “beautifully shot and anchored by two outstanding performances from Middleton and Everett. Josalynn Smith’s directorial debut deftly navigates the couple’s romance, which is equal parts sexy and nurturing, establishing the deep bond the two feel for each other quickly. Grounded and engaging, the film is a very exciting debut.”

Director/Screenwriter Josalynn Smith’s team includes producers Matthew Keene Smith, Datari Turner, and the aforementioned Foxx. Co-Producers include Keely Weiss, Lois Drabkin, Jason McLagan, and Alicia Louzoun-Heisler. The film was lensed by cinematographer Lee Muller and edited by Olivia Eliseo. Click here for more information about the talented team behind this feature.

Cast is led by Briana Middleton, Stella Everett, Cody Kostro, Eisa Davis, Guinevere Turner and Ella Jay Basco. Click here for the full cast and crew roster.

More updates ahead as this Missouri-made feature continues its feature run. Be sure to check back here at SCREEN Magazine for all the latest news from the independent filmmaking community. You can also click right here to subscribe to our weekly email newsletter.