“I tell stories through my music, always hoping people feel empowered to overcome anything,” 2 Chainz said. “Red Clay is an extension of that”
A new short film from 2 Chainz is on the way. On Friday, the rapper revealed that he teamed up with actor Omar Epps to co-write Red Clay, which is set to premiere at the Atlanta Film Festival on Saturday.
“I tell stories through my music, always hoping people feel empowered to overcome anything,” 2 Chainz told Variety. “Red Clay is an extension of that.”
Christian Nolan Jones, the award-winning director behind Glitter Ain’t Gold, directed the film. The short film follows Nook (Christopher A’mmanuel), a teen facing a difficult upbringing as his mother deals with drug addiction. With his best friend Bub, he looks toward a better life even if it’s hard to escape the world he’s in.
“Atlanta is full of resilience, and bringing Nook and Bub’s story to life—everyday folks fighting to survive—means everything to me,” he said. “Creating this with Omar Epps was truly legendary.”
The film is set in 2003 and stars Rutina Wesley and Jaylen Ragin. Director James and Ebbs also serve as executive producers. The film also features a 2 Chainz song featuring Ronald Isley and the Isley Brothers, “The ATL Experience.”
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“My inspiration to write this film came from the need to unpack brutal truths, and showcase the complexities of why black and brown communities normalize trauma,” Epps told Variety. “It’s my hope to inspire conversations [that] motivate people to have more grace, and compassion towards one another.”
Along with Red Clay, films such as Color Book, The Games in Black & White, and Removal of the Eye are also part of the 2025 Atlanta Film Fest lineup.
