Is God Is (2026)
Our scars are what define us.
This Friday, May 15, Aleshea Harris' directorial debut releases to theaters, based on her award-winning play Is God Is.
I had the honor of being the run of the show stand-in for this film and had a front row seat for the six-week filming process of the production. Being able to watch the film come together every day through the imagination of writer and director Aleshea Harris was beyond what I could put into words. I can say with certainty being a part of the "scar gang" is the heartbeat of what Harris is really saying in this film.
The Story
Twin sisters Racine and Anaia are played by Kara Young and Mallori Johnson, two exceptional actors and women full of love, wisdom, and devotion. The quiet one, Anaia is fiercely protected by Racine, the mean one throughout the movie, as they are both scarred by tragedy and following the words of "God" (Vivica A. Fox). They travel from the Deep South to the California desert on a mission to find their father, Sterling K. Brown, and settle a score. It's a story of violence, faith, and survival colliding as these women navigate what justice means when your scars are all you have left to show the world.
This story not only illustrates the rage that Black women face every day, but it gives these women the opportunity to heal their generational wounds. Harris' work creates space for each woman who has carried scars that were not theirs and the residual buildup that comes from not knowing how to heal them fully to only create deeper wounds and leave lasting marks that make you feel unlovable or unlikeable in this world. There is so much rage to be felt in those moments; yet, for many, this is a daily occurrence.
Behind the Scenes
My favorite moment on set, although I had many, was meeting Moses Sumney, who produced the score, and Tessa Thompson on the same day. I nearly fainted in their presence; it truly felt uncanny to be able to meet these Black artists that I look up to and admire. Everyone on set was kind, down-to-earth, and supportive. From the producers to the caterers, each moment was full of presence, acceptance, and connection.
Aleshea Harris' vision and love of her craft was palpable from the beginning. The lighting, cinematography, production team, wardrobe department, and hair/makeup department all worked together as a united force of love to bring this film to life. Special shoutout to Desiree Stevenson, who was the first Assistant Director and who made sure everything was flowing smoothly and kept the laughs rolling.
Opening Weekend
For New Orleans, a city that understands deep roots, survival, and beauty that comes from generational scars, this film is going to hit incredibly close to home. It is an absolute must see opening weekend. Personally, my biggest takeaway from being on set is the profound power of Black storytelling. Watching these women bring such raw emotion to life reminded me that our scars don't just define us, they connect us.
Ultimately, Is God Is is more than just a film, it is a cultural reckoning. It gives Black women the space to feel their rage, the space to confront their trauma, and the grace to finally heal.
Be
sure to get your tickets for Is God Is, premiering in theaters this
Friday, May 15.
