We are a predominantly women comprised cast and crew that's out to tell an amazing story of what it looks like when women show up for one another

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Remember the hidden camera reality show “What Would You Do?” where an unknowingly fake, but extremely dire scenario is presented to an unsuspecting person and they have to decide to either help or do nothing? Yeah, this film is sort of like that. Except there are no cameras and John Quinones isn’t going to pop out and tell said unsuspecting individual it was all a set up.

In this case, that individual is A’ja and the scenario is the acknowledgement that her best friend, Dawn, is trapped in an abusive relationship. Told through a series of jumps from present day to flashbacks, we follow A'ja, a determined woman who decides enough is enough and resolves to transform herself through a rigorous workout regimen. Frustrated and powerless, as she trains, each flashback reveals pivotal moments of watching the progression of Dawn’s relationship with her abuser boyfriend, Trick. These memories fuel A’ja’s motivations and shape her understanding of empowerment. These moments also highlight the deep bond between these two friends.

With every push-up and blow to the heavy bag, A’ja grows stronger both physically and mentally, preparing for a confrontation she knows is necessary.

In my twenties, my mother entered a relationship with an abusive man. I’ve never known the full extent of it: verbal? Physical? I never asked. I didn’t need to. Abuse is abuse is abuse. I recall the night he punched out her car window while she was sitting in it. All were outraged. No one took action. I begged her to leave him. She declined. A few days after the incident, he was in our home. Sitting in the kitchen. Laughing as if nothing happened. But something did happen. So, I took action. I pulled a knife to his neck. With my vision blurred from tears, I was ready to jam it through his throat. My older sister pulled vigorously at my arm. My mother repeatedly wailed STOP! I saw her face. Her hurt. Her pain. Her confusion. I allowed my sister to take the knife. I walked away. Though I ultimately don’t condone violence, that feeling of wanting to protect her, other women in my life, never went away.

This is the story of my mother. My sisters. My friends. My wife. Women I’ve yet to meet. Women suffering in silence day-in-and-day-out. Me. It is the story of sisterhood and the responsibility of love. Not all have experienced abuse but we all know what it is to not know what to do, to be complicit, to shake it off, to cower and to fail. Just as we also know what it is to rise up, to speak out, to stand with, to hold on, and now, to pop out!

Will this short end domestic abuse against women? Sadly, no. But, will it empower us a little more than we already are?

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Canva custom creation A drama that bodes a mixture of tension and rising hope. By using a series of flashbacks interspersed with present day A’ja working out, the quick pace helps to set the narrative by showing the innocent times as well as those moments that deepen the stakes.

This structure along with the stylization of varying light and color for each character, could create a poignant contrast between the building of strength in the present and the need for strength in the past; allowing viewers to see the evolution of abuse in Dawn’s relationship with Trick as well as the depth of her and A’ja’s friendship. Overall it is the balance of intense emotional moments with an inspiring undercurrent, highlighting themes of friendship, resilience, and personal transformation.

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I know that it is not easy to contribute to something you’ve yet to see in the hopes it’ll be everything you want. Please know we don’t intend to waste, ruin or take your donation for granted.

Your donation funds production while some of our proceeds will be donated to help those organizations that are already out there doing the very hard work to uplift and support survivors of domestic abuse.

More than a passion project, this film is a must! Not just because of the subject matter, or who’s behind the scenes tirelessly working or even because it’s our career. It’s a must because I truly believe whenever we have the chance to give, do, be better, we absolutely must take that opportunity no matter what. This story, these women, the devastatingly age-old tale of domestic abuse gives us that opportunity. That’s where your money will go. Towards awareness, support and, hopefully, impact. I mean it when I say we’re in this together, you and me.

So thank you!! For donating, for spreading the word, for creating change. POPPIN’ OUT looks good on you!!

(All images pictured are proof of concept from Insecure, Living Single and actress Lashana Lynch)

Pop Out - A Short Film

This is the story of a woman who commits to an intense workout regimen to gain the strength needed to confront her best friend's abuser