Griot Soul Films
First Feature
SHE WASN'T LAST NIGHT
She Wasn't Last Night:
One of The First Ever Black Lesbian Romantic Dramatic Feature Films
She Wasn't Last Night follows Shantel Crockett through the wild turmoil of a failing
relationship, her struggle to bring light to the lives of youth, and pressure from Universal
forces to re-enliven her own creative voice.  

Starring: Anissa Primus Alston
Local artist and activist Anissa Primus Alston signed
on to the lead role as Shantel in She Wasn't Last Night early
in 2007. Anissa is well known for her performance
in the film "Diving" as well as her activism in Oakland
supporting organizations like Sistah's Steppin in Pride.
Anissa also sings with the world renowned East Bay Chior.
She played Shantel with honesty and finesse, brightening
each day of production for the cast and crew.


La Shanda Armstrong
Brilliant mind and media master La Shanda Armstrong is
no novice to the entertainment industry having worked for
major media companies. La Shanda takes on the role
of dancer Reyna who is lost in her relationship and her life.
La Shanda blesses the script with her original song that
exposes the growth of her character. La Shanda has a
wonderful gift for outreaching to online communities.



Janae Brumby
Thoughtful and enigmatic Janae Brumby connected with
the role of playful Jack immediately. A natural born actress
Janae lit up the crowd at the first script reading and
continues to excite newcomers to the project. Janae hails
from the East Coast and is dedicated to creating success
as a means of supporting her community back home.


Germaine Mozel Sims
Germaine Sims brings a quiet intensity to her role as
creative Natasha in She Wasn't Last Night. For Germaine,
acting is a means of growth and a way to connect with
people in a real and meaningful way. She is hopeful that
the depiction of African descendants in film is changing
for the better. Germaine's long-term goals include producing
and directing her own feature film.



Dalila Ali Raja
Sassy Vanessa is played masterfully
up-and-coming actor/director Dalila Ali Raja.
Dalila worked diligently to understand the
nuances of the character and bring her
own flirtatious flavor to the role. Traveling up
from LA on weekends Dalila showed heart
and dedication.



Rachel Mays
Bringing strength and gracefulness to her role as
Reyna's dance mentor Millie in She Wasn't Last Night,
Rachel's script analysis and artistic presence have
greatly enhanced the pre-production aspects of the film.
Rachel is a Bay Area activists adding her vitality to
such essential organizations as KPFA and Critical
Resistance.



William Swift
Budding actor William Swift adds spice to his role as
the direct and playful Rob in She Wasn't Last Night.
William takes on the role of a young man seeking out
connections at a local Same Gender Loving youth group
with a flair all his own. Will hopes other people can use
his work in films as a place of escape.



Violeta Pantaleon
Vivacious newcomer Violeta Pantaleon jumped into the
complex role of young Reggie with her own personal
style. She immediately had thoughts and ideas about
the role, and supported the production with wonderful
energy, right-on translation support and an understanding
of the importance of cultural continuity for what the
director was working to accomplish. Keep your eyes
out for this rising star!















I am so grateful for the coming together of all these wonderful artists and activists who add
their energies to this interdependent effort. When I wrote this script, I envisioned a film that
held integrity while telling one story of an African descended Same Gender Loving Woman on
a journey toward self love. Alongside Shantel's story, we get to delve into the minds and
emotions of a range of Black Same Gender Loving Women with different ages, maturity
levels, passions, world-views, and life experiences.

We definitely work to avoid the kinds of stereotypes we all cringe at when we watch the
mainstream images of Black Folks.In addition to the struggles the characters face, they also
engage humor, fun, and healing
.
Added to creating a good film that folks can watch again and again, I envision funding the
film with support from the communities it will touch. A big part of my vision is the coming
together of like-minded people to make sure that our communities are respected in film rather
than caricatured. As a non-profit film company we are funding this project one ally on one
donation at time.

Thank you to all supporters and to our beautiful ancestors!
Darice Jones is the
Writer/Producer/Director of
She Wasn't Last Night.
She is also the founder of
Griot Soul Films.

To connect with Darice and
find out how you can help,
how your organization or
company can become a
sponsor or how to donate
send her an e-mail at
Director's E-mail Contact