News Summary
Former Tennessee Volunteers basketball player Jarnell Stokes is making his filmmaking debut with ‘Rocky Top College’, a narrative exploring a young athlete’s mental health struggles. The film will star notable actors and aims to benefit the Memphis community through local involvement. Stokes’ transition to film follows his basketball career, raising awareness of generational trauma in his first project, ‘Break the Cycle.’
Nashville, Tennessee
Former Tennessee Volunteers basketball star Jarnell Stokes is transitioning to the world of filmmaking, with his latest project, “Rocky Top College,” set to begin production in May. This film marks his second screenplay, following his inaugural project “Break the Cycle.”
“Rocky Top College” tells the story of Zion Williams, a talented young Black basketball player from Memphis. The narrative explores Zion’s challenges during his senior year and delves into the complexities of his mental health. The film will be shot in Louisville, Kentucky, and will feature notable actors such as Meagan Good, Jabari Banks, and Bailee Madison. Jamal Hill is attached as the director for this ambitious project. Stokes is producing the film alongside his brother Isaiah Stokes through their company, Stokes Brothers Media.
Stokes’ journey into filmmaking began during the COVID-19 pandemic, following an unexpected conclusion to his basketball career in the Chinese Basketball Association. Prior to this, Stokes had a successful basketball career, where he played three seasons at the University of Tennessee from 2011 to 2014 and entered the 2014 NBA draft. He went on to play for the Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, and Denver Nuggets.
His first film, “Break the Cycle,” gained attention for its focus on generational trauma and the struggles faced by young basketball players. The film features a talented cast, including Cuba Gooding Jr., Vivica A. Fox, and Loretta Devine. It aims to shed light on the complexities of life in Memphis, particularly the impact of childhood tragedies on family dynamics.
In addition to his filmmaking endeavors, Stokes is actively involved in various non-profit organizations and community activism. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling as a means to inspire social change. His commitment to community extends to his film projects, where he aims to integrate the Memphis community by creating local jobs and involving residents in the filmmaking process.
Stokes holds several records at the University of Tennessee, including the record for most offensive rebounds. His successful athletic career serves as a backdrop for his new focus on film, offering him a platform to address thought-provoking topics and connect with a broader audience.
Looking ahead, Stokes expresses a desire to incorporate deeper themes in his future writing and productions. He remains dedicated to physical fitness and keeping the option open for a potential return to basketball, highlighting his ongoing passion for the sport.
As Jarnell Stokes embarks on this new journey in filmmaking, his projects promise to combine personal experiences with storytelling power, all while fostering local involvement and community connection.
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Additional Resources
- The Daily Memphian: Memphis Arts Beat
- WBIR: Jarnell Stokes Writing Screenplays
- Sports Illustrated: Jarnell Stokes Creating Films
- Knox News: Jarnell Stokes’ Rocky Top College Movie
- Commercial Appeal: Jarnell Stokes’ Film Break the Cycle
- Wikipedia: Jarnell Stokes
