Unplugged the Industry: How The PTAH Collective is Redefining Black Cinema - and Reclaiming the Narrative
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on August 15, 2025 FEATURED Content written by Sharon Washington When the PTAH Collective sat across from top executives at major movie studios, they faced a crossroads. The deals on the table were shiny, but soulless—more about control than collaboration, more about dilution than elevation. So, they did what only the boldest visionaries dare to do in Hollywood: they walked away. But walking away didn’t mean walking back. Instead, four unapologetically ambitious Morehouse College graduates—Raynal “Shaka” Harris, Adisa Iwa, Ajamoo Raheem KMT, and Ronald “Sully” Sullivan—bet on themselves and made history. Together, they turned their backs on safe and predictable, and ran full speed toward revolution. The result is Unplugged—a genre-bending, soul-shaking horror film that doesn’t just entertain, it elevates. Filmed over a whirlwind 20 days—from June 1 to June 20, 2025—Unplugged is a stunning testament to what’s possible when vision, passion, and purpose collide. Though independently financed, the film carries the weight and wonder of a major studio production. Set deep in the wilderness of Georgia, it follows seven students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) whose retreat spirals into a chilling fight for survival—against human predators, supernatural forces, and the terrifying secrets that bind them all. But Unplugged isn’t just a story. It’s a statement. From start to finish, The PTAH Collective built not just a movie—but an ecosystem. They created jobs, they housed and fed their cast and crew, and they poured into every person on set with love, resources, and respect. This wasn’t just about filming—it was about building legacy, culture, and capacity. The cast is a perfect reflection of that mission. Opening the film are Hollywood veterans Keith Arthur Bolden (Till, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It) and John Eddins (War of the Worlds, The Terminal), anchoring the film with gravitas and depth. But it’s the young talent that steals the show: a vibrant, untapped ensemble of first-time film leads. Jaden W. Brown (David) brings heart and vulnerability. Jahleel Johnson (Che) simmers with intensity. Amber Abdul stuns in dual roles, showcasing a versatility that hints at future stardom. Aleigha Burt channels raw terror and triumph as Myeasha, while Jaila Brewer (Mimi) delivers scene-stealing chaos and charm. Trained by veteran actor Victor Love, 17-year-old Jabari Harris (Malik) is a revelation. And Cymiah Alexander (Imani) stands tall in a performance filled with elegance, strength, and fire. Surrounding them are rising stars: TaShe Allen, Dorothy Myers, Alecia Craine, Desmon Williams, Ny’el Simmons, Lelan Odom, and Chelsea Samuels—each bringing something unforgettable to the screen. Behind the camera, the commitment to new Black excellence remains just as fierce. First-time director Lamorae (University of Las Vegas) leads with grace and grit. Twenty-two-year-old audio phenom Kat “Hot Sauce” Frazier redefines what sound can feel like. And cinematographer Max Siciliano doesn’t just capture the story—he paints it. The film’s look and sound are completed by Mathew Seel’s masterful special effects—elevating Amber Abdul, TaShe Allen, and Alecia Crane’s dual roles and haunting every frame with immersive intensity. At a time when mainstream Hollywood recycles sequels and clings to formulas, Unplugged dares to disrupt. It’s not just a film—it’s a movement. It’s proof that independent Black cinema doesn’t have to ask for a seat at the table. It can build the damn table—and then flip it. But The PTAH Collective isn’t done. This October, they’re turning the spotlight on Unplugged and Black creatives everywhere with SpelHouse Hollywood: Atlanta—a landmark event honoring the film and the rising power of HBCU talent in the entertainment industry. After hosting a game-changing gala at the iconic Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles for their HBCU Superheroes saga, The PTAH Collective is bringing that energy back home—where it all began. What started as an intimate mixer for 100 Morehouse and Spelman alums in Los Angeles has transformed into a cultural phenomenon. Now drawing over 1,000 HBCU creatives—actors, writers, producers, and decision-makers—SpelHouse Hollywood is more than an event. It’s a homecoming of purpose, power, and possibility. And there’s no better time. Set to unfold during SpelHouse Homecoming weekend—an annual pilgrimage attracting over 100,000 people—SpelHouse Hollywood: Atlanta is already the talk of the industry. Requests for invites began flooding in as early as January, months before any public announcement. The anticipation is electric. The energy is unmatched. This isn’t just a celebration. It’s a call to arms. A reminder that the future of film isn’t coming—it’s here. And it looks like us. Sounds like us. Moves like us. Tells our stories. With Unplugged, The PTAH Collective hasn’t just made a film. They’ve made a statement. With SpelHouse Hollywood, they’re building a movement. And with every step, they’re showing the world what happens when brilliance, community, and courage come together. This is Black cinema. This is HBCU excellence. This is the revolution—coming soon. Unplugged isn’t just something you watch. It’s something you feel. The PTAH Collective is seeking the right distribution partner to bring Unplugged to audiences worldwide—a unique opportunity to release a bold, genre-bending horror film with built-in buzz and a dynamic, talented cast. For more information, please email Contactus@theptahcollective.com. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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