Untraditional Films to produce Short Film Drama in central Florida.
From left to right: Marlena Robinson, Ysela Williams
EXCLUSIVE: Actor, director, and cinematographer Timothy Richardson (Emascipation) is set to direct and produce Sanctuary, a character-driven case study set in Central Florida. Sanctuary, a short story adapted by Untraditional Films, is poised to offer a raw and authentic exploration of family relationships, love, and vulnerability. This endeavor marks an exciting chapter for Untraditional Films, as this will be the second Untraditional Films Original short film since Brothers (2021), which is currently streaming on Cineverse and Stash.
Sanctuary centers on Dawn, an entrepreneur, and her daughter Rayne, a recent college graduate, while they navigate a new family dynamic. The short story was written by Teymbi Tannis and will be led by Marlena Robinson (Sister for Sale), and Ysela Williams (Blink). Marlena (Instagram: @marlenacherise) is an Atlanta-based actor with a theater and film background and has portrayed a range of captivating roles across short and feature films, demonstrating her versatility and depth as an actress. Ysela (@ysela_acts) is a Florida-based actor who has been on stage and screen since grade school and has tackled everything from stage plays to commercials and film productions, even earning nominations for Best Supporting Actress in Film.
Tanecia Scott (The Vixen) and Chad Chambers (I’m Fine) also have been cast. Tanecia (Instagram: @thetaneciascott) is an emerging actress currently based in Tampa, Florida, and has a diverse portfolio spanning film and short film productions. Chad (Instagram: @chadlchambers) is an Atlanta-based actor, musician, and producer who recently took home Best Short Film at the 2024 Urban Film Festival in Miami, FL of his independently produced short film I’m Fine.
From left to right: Tanecia Scott, Chad Chambers
Richardson, known for his work as an actor and cinematographer, co-owns Untraditional Films alongside his partner, award-winning editor Laniqua Collins Richardson (I’m Fine, #ThroughOurLens). Their creative partnership extends beyond their personal lives, with both artists working to shape the future of storytelling through their production company. Laniqua, a celebrated editor, is also gearing up for her second year of the Black Girls Film Camp, a program dedicated to empowering young women of color through film education and hands-on experiences. Laniqua’s contributions to the world of cinema were recognized with a nomination for Best Editing for The Gift and the Curse, a short film directed by Alexandra Bonner (Instagram: @alexandrabfilms).
Timothy Richardson and Laniqua Collins Richardson in NAACP Image Awards (2023)
Untraditional Films is an award-winning independent production company committed to amplifying diverse voices and stories while championing underrepresented perspectives that resonate deeply with audiences.
Principal photography for Sanctuary is set for the end of March 2025.