PLENUM

In 1995, two siblings face the AIDS crisis during a historic Black political conference as they navigate family estrangement, encounter queer and trans ancestors, and envision futures for the African Diaspora.

Director’s Statement

Telling more complete stories about the lives of Black people allows me to imagine and work towards more complete solutions. 

PLENUM builds on the momentum of the knowledge I gained as a filmmaker and ongoing public engagement with film at the intersections of racial, queer and trans justice. While access to legal marriage and the representation of queer and trans people in elected office are considered progress towards equality by progressives and far too radical by conservatives, PLENUM takes up a radical Black, queer and feminist lens that agitates viewers to demand much more from policymakers and everyday people alike. Each character offers a fresh perspective on what has been and continues to be at stake for Black people in the United States and across the diaspora.

When we began pre-production for PLENUM, I knew that we would create a film that would mark the 30th anniversary of the Black Nations?/Queer Nations? Conference and bring the HIV/AIDS crisis into today’s conversations about Black liberation. I did not know that our message of diasporic connection and call for belonging beyond citizenship would enter the world as U.S. funding for HIV/AIDS care, prevention, and education are being eliminated globally. The tragedy of the lives that will be lost is terrifying. And, the potential of a world in which the U.S. government and conservative interests don't control healthcare for millions just might be on the way.

PLENUM is a love letter to our ancestors and future generations. This film has forced me to grow as a filmmaker and as a Black queer woman who is committed to our collective liberation. I look forward to sharing this project with a diasporic audience. 

Meet The Cast

Ajani Saint - Rashun Carter

Tracy Saint - Maya Vinice Prentiss

Assotto - Jonathan Gardner

Joseph - Sanford E. Gaylord

Essex Hemphill - Kenyon Farrow

Cheryl - Charlene Carruthers

Barbara - Barbara Washington

Monica - Toni-Michelle Williams

Background Players

Lou D'vinci

Aisha Romer

Aaliayah Romer

Stephanie Santos

Cierra Jackson

Esther Ilencheta

Lisa Sargent

Charles Long

Kyle Beamon

Meet The Crew

CHICAGO CREW

Director - Charlene A. Carruthers

Producer - Ahsha Davis

1st Assistant Director - Miles Miller

Line Producer - Kin Marie

Production Assistant - Taylor Lewis

Casting Director/2nd AD - Tre King

Script Supervisor -Terrence Thompson

Director of Photography - Trina Mulligan

1st Assistant Camera - Brian Delisi

2nd Assistant Camera - Stefh Arreguin

DIT - -August Doubrawa

Unit Still Photographer - Lynsey Weatherspoon

Gaffer - Aylene Lopez

Key Grip - Jade Bailey

Grip - Taylor Wren

Production Designer - Mariah Bennett

ART Production Assistant - Asha Ransby Sporn

Hair - Brenda Castillo

Makeup - Sonya Simone

Costume Designer - Bebe LaMonica

Sound Mixer - Randy Sinclair

Editor - Jazz Williams

Trailer Editor - Adonis Williams

Colorist - Kin Marie

Sound Designer - Johnny Del Toro

Composer - Lee Anderson

Virtual Impact / Social Media Coordinator - Adia Ivey

ATLANTA CREW

Director - Charlene Carruthers

Producer - Ahsha Davis

Production Assistant - Indie Johnson

Cinematographer - Angela Hill

Hair/Makeup - Jordan Clark