Experiencing Interruptions?

Before the Underground Vol.1-Rit

The “Before the Underground” series will give us all a look into the early life of Harriet Tubman, when she was known as Araminta Ross nicknamed (Minty). We have long heard of her heroism being an agent of The Underground Railroad, but we haven’t heard much about her life before that time. Vol. 1 “Rit”, loosely showcase’s an incident involving Harriet’s mother, Harriet or “Rit”, and her brave and heartfelt effort to keep her family together during the time of slavery by stopping the sale of her son. In the face of her bravery we also see Minty as a witness to this confrontation, having the same vein of bravery instilled in her to not only to eventually escape slavery alone, but also to return to bring countless slaves to freedom.

  • Nikki Smallwood
    Director
    Before the Underground Vol 2 - Don't Fall Asleep, Promise, Only My Sister
  • Nikki Smallwood
    Writer
  • Nikki Smallwood
    Producer
  • Christy Taylor
    Key Cast
    "Rit"
  • Kyrah Smith
    Key Cast
    "Minty-Young Harriet"
  • Chaz Riddle
    Key Cast
    "Edward"
  • Brian Lyons
    Key Cast
    "Scott Randolph"
  • D. Dumebi Egbufor
    Key Cast
    "Harriet Tubman- Adult"
  • Benson Gwyan
    Key Cast
    "Henry"
  • IO Browne
    Key Cast
    "Slavewoman"
  • Kent Sanders
    Key Cast
    "Slaveman"
  • Everd Rijzewijk
    Cinematographer
  • Sandra Camargo
    First Assistant Director
  • Jordann Smith
    Second Assistant Director
  • Alex Bowen
    First Assistant Camera
  • William Dickson
    Second Assistant Camera
  • Nathan Taylor
    Gaffer
  • Kareem Mitchell
    Grip & Electric
  • Valeria Verastegui
    Grip & Electric
  • Berlin Waechter
    Grip & Electric
  • Andrew Palumbo
    Grip & Electric
  • Thomas Vaughan
    Sound Mixer
  • Lisa Tuvalo
    Editor
  • Norvella Wright
    Makeup and Wardrobe
  • Danielle Burnette
    Makeup and Wardrobe
  • Project Type:
    Short, Web / New Media
  • Genres:
    Drama, History
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 10 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 6, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Nikki Smallwood

Nikki Smallwood is an Administrative Assistant by day and an aspiring Screenwriter on the side. She has been involved with film and theater in some form since the early 1990’s as an actress. Her first major role was as a bully in an after school industrial short for the New Jersey Department of Education. Moving forward she’s booked various roles in local commercials, background for award winning series, various indie films and local stage plays. Although she enjoys singing, acting, and writing she has just recently decided to focus more on the production side of film starting as a production assistant helping with everything from making runs to gaffing. In recent indie productions she has lead on beauty and special effects make up and is looking to gain more experience with set design. She is a history fan and also huge horror film buff with a few scripts in the making within these genres. She is looking forward to shooting her first feature film hopefully in the near future.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Enjoying True Life and Living One Day At A Time!