Private Project

Kesler

When a free-spirited sophomore gets rejected from the music program at his rigid university, he must find a way to achieve his goals independent of the collegiate system and become the
acclaimed hip-hop artist of his dreams. No matter the cost. Join Kesler as he embarks on his journey to freedom and uncovers the secrets that lurk underneath the structure of his university in this deconstruction of the American college institution.

  • Traemani Hawkins
    Director
  • Traemani Hawkins
    Writer
  • Traemani Hawkins
    Producer
  • Stevie Thompson Jr
    Producer
  • Symplicity Productions, LLC
    Producer
  • Stevie Thompson Jr
    Key Cast
    "Kesler"
  • Ryan Raynter
    Key Cast
    "Gus"
  • Bryanna Woodfolk
    Key Cast
    "Ann"
  • Jawahn Burrell
    Key Cast
    "Chancellor Ceil"
  • Varshay Graham
    Key Cast
    "Raven"
  • Stevie Thompson Jr
    Score Composer
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Genres:
    Sci-Fi
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 16 minutes 12 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 1, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    HD, Canon 70D, 60D, and EOS M50
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes
Director Biography - Traemani Hawkins

Traemani Hawkins, Writer, Director, and Producer. Traemani Hawkins is a filmmaker based in Raleigh, NC. He graduated from NC State with a degree in Communications with a concentration in Media in May 2019. In college, he formed a positive hip-hop group called Symplicity which they later turned into an LLC. After graduation, he immediately began pursuing his dream of becoming a film writer and director by making his own project. “Kesler” was born out of the experiences of him and his friends and co-founders of Symplicity Productions, LLC had in college. With this film, Traemani aims to call attention to certain aspects of the collegiate system that aren’t being discussed, but affect most students today. In the future, he hopes to continue to challenge the status quo through provocative filmmaking.

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Director Statement

I made this film to cause people to think about the collegiate system that hasn't changed much in years. There are many aspects of it that simply don't work for our generation, and my film aims to highlight a few.

I hope that the viewer will have an entertaining and insightful experience that makes them relate their own experiences to that of our main character, Kesler. I also hope that it will spark conversation about the collegiate system or add to the already ongoing dialogue.