FINDING ME Have you ever felt like you don't know where you are or how you got there? Have you ever felt uncertain about your life? Have you ever felt so much sorrow that you were consumed by it? Have you ever felt so much joy it scared you? When will these questions have meaning for you? FINDING ME is a film that explores these questions about life through the eyes of Faybien Allen, a young black homosexual who has reached the point in his life where he begins to ask himself these questions. These are feelings we've all experienced. The search to find one's self is everyone's journey. Are you there yet? Faybien Allen (played by RayMartell Moore), a young black, idealistic, yet cautious gay man begins a journey in finding out who he is and how he fits in the world. He struggles with his sexuality, family expectations and a lack of goals and planning with his life. Faybien has a cold relationship with his father that defines his inner pain. Greg Marsh (played by Eugene Turner), a gregarious, down to earth, free spirited, bi-sexual man is one of Faybien's good friends. Faybien relies on Greg's nonchalant attitude toward life. Through his relationship with Greg, Faybien tries to learn how to roll with the challenges that life present. What Faybien doesn't realize is through him Greg learns how his attitude can affect others in a negative way. Amera Jones (played by J'Nara Corbin), a beautiful, sassy, opinionated, slightly neurotic, yet open-hearted aspiring singer, is another one of Faybien's close friends. Amera has spent a lot of time around gay men and feels as though she's an honorary gay man herself. Her overly flamboyant personality helps Faybien to feel more comfortable with himself. What Faybien doesn't realize is that he helps her to understand how her diva-like attitude can push people away. Lonnie Wilson (played by Rasheed Thompson), a mature, charming, charismatic, and openly gay man. Lonnie jump starts feelings that Faybien has suppressed for a while, love. He's attracted to Faybien and has no problem showing it. He challenges Faybien to confront his fears of being openly gay. Jaylen 'Jay' Timber (played by Maurice Murrell), a shady, flamboyant and crafty character is a new addition to Faybien's circle of friends. In Faybien's mind, Jay represents everything he's afraid of becoming if he doesn't pull his life in the right direction. In Jay's mind, young Faybien represents what he was like before many of the bad choices he has made. Jay recognizes the similarities the two shares, but Faybien doesn't want to believe it. Cory Briggs (played by Hanif Abdus-Salaam), a kind hearted, sweet straight man. Cory helps Faybien begin to realize that there is no shame or wrong with being gay. Cory explains that his little brother is gay and that he loves and respects him completely. Roger Omeus Jr. Bio Roger Omeus Jr. is a first generation Haitian American born in Brooklyn N.Y. in January 1976. Having a love for Film/Television at an early age, Roger wrote and directed a high school drama while attending St. Benedict's Prep, in Newark N.J. He aspired to become an actor/director and performed in every stage production through his high school experience. He pursed another of his talents in photography and has worked at the world's leading photography studio, Pier 59 Studios in New York City. Through out his seven years at the studio Roger has done photo stories for magazines, head shots, and family portraits. He currently attends New Jersey City University pursuing a Bachelors of Arts degree in Creative Writing. "Due to life's curves", He wasn't able to attend college in the traditional manner i.e., immediately after high school. He's living proof that through determination and drive will bring you success. He has reconnected with his original dream in writing and directing films with his recent endeavor entitled "FINDING ME" which he wrote and is currently directing. This is his first film production under his company, OmeProductions LLC. Roger's overall goal with this film is to touch the hearts of audiences that have been craving a realistic depiction of the inner city life and struggles of young people particularly focusing on the LGBT community. When speaking to Roger, we asked him what his aspirations are for the film viewing audience: "I hope the audiences will relate to the fundamental and universal themes of life through this film: love, loss, joy and sorrow." Roger's thoughts on taking on a project of this magnitude "Throw your all into it and own it!" This is a story of one young man's journey to self-acceptance and self-love. This is also a story that lies close to our hearts, because we have all taken the trip to "Finding Ourselves". "Finding Me" This story begins with a question, "What am I doing with my life?" Faybien Allen begins his journey to self-discovery with the aid of his two best friends, Amera and Greg. He also plays the teacher at times to these friends as well. Faybien's father's disappointment looms over any of his achievements or progress toward self acceptance until a stranger enters his life. Lonnie's love for Faybien allows him to open his eyes, heart and mind. As he begins his journey he is introduced to a character, which proves just how harsh life can be and the unfortunate outcomes of poor decisions. This individual forces Faybien to accept his responsibility for his actions, and provides a new obstacle for him on his journey to self-acceptance. Faybien's emotions are defined by guilt and sadness, because he has not accepted the loss of someone close to him. Will young Faybien accept who he is? Will he take responsibility for his life and gain control? Watch and see. Writer, Director & Producer Roger Omeus Jr. Director Of Photography/Art Direction Andre Daughtry Casting Director Shana Parsons Cast (in alphabedical order) Cory Briggs Amera Jones Faybien's Father Faybien Allen Jaylen 'Jay' Timber Lonnie Wilson Greg Marsh Hanif Abdus-Salaam J'Nara Corbin Ron De Suze RayMartell Moore Maurice Murrell Rasheed Thompson Eugene Turner Film Editing Greg Payton Producing Print/Post Production Ray Rodriguez Camera and Lighting Department Sean Bonilla Doug Bowers Frank Florencio Sound Department Ron Hunt Set Designer Jerome Dendy Assistant Set Designer Hope Dendy Production Assistants Philip Muniz Genese Martin Story Boards Jermaine Clark Costume Design Steven Kinlock Make Up Department Uche Wogwuwu (Make-Up) Saul Rodriguez (Hair) Unit P.R. Tim Yates Marketing/Promotions Leslie Bowman Kashka Noni Murphy Photographer Andre Daughtry Digital Tech Jermaine Clark Retouchers Carmen Maxcy David Hawthorne Hair Stylist Ray Rodriguez Assistant Hair Stylist Saul Rodriguez Stylist Steven Kinlock Make-up Artist Kevin McQueen Web Design Joe Kemp