The path to becoming a filmmaker began for Josalynn Smith at around 12 years old. Her grandmother, Elaine Bolden, gave her a special edition DVD of “Titanic.” Through the director’s commentary portion, she was able to hear James Cameron discuss his process. The 1997 blockbuster romance is one of the most iconic films in cinema history. But that is not what drew her to the craft. It was the obstacles and roadblocks Cameron faced – and ultimately overcame – that got Smith’s attention.
“Growing up and driving around St. Louis and greater St. Louis, I always thought that there were so many things about St. Louis that were really filmic and really beautiful. It’s the part that you don’t see a lot in film…”
Filmmaker Josalynn Smith
“Making a film is really about being able to beat the odds,” Smith said. “And not a lot of people get to do it – to make a film that is at a major festival, like Tribeca. There were definitely a lot of moments that teetered between ‘is this going to happen’ and ‘this is too good to be true.’”
It happened – and it’s true. Smith’s first feature film, “Ride or Die” played at the famed Tribeca Film Festival last month.
“It was really a great full circle moment for me,” Smith said. “I went to Columbia [for film school] – and being in New York, I attended the festival as a student. I remember seeing Nia DaCosta’s film ‘Little Woods’ premiere there in 2018. She’s a really amazing filmmaker and I am really inspired by her. So, it was great to be at that same festival [with my film] years later.”
Oscar winner Jamie Foxx was among the film’s producers. “Ride or Die” was shot right here in St. Louis – which is something that brings joy to Smith, a graduate of MICDS and Washington University.
“Growing up and driving around St. Louis and greater St. Louis, I always thought that there were so many things about St. Louis that were really filmic and really beautiful,” Smith said. “It’s the part that you don’t see a lot in film. It was great to film here. And I am really grateful for the St. Louis community’s generosity as well.”
Next week Smith brings “Ride or Die” home as part of Cinema St. Louis’ St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase. Her film will screen at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 18th as an element of the showcase’s opening festivities for its 25th anniversary presentation.
“This showcase is all about lifting up local stories and the people who tell them,” said Cinema St. Louis Festival Curator Emmett Williams. “This year, we wanted to go beyond just finding great films – we wanted to reflect the community’s strength and creativity over the past 25 years, and show where we’re headed next.”
The 2025 festival theme is “SHOW ME,” and “Ride or Die” is one of 75 feature films written, directed, produced or edited by St. Louis natives or artists with strong local ties that will play the showcase.
“I’m excited that all of my family and friends who were unable to come to New York have an opportunity to see the film,” Smith said. “And I’m curious what people will think.”
Smith co-wrote “Ride or Die” along with Alicia Louzoun-Heisler. She directed the film, which stars Brianna Middleton and Stella Everett. Smith was also one of the film’s producers – a credit she shares with Foxx, Matthew Keene Smith and Datari Turner.
“Even though the film is a thriller, it does have a lot of personal elements to it,” Smith said. “I think it is a really good calling card for a first feature. It’s really just about two characters and how they fall in love.”
In “Ride or Die,” Paula (Briana Middleton) bumps into her high school crush Sloane (Stella Everett). They decide to take a road trip from St. Louis to California and things go left as quickly as the getaway begins.
Cue Bobby Caldwell’s R&B gem “What You Won’t Do For Love” as the pair endure unforeseen circumstances that peel back layers of trauma and hidden secrets.
“I hope going into that the audience understands that the film really serves the ethos of 90s queercore cinema at large,” Smith said. “That they get the grit, get the romance and get the shock of it all.”
Based on her desired audience feedback, the shock factor must be off the charts.
“Whoa, that was crazy,” Smith said. “That’s what I hope they will say.”
Josalynn Smith’s “Ride or Die” will open Cinema St. Louis’ 25th Anniversary presentation of the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 18 at The Hi Pointe (1005 McCausland). For tickets, additional information and a full schedule of related programming, visit www.cinemastlouis.org.
Living It content is produced with funding by the ARPA for the Arts grants program in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis and the Community Development Administration.
Great film. I saw it at Tribeca and its beautiful!