This Saturday, September 27, Williamsburg will celebrate the premiere of “I’ll Find You,” a psychological thriller that marks the debut feature of local writer and producer Keesya Hill-Jones. The film, filmed entirely in Williamsburg, presents a gripping narrative that delves into themes of mental health, resilience, and the profound impact of life-altering moments.
The inspiration for the story emerged during the pandemic, as Hill-Jones reflected on pressing societal issues such as mental illness, homelessness, addiction, and abuse. “I thought people could really relate to it,” she expressed, emphasizing the importance of depicting real-life struggles. The film follows the journey of Eric Timberlake, a promising NBA star whose career is abruptly halted by a serious injury, leading to choices that affect not only his life but also the lives of those around him.”
Hill-Jones aims to illustrate the fragility of life, noting, “In a split second, your whole life can change.” This theme of interconnectedness is embodied in the title “I’ll Find You,” which represents the dual narratives interwoven throughout the film. “There are two stories actually playing at one time,” Hill-Jones explained, highlighting how they converge at the film’s conclusion.
The production showcased the collaborative spirit of the Williamsburg community, which played a pivotal role in bringing the project to fruition. Hill-Jones praised the city’s support, particularly acknowledging director Alan Delake’s guidance. “Williamsburg was very welcoming with me,” she stated, expressing her desire to continue making films in Virginia and leave a lasting impact on the local cultural landscape.
The actors in the film were given freedom to fully embrace their roles. Hill-Jones highlighted the commitment of one actor who interacted closely with individuals experiencing homelessness to deepen his understanding of his character. “I gave my cast flexibility to own their characters and bring something additional to the roles,” she said.
Premiere night in Williamsburg is particularly significant for Hill-Jones, who aims to provide a Hollywood-like experience for local audiences. “I wanted to give the people of Williamsburg the opportunity to experience what people in Hollywood or New York feel when attending a premiere,” she shared, emphasizing her commitment to her community.
Hill-Jones takes pride in her identity as an African American woman and is dedicated to creating content that resonates across diverse cultures. “I want to write content that can be viewed and related to by many different cultures and races,” she affirmed, confident that her film can connect with a broad audience.
Alongside her filmmaking endeavors, Hill-Jones is a business owner providing care for the elderly in Williamsburg. She views both roles as avenues to foster positivity in her community. “In anything I do, I try to give people the best of me,” she said, inspiring others to pursue their dreams regardless of circumstances.
Following its Williamsburg debut, “I’ll Find You” will continue its premiere tour in Washington, D.C., on October 11, and will also be featured at the Peachtree Village International Film Festival in Atlanta on October 18. This film represents not just a personal dream for Hill-Jones but also a celebration of community, resilience, and the power of storytelling in shaping our shared experiences.