[By: tvacute.com] One movie has the guts to speak out loud and honestly in a world where pain is often hidden by silence. In the gripping coming-of-age drama RAISE YOUR HAND, set in the inner city in the 1990s, two teenage girls must deal with the constant pressures of being a teenager while also facing overwhelming social injustice. Gia, played by Jearnest Corchado (Sneakerheads, Little America), and her best friend Lila, played by Hanani Taylor (The Orville, Criminal Minds), are at the center of this sad story. Their story takes place in school hallways and city streets, neither of which are safe, stable, or fair.
As things get tougher at home and with the police, the girls have to make decisions that will change their lives and determine their future. However, what really makes RAISE YOUR HAND powerful is not the story it tells, but the truth it shows. The question lingers: Is RAISE YOUR HAND based on a true story?
THE REAL STORY BEHIND RAISE YOUR HAND
Yes, RAISE YOUR HAND is deeply rooted in true events—and even more than that, it is a personal testimony. Written and directed by Jessica Rae, the film is her debut feature and draws heavily from her own life and the lives of those closest to her. The idea for this movie didn’t come from just imagination; it’s a mix of real-life events, wrongs, and strength.
The moment that made Rae want to make the movie was powerful and unsettling. She saw her professor use the subject of rape as a jumping off point for a conversation during a class lecture. As a survivor herself, Rae was scared, but she eventually became stronger. She knew that the truth about herself and many other people should be told honestly, with respect, and with care. This personal reckoning became the script’s main idea and what it was performed as.
Police brutality, rape, family trauma, and unfair treatment of underserved communities are shown in the movie, but not as dramatic plot points. Instead, they are shown as real problems that Rae, her friends, and even members of the cast and crew had to deal with. These are more than just characters. These are made up of real people who fought to be heard and went through similar things.
Gia’s journey in the movie is a lot like Rae’s own teenage years. They both grew up in a community that didn’t pay much attention to or speak up for its young people. Lila’s character is also based on stories from Rae’s close friends and family. The story is about how teens and young women, especially, find strength in each other, in their art, and in their fight to stay alive and be seen.
Even the making of the movie turned into a place to tell the truth. In real life, Hanani Taylor, who plays Lila, had a connection to the part because her mother had been sexually assaulted by a police officer while she was in school. Hanani’s performance is shaped by these real-life events, which gives the character more authenticity and depth. It’s not just acting; it’s living the truth, passing it on, facing it, and changing it.
The ensemble cast does amazing work to support this story. This movie has a great cast that brings Rae’s vision to life. It stars Jess Nurse, Joel Steingold (How to Get Away with Murder), Gracie Marie Bradley, and Gregory Scott Cummins (Bosch). Each actor brings with them a piece of reality, a layer of truth, making every moment on screen resonate with meaning.
The script was written in early 2017, filming took place in June of that year and the next four years were spent battling technical and financial setbacks. At one point, all three hard drives containing the film’s footage were corrupted, resulting in the loss of four days’ worth of sound. That obstacle — though frustrating — ultimately led to a stronger, tighter final edit. The challenges were many: long nights, multiple jobs to cover costs, and personal tragedies within the crew. But no one gave up, a testament to how deeply everyone believed in the film’s message.
Jessica Rae also assembled a production team that reflects the themes of empowerment and diversity in the story. Women held key leadership positions, from the Director of Photography to the Composer. These weren’t just job titles—they were personal investments. Many worked for free or at a reduced rate, driven by a belief in the story and what it represents. Some crew members even worked multiple jobs just to support the film’s completion.
Production wasn’t without challenges: technical issues, financial hurdles, and personal tragedies all threatened to derail the film. At one point, four days of production sound were lost, forcing the team to ADR without a guide track. Still, no one gave up. The commitment to honoring these real stories kept the team moving forward.
The film has been celebrated at numerous film festivals including the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), Social Justice Now Film Festival, and the Studio City International Film & TV Festival, where it won Best Director, Best Actress, and the Social Justice Award. These accolades are a testament not only to the film’s craft, but to its courage.
RAISE YOUR HAND is more than a movie. It’s a message. A mirror. A memory. It speaks for the unheard, shines light on the forgotten, and proves that storytelling can be a form of survival. In the words of Gia, “No one will hear our stories unless we tell them.” Jessica Rae has told hers—and many others—with unflinching honesty and unwavering heart.
RAISE YOUR HAND will be available to watch on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, Google Play, YouTube Movies, and Cable/Satellite On Demand starting JUNE 3.
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