Imani Lewis & Laya DeLeon Hayes Set For Queer Coming-Of-Age Film ‘Pure’ From First-Time Feature Director Natalie Jasmine Harris

Actresses Imani Lewis and Laya DeLeon Hayes have been cast to star in the upcoming queer coming-of-age feature film 'Pure,' marking the directorial debut of Natalie Jasmine Harris. The project, which expands on Harris's award-winning short film of the same name, is set to explore the complexities of adolescence within a specific, underrepresented cultural context. The announcement was made this week as the film enters its development phase, aiming to bring a fresh narrative perspective to the screen. The film represents a significant expansion of Harris's original vision. Her short film 'Pure' garnered critical acclaim during its festival run, ultimately leading to its acquisition by HBO Max. This success has paved the way for the feature-length adaptation, allowing for a deeper exploration of the characters and themes introduced in the shorter format. Harris, who also wrote the screenplay, is poised to bring an authentic and nuanced voice to the project, drawing from her established work. 'Pure' is described as a coming-of-age story that delves into a world rarely depicted in mainstream cinema. While specific plot details are being kept under wraps, the film's focus on queer adolescence promises to contribute to the growing diversity of narratives within the genre. The casting of Lewis, known for her role in Netflix's 'First Kill,' and Hayes, recognized from CBS's 'The Equalizer,' brings together two rising talents, signaling the project's intention to reach a broad audience while maintaining its intimate, character-driven core. The production is currently in the early stages of development, with further casting and a production timeline expected to be announced in the coming months. The project highlights the industry's continued, though gradual, shift toward supporting original voices and stories from underrepresented communities, particularly those from emerging filmmakers like Harris.