Black Family Representation
A nuanced, hopeful portrayal of a Black family navigating hardship — countering harmful media stereotypes.
A Short Film · 2026
Used to Be
A story of Black family, resilience & healing.
Live Today
Nia is on Houston Life today
Monday, June 15 · 1:00 PM CST on KPRC 2 / KPRC 2+. Nia sits down to talk about Used to Be and her journey to becoming a filmmaker.
Just Released
Watch the Trailer
The official trailer for Used to Be is here. Press play.
Official Poster
Logline
Healing is possible — even in the hardest circumstances.
Jayla, a sixteen-year-old Black girl in Houston, must confront her father's abandonment when her family faces eviction — discovering that healing, forgiveness, and second chances are possible, even in the hardest of circumstances.
"Used to Be" is a nuanced, authentic portrait of a working-class Black family navigating real trauma — and finding a way through.
- Written, Produced & Starring
- Nia Calise Lewis
- Directed by
- Erran Booker
- Executive Producer
- Dr. Shana D. Lewis
- Presented by
- Off CNTR Productions
- Associate Producer
- Shadawn McCants & Candice Lewis
- Original Song
- Written & performed by Cydni PatinProduced by Steven AdamsLive music — Guitar: Ajani Lewis · Bass: Luke Wallace
Cast
- Nia Calise LewisJayla Johnson
- Linika JonesKeisha Johnson
- Gerald BrownDorian Johnson Sr.
- Konnor SheppardDorian “DJ” Johnson
- Sizwe LewisSean
- Gloria JohnsonNeighbor
- Chase BrooksYoung DJ
- Lailah HarrisYoung Jayla
The Voice Behind The Story
Nia Calise Lewis
A 17-year-old junior at Houston's High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA), Nia is a young Black storyteller writing the kind of stories she wanted to see — honest, tender, and unafraid. She wrote, produced, and stars in Used to Be, her first film — but certainly not her last.
Themes
The story stands on six pillars.
Mental Health & Recovery
Dorian's sobriety journey and therapy arc normalize help-seeking inside Black communities.
Financial Fragility & Housing
Eviction notices, empty refrigerators, utility shutoffs — the real consequences of wage gaps.
Single Mothers & Resilience
Keisha works two jobs and holds her family together — a story familiar to millions.
Youth Emotional Wellness
Jayla's breakthrough models emotional literacy for teens navigating family trauma.
Intergenerational Healing
A father's return and a family's forgiveness — second chances, and the breaking of cycles.
Red Carpet World Premiere
June 20, 2026
Houston, Texas · 7:30 PM
Venue
The Match
Address
3400 Main Street
Downtown Houston
Doors
7:30 PM
VIP early entrance · 7:00 PM
A red carpet affair · Red carpet attire requested
Tickets
Be in the room when the lights go down.
Tickets are on sale now. Secure your seat before they sell out.
Sold Out
VIP
$37.50
- Priority seating
- Early entrance · 7:00 PM
- Light reception with light bites
- Meet & greet with the cast
- Swag bag
- Red carpet access
Now on Sale
Tickets are live.
Get your seat before they're gone. Student, general, and VIP tiers available at The Match.
Buy Tickets on Match HoustonBecome a Sponsor
Your brand belongs in this story.
Used to Be heads from post-production into the festival circuit — ABFF, Sundance, Urbanworld, BlackStar, WorldFest. Sponsorship completes the film and carries your brand alongside it, in front of 200+ Houston guests on premiere night and audiences nationwide after.
Download Sponsor DeckPresenting
Title sponsor · billing on all materials
$5,000
Executive
Co-sponsor · logo on poster & end credits
$1,500
Community
Supporting sponsor · premiere recognition
$500
Patron
Program listing · 1 VIP admission
$250
Film Friend
Program listing · social thank-you
$100
Official Merch
Wear the story.
Limited edition Used to Be apparel and collectibles. Every purchase supports the film.
Preorders & merch will be delivered at the premiere.
Funded in Part by
