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.
As Seen On
Nia on Houston Life
Nia sat down with KPRC 2's Houston Life to talk about Used to Beand her journey to becoming a filmmaker. Watch the full segment.
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
The Match · Houston, Texas
A packed house, a red carpet, and a room full of family, friends, and first audiences. Thank you, Houston — the world premiere of Used to Be is officially in the books.
Venue
The Match
City
Downtown Houston
Texas
Status
Sold Out
June 20, 2026
Premiere photos coming soon.
What's Next
Next stop: the festival circuit.
Used to Be is submitting to festivals across 2026 & 2027 — bringing this story to audiences far beyond Houston.
2026 / 2027
ABFF
American Black Film Festival
2027
Sundance
Park City, UT
2026
Urbanworld
New York, NY
2026
BlackStar
Philadelphia, PA
2027
WorldFest
Houston, TX
2026 – 2027
+ More
Submissions ongoing
Want your brand to travel with the film? See the sponsor tiers below.
Become a Sponsor
Your brand belongs in this story.
The Houston premiere is behind us — and Used to Be is now heading into the 2026 & 2027 festival circuit: ABFF, Sundance, Urbanworld, BlackStar, WorldFest, and beyond. Sponsorship carries your brand alongside the film as it reaches new audiences nationwide.
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.
Orders ship after checkout. Every purchase supports the film's festival run.
Funded in Part by
