The world premiere of the first episode of a new series focusing on the immigrant experience called “#Stressed” will air on BronxNet on June 19. Drawing on themes like the immigrant experience and body positivity, with an aspirational narrative, the series highlights the diversity and commonality of immigrant experiences, beauty standards, and desires for success and acceptance through the lens of director Kobina de Graft-Johnson and creator and screenwriter Jasmine Patrice White.

 

According to BronxNet, De Graft-Johnson and White are part of a cohort of ten BronxNet artists, supported by the artist economy development initiative, “Creatives Rebuild New York” (CRNY), and are currently in the process of further developing the series. Starring as Ashanti, a plus-sized beauty and a first-generation Ghanaian born to immigrant parents, navigating the waters between her parents’ idea of career success, and her own vision for her life, is actress Abena Mensah-Bonsu.

 

In the premiere episode, Ashanti attempts to build on her digital influencer persona by entering the world of beauty pageants. In the process, she fights stereotypes about body types, as a plus-sized beauty.

 

According to her bio, White is an established media executive and screenwriter focusing on projects that spark vital conversations about systemic issues. As a development executive at Lifetime TV, she shaped culturally shifting narratives for projects like “Surviving R. Kelly,” “Surviving Epstein,” and “Mahalia.”

Meanwhile, according to his bio, Ghanaian-born De Graft-Johnson is a visionary, creative leader who has built a catalog of 100 films that have shaped the narrative of Ghanaian culture. As founder, CEO, and director of photography at Anibok Studios, he leads the way in innovative filming and collaboration. De Graft-Johnson’s project “Barely Made” won the Best TV and Web Series award at the 2023 London Pan African Film Festival.

 

BronxNet is the independent nonprofit organization serving the people of The Bronx with media production training, access to technology, and television channels. BronxNet programs six channels – 2133, 2134, 2135, 2136, 2137 and 2138 on the Verizon Fios system and six channels – 67, 68, 69, 70, 951, and 952 – on the Optimum system in the Bronx. BronxNet’s ultra-local programming helps connect The Bronx with the world while our training programs and partnerships are a part of community development through media.

 

Of the new show, BronxNet executive director Michael Max Knobbe said, “BronxNet provides storytellers and media makers with the tools, technologies, and platforms to create and launch original new shows that connect us, like this dramatic series about the African immigrant experience in NYC, #Stressed.” He added, “We congratulate local artists Kobina and Jasmine on the completion of their pilot episode of #Stressed and extend our thanks to Creatives Rebuild New York for making it possible.”

CRNY is a three-year, $125 million investment in the financial stability of New York State artists and the organizations that employ them. CRNY provides guaranteed income and employment opportunities for 2,700 artists whose primary residence is in New York State. It works to alleviate unemployment for artists, continues the creative work of artists in partnership with organizations and their communities, and enables artists to continue working and living in New York State under less financial strain.

 

The broadcast premiere of #Stressed will take place on Juneteenth, Wednesday, June 19, at 9.30pm on BronxNet channels 67 Optimum/2133 Fios, and at www.bronxnet.tv. For more information on BronxNet, visit: www.bronxnet.org.