Chicago is known for a lot of things, and unfortunately, one of them is gang activity. In the new movie Moses The Black, director Yelena Popovic looks to provide a different look at the violence through a redemptive lens. Backed by executive producers like 50 Cent and featuring a heavy-hitting cast—including Omar Epps, Wiz Khalifa, and Quavo—the project bridges the gap between modern street culture and ancient spiritual history.
Synopsis: Moses The Black is the story of a gangster (Omar Epps) in modern-day Chicago. His journey is inspired by the incredible true story of the repentance of the 4th-century saint of the same name (played by Chukwudi Iwuji). The film explores themes of revenge and redemption, faith and family, and features a soundtrack executive-produced by includes collaborations with Quavo and Chicago’s own JMB Bobby Hill.
Following the film’s premiere, we sat down with Yelena Popovic, Executive Producer, Reginald Akeem Berry Sr., and members of the cast to discuss how they bridged the gap between ancient history and present-day Chicago.
Part I: The Visionary & The Authentic Chicago
Reggie The Reel Critic: Yelena, what was the primary spark that led you to tell this story in modern-day Chicago?
Yelena Popovic: “The inspiration was this incredible saint from the fourth century—a real person that lived in fourth-century Egypt—who was a notorious gang leader. He had this incredible transformation. I thought if I could bring him to the modern day, he could be a great role model for all of us.”
Reggie The Reel Critic: You’ve been praised by the cast for your commitment to the city’s true voice. How did you maintain that authenticity?
Yelena Popovic: “I made an effort to bring as many people from Chicago as possible for this film. I was once pressured to recruit people from different parts of the United States, but I shut down my email and phone because I wanted to use people who are from here. To me, the authenticity was very important.”
Reggie The Reel Critic: Vonzell, as a Chicago native, how did it feel to be part of a production that was so intentional about its roots?
Vonzell Scott: “It was surreal because I’m from the South Side of Chicago; normal people don’t get to do this every day. I’m so grateful and blessed to be doing this and to be working with these amazing people.”
KIKAY Eye (On the Director): “My director, Yelena, from Serbia… brought a real story. Not only did she incorporate Chicago actors, but she also incorporated truth into a Chicago story. She didn’t just try to come to Chicago and take, which is what every director comes here to do. She actually cared about the people. She spent time with the people, and she really heard what the people had to say.”
Part II: The Living Witness—The Life of Reginald Akeem Berry Sr.
Reggie The Reel Critic: Reginald, as the Executive Producer, talk about your character and what role you play.
Reginald Akeem Berry Sr.: “I was beside Yelena as we both penned the story. A great deal of it is about my life, and Omar Epps is playing a part that traces a lot of my life. I was there to be a critical consultant to make sure we kept everything real.”
Reggie The Reel Critic: Like Omar’s character in the film, you mentioned the “paradox” of growing up as a preacher’s kid while living in the streets. Can you speak to that and how that relates to your life?
Reginald Akeem Berry Sr.: “I myself am a preacher’s kid; I was raised in the Baptist storefront church. So I know about the paradox of having to make that choice to either become a part of your element or try to go to the higher spiritual aspect of it. It was one thing for my father to preach on Sundays behind the pulpit; I had to live in those streets Monday through Saturday.”
Reggie The Reel Critic: What is the hard truth you want the community to see in Malik’s journey?
Reginald Akeem Berry Sr.: “I made some choices in my life, but that drug lifestyle—it was only years into it until I found out there was really a ‘death style.’ There’s a great need for redemption in our community.”
Part III: The Thespian—Omar Epps as Malik
Reggie The Reel Critic: Reginald, how do you think Omar was able to bring the main character to life?
Reginald Akeem Berry Sr.: “Oh, the man’s a true thespian. He had to step out of his reality and step into mine—the urban thing—and the man came with it with an accent and the whole nine. I promise you his eyes were really disturbing.”
Reggie The Reel Critic: KIKAY, you had a face-off with Omar on set. Talk about working with one of the legends in the industry.
KIKAY Eye: “He’s a master, just from the way he carries himself before you even see him speak a word on set. Every time I saw him, he was completely locked into his character. Then stepping on that actual set with him, he gave me a few words of affirmation to confirm I was where I needed to be.”
Reggie The Reel Critic: Reginald, you mentioned he is a thespian, but how was it to actually consult with him to make sure you got what you got?
Reginald Akeem Berry Sr.: “I gotta give it to Omar. He did his homework. He adopted nuances that were basically me from my character. I would say the guy really did his homework and he came with it.”
Part IV: Music as the Canvas—Quavo and Wiz Khalifa
Reggie The Reel Critic: Vonzell, you got to work with some amazing people. How was that?
Vonzell Scott: “It was a great time. I got to work with some amazing people—Quavo, Omar Epps, and everybody. I can’t wait for everybody to see Moses The Black. It’s gonna be amazing.”
Reggie The Reel Critic: The music in this film to me is fire. Can you speak to that?
Vonzell Scott: “The music—we got the Taylor Gang label, and we got JMB Bobby Hill on some of the music in this film. It was strategically placed in this film because one of the guys is from Chicago, and the other, Wiz Khalifa, has an amazing soundtrack of songs. I think it flows great for the message of Moses The Black.”
KIKAY Eye: “I think so too. I feel like anytime you give Wiz Khalifa the reins on music, it’s gonna be what it’s supposed to be. Shout out to Bobby Hill, a Chicago native, who’s on a few different songs on the soundtrack as well.”
Part V: Redemption & The Equation
Reggie The Reel Critic: How would you describe the film and what it is all about?
Vonzell Scott: “This film is about redemption. You know, living a life of something you’re not proud of and redeeming yourself. It is about following a path of trying to change what you were believing in before into something different and living a new life.”
Reggie The Reel Critic: Yelena, for those who feel they are beyond saving, what does “Moses The Black” offer them?
Yelena Popovic: “I spoke to a lot of pastors. The one thing they said is that the hardest thing for people (in the game) is to believe they can be forgiven. They simply cannot believe that God will forgive them. But the good news is God does forgive, and not only forgives, but can make people like that great examples and inspiration for others.”
Reggie The Reel Critic: Christopher, you play the OG “Duck.” Why should people see this?
Christopher Eubanks: “I would tell them it is a world for everybody, and anybody can find themselves in this equation one way or the other. Reality is, we all dealt with gang violence or somebody tragically dying from our family; I think everything in there can touch you some way or another.”
Part VI: A Call to Awakening
Reggie The Reel Critic: What is your pitch for why people need to check this movie out?
JMB Bobby Hill: “You may see it as anger, but it’s really like the trials and the everyday things that people go through in life. Moses The Black is not gonna be a waste of your time. You’re gonna gain something from watching this movie. It’s better than entertainment; it’s next level.”
KIKAY Eye: “This is a spiritual film. It’s supposed to awaken you. The streets are just a bus to get to where you are supposed to be. A lot of our brothers get lost in the streets and don’t make it to their fullest potential. This film is a representation of that: Don’t get lost in the streets. Keep going, and when you get to the other side, you’ll find yourself.”
Reggie The Reel Critic: Yelena, what is your hope for the impact of this film?
Yelena Popovic: “The most important thing to me was to tell the truthful story, to give people courage, to give people hope, and to know there are second chances. There is no life meaningless in the eyes of God, and we can all find a way out and live a meaningful life of service.”
“Moses The Black” is now screening in AMC Theaters. It was released nationally on January 30, 2026.
