John Wayne S. III has taken yet another great stride in Hollywood films with his recently released movie Ebony Hustle. John takes audiences on a thrilling ride as the film shows the life of an empowered lady who stands against injustices as she tries to fight her own weaknesses.
Ebony Hustle was shot for merely seven days amid the pandemic in Houston, Texas. The film stars some of the most promising actors and actresses of their time, including Michelle L. Lamb, Andrew Chandler, Jessica Mitchell, Kennetra Searcy, Ryan Elizabeth, Wayne Brezz, Sai Piña, Jenerro Wade, Joel Stevenson, Lynita Robinson, Heather Chambers, and more. Despite being produced for only a week and a budget of under $20K, John Wayne S. III ensured that the film did not compromise quality. Upon its release on December 1, 2021, the film immediately became a hit among fans who love crime, suspense, and thriller movies.
The film follows the life of a stripper turned private investigator named Ebony Howard, better known as Hustle. She has a strong sense of justice and a high level of curiosity which leads her to be involved in the most unusual circumstances. Faced with adversity, Hustle stands up for the disadvantaged and those who do not have the voice to speak for themselves.
Ebony Hustle solves crimes using her street knowledge and gets help from her friends from her strip club days. But one thing the protagonist can’t control is her weakness for young men. While their charm can sometimes throw her off her game, Ebony Hustle knows just how she can bounce back with wit and tenacity.
And of course, what’s a hero without a sidekick? The film also follows how Ebony Hustle received help from her friend Callie “Cal” Givens, who is an ex-marine in her 30s. Little does the protagonist know that Cal has feelings for her, but Cal knows Ebony Hustle doesn’t feel the same way. Still, Cal helps Ebony Hustle bring justice to those who need it most.
While Ebony Hustle mostly covers cases on fraud, the film follows her as she solves the mystery of locating a girl named Ny’Kia, who is believed to be held against her will by former rapper turned pastor Caleb Truth. Ny’Kia’s mother, Glenda Shaw, was the one who asked for help and shared that she hasn’t seen her daughter in over three months. While both Caleb and Ny’Kia are in town to promote a new gospel album, Ebony Hustle aims to take advantage of the situation and uncover the truth. As she tries to solve the case, the protagonist also comes across her ex-husband Wayne Thomas, and the meetup brings a whole new twist to the story altogether.
John Wayne S. III is known for seamlessly blending brands owned by people of color into his films. He has successfully highlighted products across Ebony Hustle, bringing more awareness to businesses owned by the Black community like K Hampton Luxury Italian Footwear, Bomade lemon-flavored vodka, Meme Bete Handmade Luxury Bags, Guidance Whiskey, Pro Blk Health Vitamins and Supplements, VOMA Publications, Rhythm Brewing Company, We the Hype Gaming Headphones ,and Stuff’d Wings.
The film is directed by Jamezz Hampton, an in-demand music video and commercial videographer from Chicago. Besides John Wayne, Ebony Hustle’s producing partners and writers consist of Kathy Sapp, Frank Ovelton and Cess Black. Ebony Hustle was produced by Londyn Town Pictures and distributed by Maverick Entertainment Group.
The film can be seen currently on TubiTV, Amazon, Vudu and Hoopla. Learn more about Ebony Hustle on its official website.
