Actor Miles Mussenden is launching a new career phase with “Homage,” his first feature film as a director and producer. The drama, set against the backdrop of the Caribbean, centers on a man running from his violent past while trying to maintain the tranquility he has established for himself.
“I wanted to portray something authentic,” he said. “I thought that was important to let our voices be heard and be front and center.”
In an interview with Caplin News, Mussenden said he wanted to highlight authentic Black and Caribbean stories on screen. After working as an actor for years on big-budget TV shows and films, he took advantage of the pandemic slowdown to begin writing his own material.
Mussenden also stars in “Homage,” balancing his performance with directing the film. He said the experience gave him a new appreciation for how every part of filmmaking—from actors’ performances to story development and technical production—must work together. He also faced new challenges, including overseeing financing, protecting investors’ funds and taking on responsibilities he had never handled before.
“Start scared. Start small. You might even start a little bit sloppy because you’re figuring it out, but start,” Mussenden said.
After appearing in productions including “Cloak & Dagger,” “Swagger,” “Tulsa King” and “The Walking Dead,” Mussenden was ready to showcase another side of himself through “Homage.” He said the film explores themes of family and second chances, using elements of a crime drama to tell a story with universal lessons.
Comedian Majah Hype co-stars in “Homage,” stepping away from his comedic persona to deliver a dramatic performance that Mussenden said felt natural. After a sold-out showing at the American Black Film Festival, the film is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Mussenden said a sequel to “Homage” could also be in the works.
