Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/28/2015 -- Kenneth Rankins, up and coming film director, has finalized plans for the release of his groundbreaking cinema debut that was produced at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. Research and development for the project has been underway since the beginning of the year, and is near completion. Proposed launch date for the short film is scheduled for October 22, 2015.

A Heroic Story of Survival

I Am You, the theatrical tour de force of writer and director Kenneth Rankins, captures the story of Orlando, a young man in his 20's rejected by the Christian family that he knew and loved. Being African-American, gay, and HIV positive were apparently too much to reveal to his devout mother; and she pushed him out of the house instead of giving him the continued support that he so desperately needed at such a crucial time. Rankins tells the tale with exquisite detail, lending his unique perspective as he crafts the story for his audience.

A Gripping Tale with a Warning

Cautionary as it is, I Am You is an uplifting story of survival. Orlando must come to grips with forgiving his family, fending for himself, and befriending the only person who seems to care about him – Quincy, an alcoholic war veteran in his 40's. Life is far from perfect on Skid Row in Los Angeles, as Orlando discovers what the true meaning of family is when the chips are down.

Struggling with his own problems, he must learn to trust the least trustworthy bunch of people that society has put together at the bottom of the population pile. Quincy seems like the most solid solution, until a secret surrounding his guilt surfaces and threatens to tear apart Orlando's already tender heart. Moviegoers will be touched by this poignant piece of poetic filmmaking. A story of a changed life promises to be life-changing for the lucky few who preview this masterpiece on the big screen.

Select screenings have left critics raving about I Am You, which they claim is reminiscent of such film greats as Midnight Cowboy and Philadelphia. Everyone agrees that the movie's subtitle, "Judging a person does not define who they are, it define who you are.," is right on target. Rankins hopes that his movie hits home and that his message reaches the hearts of America.

For more information:
Kenneth Rankins
Celebrity Spotted Entertainment Group
(213) 926-4403
www.iamyoufilm.com