Redemption ( 2003 )

Redemption is the gripping story of a middle-class, African-American actor's struggle with Hollywood's temptations and his own integrity.

A college track star, handsome, popular Christian Rayne (Brian White) suffers a severely broken leg at the Olympic trials, abruptly ending his athletic dream. Raised by his well-known actress mother and self-made entertainment executive father, Christian's second love -- acting -- seems like a natural. Despite his parents' misgivings, Christian quits college determined to be an actor -- without leveraging his family name.

Christian's school buddy Melique (T.J. Storm) supports his friend's decision until the temptations of Hollywood, drugs and selling-out, transform Christian. Christian falls in love with Claire (Tracey Stone), a white, performance-artist with a mysterious past. Her violent 'special friend' Trent (Dwayne Chattman) challenges Christian physically and emotionally as his career ambitions fade into Hollywood frustrations fueled by substance abuse.

Christian's strained relationship with his father (Darrow Igus) deteriorates further when Christian becomes increasingly more agitated about his father's disappointing values and insincerity. With his ambitions crushed by failure, and his support system crumbling beneath him, Christian's frantic pleas for help are left echoing unheard -- leaving him a desperate young man in a city not known for compassion.