My name is Javan Cornelius. I'm a filmmaker, a small business owner, and someone who believes in bringing powerful stories to the screen, that inspire people, move people, and, most importantly, give them hope.
This journey has been incredible. When I began making FORCED, I made a decision to stay away from promoting the film on social media until we crossed the finish line. I wanted the focus to remain on the work itself, building something meaningful, one scene at a time. Today, we're almost there!
Like every independent film, we've faced challenges along the way, but I refuse to give up. That's why I'm asking for your help. Your support will help us complete this final chapter and bring FORCED to audiences the way it was meant to be experienced.
FORCED is a story about faith. It's about perseverance. It's about finding hope when life feels impossible.
Imagine a kind-hearted woman who simply chooses to help someone in need. One selfless act changes everything, turning her life upside down and forcing her to face unimaginable challenges. When everything she loves is tested, how does she find the strength to stand again?
That's the heart of FORCED.
We're so close to completing this journey. I can't wait to finally share this project with the world and sit in that theater with all of you, celebrating what we've accomplished together.
Your support isn't just helping us finish a movie. It's helping bring a message of faith, resilience, and hope to audiences who need it most. Thank you for believing in this vision and for helping us cross the finish line.
Watch This 2 Minute Video
Meet The Main Cast
Elijah Lamar – Actor Biography
Elijah Lamar is an award-winning American actor, producer, recording artist, and former battle rapper known professionally as "Young Smurf." Originally from Canton, Lamar has built an impressive career across television, film, and digital media, earning recognition for his versatility, authenticity, and commanding on-screen presence.
Lamar gained national attention through appearances in the hit Starz crime drama BMF, executive produced by Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson. His growing television résumé also includes roles in Step Up: High Water, The Dirty A, Route 187, and several nationally televised productions.
Destiny Payton - Actress Biography
Destiny Payton is a dynamic reality television personality, actress, entrepreneur, and producer best known for her breakout role on the hit OWN reality series Love & Marriage: Huntsville. Recognized for her authenticity, resilience, and commanding on-screen presence, Payton has become a familiar face in unscripted television while expanding her influence across entertainment, business, and digital media.
Ayla Demirci -Actress Biography
Ayla Demirci is a Nashville-based actress, filmmaker, writer, and producer known for her emotionally driven performances and commitment to authentic storytelling. With more than 30 screen credits spanning film, television, and music videos, Demirci has quickly established herself as one of Tennessee's emerging creative voices. Her work ranges across drama, thriller, and action genres, bringing depth, vulnerability, and strength to every role she portrays.
Kelsea Ghent – Actress Biography
Kelsea Ghent is an emerging actor whose work has focused on independent drama and short films. Beginning a screen career in 2018, Ghent has appeared in projects including the short drama His Best Friend (2018) and Tough Love Chapter 1: Insecurity (2020). Known for bringing authenticity and emotional depth to character-driven stories, Ghent has developed a growing presence in independent filmmaking and continues to pursue opportunities in film and television.
Meet The Executive Producers
Karlecia A. Swan is a producer, actress, entrepreneur, and storyteller whose work is driven by a passion for empowering people and bringing meaningful stories to life. Raised in Texas and educated in Alabama, Swan built a successful career in social work and community leadership before expanding into film, television, and media production.
As the founder of the 1st Lady Empowerment Foundation, Swan has dedicated years to mentoring young women, promoting self-esteem, and helping individuals discover their purpose. Her commitment to service and leadership naturally evolved into producing projects that inspire, educate, and entertain audiences.
Javan Cornelius is an award-winning content creator, director, producer, and cinematographer who built his career by mastering the art of storytelling through video. What began as creating content for businesses, speakers, ministries, and entrepreneurs evolved into a passion for crafting cinematic stories that entertain, inspire, and leave a lasting impact.
With a background spanning television, digital media, documentaries, branded content, and narrative filmmaking, Cornelius developed a reputation for turning simple ideas into compelling visual experiences. His ability to blend the speed and strategy of content creation with the emotion and depth of filmmaking has become his signature approach.
As the founder of Shoeshine Media Studios, Cornelius has produced hundreds of videos for organizations, conferences, ministries, and thought leaders while simultaneously building original film and television projects. His work is driven by a belief that every story matters and that powerful storytelling can change lives, strengthen communities, and inspire action.
Joneia P. Brown is an author turned producer dedicated to bringing powerful stories to life through strategic planning, creative leadership, and purposeful collaboration. With experience developing narrative films, media productions, and live-content projects, she specializes in guiding productions from concept to completion while maintaining a strong focus on storytelling, team management, and audience impact.
Incentives For Your Support
PRODUCER $10,000.00
With your extraordinary $10,000 investment, you will help bring FORCED across the finish line. Our remaining fundraising goal is just $12,000, and your support will allow us to immediately resume production and complete the film. As a thank you for your incredible partnership, you will receive:
A 3-hour premium content day with Shoeshine Studios to create unlimited promotional videos for your business, brand, ministry, or organization.
An Executive Producer credit on FORCED, including an IMDb credit.
Two VIP tickets to the official FORCED red carpet premiere.
A signed FORCED movie poster.
A personalized thank-you from Director Javan Cornelius in recognition of your belief in this project and your role in bringing this powerful story to audiences.
A private, secure Square payment link for your contribution, or you may make your check payable to Shoeshine Media Studios.
PARTNER $5,000.00
With your generous $5,000 investment, we will immediately return to production and take another major step toward completing FORCED. As a thank-you for your support, you'll receive:
A complimentary 1-hour premium content day with Shoeshine Studios to create unlimited promotional videos for your business, brand, ministry, or organization.
A signed FORCED movie poster.
Two VIP tickets reserved for the official FORCED red carpet premiere in Huntsville, Alabama.
Recognition as one of the valued supporters helping bring this powerful story to the screen.
A private, secure Square payment link for your contribution, or you may make your check payable to Shoeshine Media Studios.
SPONSOR $1,000.00
Your generous $1,000 sponsorship means more to us than words can express. Your support allows us to continue building momentum for the campaign and immediately begin planning our return to production for the final four days of filming needed to complete FORCED. As a thank-you for believing in this project, you will receive:
Two VIP tickets to the official FORCED red carpet premiere in Huntsville, Alabama.
A signed FORCED movie poster, delivered once the red carpet premiere is officially announced.
Every contribution brings us one step closer to sharing this inspiring story of faith, hope, and perseverance with audiences. Thank you for becoming part of the journey to bring FORCED to the big screen.
A private, secure Square payment link for your contribution, or you may make your check payable to Shoeshine Media Studios.