CHEST CANDY

CHEST CANDY
Psychological Drama | 17 mins | 2025
Haunted by trauma, a Black army vet and father spirals into a psychological collapse, forcing the women closest to him to confront their shared grief and fractured bonds before it destroys their family.
Starring:
Robert X. Golphin (The Great Debaters, How To Tie A Tie)
Lauren Michelle Morgan (Freshman Friday, Essential)
Arianna Pratt (Look At The Flowers, I Am Cypress Knees | Visit New Orleans)
Antoinette Greene (HBO's We Own This City, Tyler Perry's Ruthless)
Joey Collins (There Is A Monster)
Original Score by:
Brian McKnight Jr.
Written, Executive Produced, & Directed by:
Robert X. Golphin
Chest Candy | Short Narrative
(Teaser-Trailer)

ROBERT X. GOLPHIN
(Jace A. Collier)
Multi-award-winning Robert X. Golphin is lauded for his powerful performances in film and television, with a career dedicated to roles that provoke, inspire, and empower. He is best known for his portrayal of Dunbar Reed in the Golden Globe-nominated film The Great Debaters, alongside Denzel Washington.
Robert’s screen credits include HBO’s The Wire, the miniseries John Adams, and the gritty crime series Underground Kings. His versatility as an actor is further showcased in the Oscar-qualifying short film How To Tie A Tie (2022), which won Best Short Film at the Peachtree Village International Film Festival.
In 2025, Robert stars in the psychodrama Chest Candy, exploring mental health within military families, and portrays a Moroccan gang member in American Zealot, a biopic about Philadelphia civil rights leader Cecil B. Moore, currently in post-production.
With a career focused on portraying impactful characters, Robert continues to captivate audiences with his depth and authenticity.

LAUREN MICHELLE MORGAN
(Aniyah Collier)
Multi-award-winning Lauren Michelle Morgan is known for her magnetic performances in emotionally charged dramas and compelling stage productions. She made her feature film debut in Freshman Friday, an HBCU-themed comedy that also marked her first collaboration with director Robert X. Golphin. Their creative partnership has since evolved into a dynamic on-screen pairing, with two upcoming dramas, including 2025’s Chest Candy, where they reunite as leads.
Lauren’s versatility is evident in Voice of Majesty, an award-winning docuseries about the life and legacy of American contralto Marian Anderson, in which she portrayed a mother-to-be. In a remarkable instance of life imitating art, she gave birth just days after filming wrapped.
Born into a family deeply immersed in the arts—ranging from African dance to vocal performance—Lauren is also a skilled Alto/Tenor performer.
Her stage presence is equally commanding, with a leading role in The New Freedom Theatre’s acclaimed production of Black Nativity, followed by a moving performance in Mother Emmanuel. While she gravitates toward emotionally intense roles, her natural wit and off-screen humor suggest that a comedic turn may be just around the corner.

ARIANNA PRATT
(Nika Collier)
Arianna Pratt is a young talent quickly making a name for herself, showcasing her dramatic depth in Chest Candy as the family's young daughter.
Coming from a military family, she brings a unique perspective and authenticity to the role.
Arianna's growing resume includes being a photo double for Amara, the daughter of Michael B. Jordan, in Creed III, as well as starring in the short film Look At The Flowers: Mother’s Day from Passion City Church. She has also appeared as background talent in Ava DuVernay’s Origin and the The Color Purple reboot.
In addition to film, Arianna has starred in commercials for Children's Hospital New Orleans and NOLA Tourism. She is also an accomplished print and broadcast model, proving her versatility across media.
With each new project, Arianna continues to showcase her talent, and Chest Candy marks an exciting step forward in her career.
In Frame

ANTOINETTE GREENE
(Mrs. 'Mom' Collier)
Among her diverse body of work, award-winning Antoinette Greene had a recurring role in the acclaimed HBO miniseries We Own This City, where she brought heart and substance to her portrayal of Mayor Catherine Pugh, a real-life figure.
Other credits include the Tyler Perry series Ruthless.
Originally from New York and now based in Maryland, Antoinette’s journey to acting was an unconventional one. Initially drawn to fashion, she studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology before transitioning to television production at WNEW-Metromedia (now FOX) and WTTG-TV. Inspired by a colleague, she followed her passion for acting, training at HB Studio and beginning her career in the performing arts.
A proud member of SAG-AFTRA, Antoinette continues to build a diverse career in film and television. Off-screen, she is known for her humility and graciousness, always bringing a collaborative and thoughtful spirit to every project she works on.
Now retired from her tenure at FOX, Antoinette continues to audition and act, frequently traveling between New York City and Atlanta to pursue new and exciting opportunities.
For more information, visit https://www.antoinettegreene.com/

JOEY COLLINS
(Sgt. Triot)
Joey Collins is a seasoned actor with a wealth of stage and screen experience, bringing depth and intensity to his role in Chest Candy.
A distinguished stage performer, Joey toured the country in 2022 and 2023 as the infamous Bob Ewell in Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, opposite Richard Thomas and directed by Bartlett Sher.
His Broadway credits include The Lonesome West, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and The Glass Menagerie alongside Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, and Christian Slater.
Off-Broadway, he has appeared in productions such as Vieux Carré (directed by Austin Pendleton), Bug by Tracy Letts, and spent nine seasons with the avant-garde Irondale Ensemble Project.
On screen, Joey has made multiple appearances in Law & Order and earned critical acclaim for his role in the 2024 thriller/horror There Is a Monster, released by Gravitas Ventures.
He also lends his voice to various projects as a voice-over artist and is a dedicated acting coach, helping others refine their craft.
Joey splits his time between Arlington, VA, and New York City, continuing to build an impressive career across stage and screen.
For more information, visit www.joeycollins.net.
Off Frame

ROBERT X. GOLPHIN
Writer | Executive Producer | Director
Robert X. Golphin is a multi award-winning director and screenwriter whose work explores a wide range of social issues, including AIDS, addiction, body image, women’s rights, sexual assault, and mental health.
His notable projects include the LGBT drama Punch Me (2011), the drama Essential (2020), which explores the intersection of the pandemic and social unrest, the poignant drama I Am Man (2012), which centers on a male rape survivor, and the HBCU-themed comedy Freshman Friday (2020).
Robert's projects have earned nominations and awards at national and international film festivals.
He has directed and/or produced feature films, short films, TV pilots, PSAs, commercials, new media, and stage productions.
Robert's screenwriting has been recognized by WeScreenplay, ABC Talent Development, and the Set in Philadelphia Screenplay Competition.

GAIL Y. BENNETT
Producer | Publicist
Gail Y. Bennett is an award-winning film producer and publicist with a portfolio spanning over 18 short films, new media projects, and a feature film.
With a robust background in nonprofit and for-profit public relations and marketing, Gail has received accolades for her work in social care. Her extensive experience in the arts and culture sector includes production and marketing roles in independent films, consulting for production companies, and contributing to all areas of film festival production. She has also worked in marketing music festivals and managing talent.
Gail’s deep understanding of dance culture comes from her time marketing for an internationally touring dance company and school. Passionate about increasing audiences for all forms of art, she develops creative strategies for greater outreach and engagement.
Additionally, Gail has partnered with music organizations to preserve and promote various genres and has served on the board of a historic theater company, demonstrating her enduring commitment to the arts.

BRIAN McKNIGHT JR.
Musical Composer
Brian McKnight Jr. is a true musical renaissance man—musician, singer/songwriter, producer, and engineer—whose artistry transcends boundaries. As the son of R&B icon Brian McKnight and House music icon Julie McKnight, he comes from a legacy of extraordinary musical talent. He has spent his life performing, creating, and perfecting his craft.
With an extensive international performance career that has taken him across the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa, Brian has honed his skills as a consummate professional performer and entertainer.
His work has been featured in high-profile projects such as BET’s Twenties, Power Book IV: Force, Power Book II: Ghost, and more.
An accomplished actor as well, Brian made his screen debut in the feature film Note to Self, starring alongside Christian Keyes and Mishon. His sophomore acting role came in Golphin's Freshman Friday.
Brian also starred in the stage productions Love Actually Live (2021 & 2023) and Tarantino Pulp Rock (2025) at Cinevita in California, further demonstrating his versatility as a performer.

DAVID LUNA
Cinematographer | 1st Assistant Director
Bio Forthcoming

KENNY ANDERSON
Consultant | Certified Mental Health Counselor
Kenny Anderson is a nationally certified counselor with over forty years of experience in the mental health profession. He is a graduate of Oakwood University (B.A., Psychology) and Alabama A&M University (M.S., Clinical Psychology. In 2013, Kenny was appointed Multicultural Affairs Officer for the City of Huntsville by Mayor Battle after spending 16 years at Calhoun Community College, most recently as Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences. The office transitioned to the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in August 2021.
Since 1990, Kenny has been the host/producer of a live, weekly radio talk show called "2nd Chance" every Sunday on Oakwood University's radio station. He has established three endowed academic scholarships, the Jack & Annie Anderson 2nd Chance Endowed Scholarship (2013) at Calhoun Community College, the “212 Community Service Scholarship (2015) at Oakwood University and the “Mother Earnestine Fletcher Tibbs Memorial Scholarship” (2023) at Alabama A&M University. In 2018, Kenny launched Leadership Empowerment Enterprise, a 501©(3) focused on personal development seminars, mentor training and philanthropy. I
Kenneth is a community bridge builder committed to the work of creating alliances across multiple dimensions. He has written as a community columnist for the Huntsville Times and received numerous awards for over three decades of community service. He has professional affiliations with the National Board of Certified Counselors, 100 Black Men- Greater Huntsville Chapter, and American Psychological Association. He currently serves on the boards of Partnership for a Drug Free Community and Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley.

S. DENICE NEWTON
Consultant | U.S. Army Veteran
S. Denice Newton is a medically retired Army veteran, published author, and former radio host.
She remains active in issues affecting women's rights, civil rights, education, and youth.
1st Assistant Camera: TANIA ROMERO
2nd Assistant Director: NOEL B. DOHERTY
Production Assistant: ELIZABETH JOLI BOJDAK
Consultants:
DEIDRA 'DEE' HUBAY, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
LATOYA PRATT, Retired Military
ROBERT JONES II, Retired Military