Jade

Chapter 7

The chill of the Utah air clung to Jade's skin as she was escorted out the black on black SUV, the vibrant energy of the Sundance Film Festival igniting a warmth inside her. Jade landed in Utah earlier that morning, and was nervous yet excited to be attending Sundance Film Festival for the first time.

Wrapped in a black tailored silk- wool coat from the Row that draped elegantly over her shoulders, she stepped out onto the bustling Main Street where snowflakes danced in the crisp wind. A subtle scent of pine and hot cocoa lingered in the air as she made her way through the crowd, weaving between aspiring filmmakers, journalists, and Hollywood insiders.

Cameras clicked as conversations from the red carpet buzzed around her. She felt a surge of excitement, a thrill coursing through her veins as the heels of her black DSquared F/W 2011 Skate Moss booties crunched against the frosty pavement.

This was her moment.

Bright banners for premieres flapped in the wind, and the neon marquee of the Egyptian Theatre glowed like a beacon, welcoming her into the world she'd long dreamed of. Inside, the venue was alive with anticipation. Low, ambient music played beneath the hum of chatter, and the warm glow of chandeliers reflected off the polished floors.

She took in the elegant crowd, a mix of seasoned actors, debut directors, and those who inspired to be in that space.

Reaching into her Himalayan Birkin 25, she pulled out her phone to briefly capture the moment although she knew she would never forget it.

Then she saw him. Across the room, framed by the glimmering light, stood a man who captured her attention with a magnetic pull. She recognized him as the director of one of her favorite movies: The Break.

The Break was the film that cemented Asanate's place in Hollywood—a powerful story of resilience, love, and self-discovery loosely inspired by his own life. Premiering three years ago at Sundance, it won the Grand Jury Prize and captivated audiences with its raw honesty. After a fierce bidding war, the film went on to gross over $150 million globally, becoming a cultural phenomenon and a beacon for young creatives.

The story follows Malik Grant, a young basketball prodigy from Oakland with NBA dreams. A career-ending knee injury sends him into a spiral of anger, doubt, and identity loss. Struggling to move forward, Malik takes a job producing content for a sports network, feeling like he's settling for a life he never wanted.

One of Jade's favorite actress ironically played a character named Jade in the movie, a bold and driven documentarian working on a film about the untold struggles of Black athletes. Malik initially resists her probing questions and determined nature, but Jade's passion sparks something within him. As their professional collaboration deepened, so did their personal connection.

When Jade gets the opportunity of a lifetime—a documentary deal that could take her away from Malik—their relationship is tested, forcing both of them to decide what they truly want: love, success, or a way to balance both.

The audience — including Jade, fell in love with 'The Break' for its layered narrative and emotional core. The love story between Malik and Jade drew comparisons to Creed for its authenticity and depth, with critics calling it "a modern classic in the making."

The title resonated with viewers as a dual metaphor: for Malik's physical injury, but also for the "break" he took from his dreams to find something greater—a rediscovery of himself through art and connection.

Jade unironically saw herself in Jade the character,  unafraid to chase her dreams, even when it meant taking risks. She was betting on herself all the way.

She also connected with Malik's journey, as someone who was still navigating setbacks and rejection in her own pursuit of acting. The film's message of resilience and the way it celebrated Black creatives deeply resonated with her. Not to mention she was a sucker for a good romance movie.