Charlotte Native Brings Independent Film "MOSAIC" to Ayrsley Cinemas

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Sept. 22, 2016 - PRLog -- In an industry where key decisions are often held by male influencers, it was Devyne Johnson, a Charlotte native and content creator who financed the project, hired key department heads and it was Devyne who directed the feature film, MOSAIC. The film will screen in Charlotte on October 8th and 9th at Ayrsley Grand Cinemas 14.

MOSAIC is the first feature film by Johnson who was born and raised in Charlotte and is a graduate of Vance High School. A film best described as "War Room" meets  "August: Osage County," MOSAIC, produced by Johnson's company Artefaekts Entertainment, is a familiar narrative about a family unaware of quiet destructive patterns that put them on a collision course to deal with these issues. The story's main character, Ruth Anderson, is an ambitious, divorced mother with misplaced priorities and shattered relationships with her immediate family. Hardly an uncommon concern for families, Johnson's storytelling will shed light on themes relatable to all while offering moments of key reflection that presents healing and hope for families yearning for healthy functionality at its core.

Another fellow Charlottean, Cameron Johnson whose art is on display in downtown Charlotte also has his artwork as a central feature in the film. Cameron and Johnson are childhood friends. He is a graduate of Northwest School of the Arts.

Johnson credits many for helping to nurture her love for the arts and entrepreneurship. One major influencer in her creative development was her high school drama teacher, Gregory E. Wade. "As a student at Vance, Mr. Wade lead a group of (us) young thespians in various theatrical performances and even coordinated opportunities for us to perform in his native Bermuda islands. He taught me what 'being' meant as it relates to embodying a character. Studying under Mr. Wade, I learned the difference between being a good actor and being a believable persona," she shares. "As an entrepreneur, the lessons my parents taught me such as discipline, goal setting, problem solving and effective planning are the backdrop to leading a diverse production team and successfully producing our films."

In 2009 before relocating to Atlanta, notable tv and radio personality, Tanya Rivens gave Devyne an opportunity to host a two-hour radio talk show, "Direct Connect with Devyne" on WGIV 1370 AM. The show focused on a range of community-related issues from depression and mental illness in senior citizens to millennial perspectives on graduating to unemployment.

Johnson, whose background is in Costume Design is credited for working on films and television shows such as Atlanta (FX), Stranger Things (Netflix), Halt & Catch Fire (AMC) and the Ride Along franchise. She has worked with notable producers and directors such as Donald Glover (Childish Gambino), Shawn Levy, Will Packer, Rob Hardy, Kevin Hart and Ice Cube (just to name a few).

In January 2016, Devyne and her production team were commissioned to create, produce and direct a short film, "What Kings are Made of" (http://www.artefaekts.com/wkamo)  for the TV series, "Live@9:30." (http://www.liveat930.com/pages/the-show). The show is nationally broadcast by NPR & PBS. Her 3-minute segment, "What Kings are Made of" is a hybrid of live action and animation, featured in Episode 4. What Kings Are Made Of is slated to air nationally this fall and will coincide with MOSAIC's release.

MOSAIC will kick off in Atlanta and will make stops in Charlotte, Raleigh, D.C., Nashville, Chicago and L.A. Mike Kitchen and The Sol Kitchen are intricately involved with MOSAIC's marketing and key promotions to welcome Johnson and her debut feature home to Charlotte and surrounding cities.

Tickets are available at http://www.MosaicMovie.com.