"Cycles" moves into Post-Production
“Cycles” Enters Post-Production, Marking a Milestone in Eskandarkhah and Kelly’s Collaborative Journey
The upcoming drama “Cycles,” written by Andre Kelly and directed by Alex Eskandarkhah, has officially moved into post-production, signalling a significant milestone for the film and its creative team. Starring Andre Kelly, Kat Khan, and Sam Asante, the film delves into intertwining themes of grief, escapism and social issues through a cathartic dialogue between two strangers. This marks the first film collaboration between Eskandarkhah and Kelly, who have worked together for over five years on The Gifted Gab, and now bring their combined talents to the big screen.
“Cycles” offers a raw, unflinching look at the consequences of unresolved trauma and how it manifests into our mundane day to day. According to Eskandarkhah, the film is a “meditation on sex” from two conflicting perspectives, exploring the intersections of unresolved trauma, grief, and survival in a way that is both stimulating and culturally relevant. “When I first read the screenplay, I knew that this topic was universal enough to spark conversation, yet taboo enough to make audiences uncomfortable,” Eskandarkhah said. “It’s a story that is honest, raw, and compelling—elements that made it a joy to direct.”
The film’s narrative centers around Jerome, a troubled recluse portrayed by Andre Kelly, who confronts his inner demons after the death of his best friend. Forced to finish his laundry at a nearby laundromat, he meets a young woman, played by Kat Khan, who is grappling with her own painful past. Their encounter evolves into a cathartic exchange that challenges both characters to face their realities, blurring the lines between fantasy and truth. The laundromat setting serves as a metaphor for cleansing past traumas, a theme that resonates deeply throughout the film.
“Cycles” is produced by Lionnel L. Mends (The Other Stuff, Uptown Saturday) in collaboration with House of Grechen and Gamble Ave Filmworks on a modest budget, showcasing the potential of independent filmmaking to tell powerful stories outside conventional studio systems. The film’s art-house style, combined with its exploration of deep, universal themes, sets it apart in today’s cinematic landscape.
This collaboration between Eskandarkhah and Kelly marks the beginning of a new creative journey, one that promises to push boundaries and spark conversations. Cycles will mark Andre Kelly’s debut as a lead, and will be the first project from Eskandarkhah since 2023’s DGC nominated documentary “Coaching While Black”.