Kindred

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Janicza Bravo is a writer and director based in Los Angeles. She received her training in theatre at NYU. She's mounted plays in the states and abroad and her film work has screened at AFI, BAM, Carnegie Hall, SXSW, Sundance, and Tribeca. Her short film Gregory Go Boom won the Jury Prize for US Fiction at Sundance in 2014 and her feature film debut Lemon premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and Magnolia Pictures released in 2017. She recently directed the pilot for FX’s drama series Kindred, which will stream exclusively on Hulu. Her second feature, Zola, premiered in competition at Sundance and was distributed by A24 and Sony internationally. Zola led the 2022 Independent Spirit Awards nominations with 7 nominations including Best Feature. Variety named Janicza as one of "10 Directors to Watch" in 2020.

26-year-old "Dana James," portrayed by Mallori Johnson, is embarking on a new life in Los Angeles determined to realize her dream of becoming a television writer. Barely settled in her new home, Dana’s fresh start is upended as she finds herself being pulled violently back and forth in time to a nineteenth-century plantation with which she and her family are surprisingly and intimately linked.

Mallori Johnson grainy filtered headshot in collared blue denim top, looking up toward soft light shining down on face

"Kevin Franklin," portrayed by Micah Stock, is an LA waiter and musician who, despite struggles with his own personal demons, maintains his strong sense of humor and disarming wit. He is instantly drawn to Dana upon their first chance meeting. It’s an encounter that changes his life in unimaginable ways.

Micah Stock headshot of side profile, standing in front of house window at night with soft peach light shining on top of face

Owner and master of the tobacco farm that has been in his family for generations, "Tom," portrayed by Ryan Kwanten, is hardworking and ambitious but disappointed by his current lot in life. Weathered by heavy drinking and heartbreak, he’s capable of harsh cruelty and feared by both the slaves on his farm and the family in his home.

Ryan Kwanten headshot in plantation style brown suit with white neck tie scarf, with long yellow pipe hanging across chest

"Margaret," portrayed by Gayle Rankin, who’s marriage to Tom raised her social status, is still striving to establish herself among polite society. As she constantly battles the ghost of Tom’s first wife, he is frequently cold and dismissive of her. Margaret’s true source of joy is their only child, Rufus. She is a doting, overprotective mother and feels threatened by anyone who may divert his affections.

Gayle Rankin headshot in dark green velvet high neck dress, with hair up in bun with ringlets hanging down either side

"Luke," portrayed by Austin Smith, is an enslaved foreman on the Weylin plantation. Though his elevated position affords him a level of some authority, the single father of son Nigel, is not spared personal loss or Tom Weylin’s unpredictable intentions.

Austin Smith headshot in yellow checkered shirt, holding bundle of rope on right shoulder and looking over to the side 

"Rufus," portrayed by David Alexander Kaplan, is the only child of Tom and Margaret. Raised in a dysfunctional household by a father who shows frustration and disappointment towards his son, and an overbearing protective mother, he sometimes acts out with petulance and puckishness but deep down he’s isolated and lonely. Desperate for companionship, and at times life-saving help, he extends a long reach to find it.

David Alexander headshot in red blazer and red satin vest with white neck tie, looking up to the side in room with white wall

"Sarah," portrayed by Sophina Brown, is head of the plantation cookhouse and the last enslaved holdover from the previous owner, Tom Weylin’s father. Where she once held a place of privilege, she is now forbidden to set foot in the main house.&nbsp;Sarah puts family first and her maternal devotion to her daughter Carrie drives her decisions and actions.

Sophina Brown headshot in blue peasant top with yellow headband, with grass and trees in background with side of white shed

"Olivia," portrayed by Sheria Irving, is a free Black woman in the 19th century. She is a healer, fearless and sharp-minded with an air of confidence, purpose, defiance and mystery. She lives near the Weylin farm and is well known to all who live and serve there. Willing to take drastic measures to get what she wants and is key to Dana’s safety and survival in the past.

Sheria Irving headshot from lower angle in blue shawl, looking up to the side with trees and bright blue sky in background

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Janicza Bravo is a writer and director based in Los Angeles. She recently directed the pilot for FX’s drama series Kindred, which will stream exclusively on Hulu.

Janicza Bravo | Executive Producer | Kindred on FX

Janicza Bravo

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins

Joe Weisberg

Joel Fields