Assured by Grace, is a faith-based indie film, written by Nakia T. Hamilton and Johnmachiel James, which centered on a woman named by the name of Jadaya, portrayed by lead actress Jazmine Vanderpool. Jadaya has alopecia, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. While dealing with her condition, she’s also exploring life, society’s views on alopecia, childhood trauma, and her relationship with her friends, her love life, and ultimately with God.
Film Teaser
In a world where appearance speaks before words do, Jadaya is learning how to be seen without hiding. Love feels close, yet it’s never quite settled for her. Her boyfriend, Terrence, played by actor Joshua T. Shipman, says all the right things—but her heart hears something else.
There’s a lingering doubt. Not just about her relationship, but about herself and how the world perceives her, especially when hair, often seen as the defining part of beauty, shapes so much of that perception. It quietly leads her down another path in search of a love that feels real and secure. Caught between internal insecurities and louder expectations, Jadaya continues to show up… even when she feels unseen.
But what happens when love doesn’t reflect what you believe you deserve?
Jadaya (Jazmine Vanderpool) and Terrance (Joshua T. Shipman) in Assured by Grace; Courtesy of Assured by Grace/Facebook
Through the wisdom advise from her aunt, Jadaya digs into the tree roots of her life, realizing there’s something much deeper than the surface. And slowly… the question changes: What if beauty was never what she thought it was? She’s faced with a decision to navigate true love. During her journey of discovery, she must relearn beauty standards through the lens of God’s perspective, in order to redirect her life and recognize her true self-worth.
Take One with the Director in the Film’s Message
Hamilton, who’s also the film’s producer and director, shared that his intention is for viewers to understand the true meaning of God’s love. The Wilmington, North Carolina native emphasizes that beauty comes from within. Hamilton also revealed that the lead actress, Vanderpool, experiences alopecia in real life, adding authenticity to her role.
When working on films, Hamilton’s goal is to tell meaningful stories, and alopecia stood out to him. He connected with individuals affected by the condition to learn more about it and its effects, and he developed a strong bond with Vanderpool, noting that she is confident in real life. In contrast, he intentionally portrayed her character as someone lacking confidence to take viewers on a storytelling journey from insecurity and its roots to eventual self-acceptance. He also hopes that people take the condition seriously, expressing his desire for them to avoid thinking or saying, quote, “it’s just hair.”
“You have to choose to be beautiful and love yourself. It’s a decision. There [are] some women [with alopecia]…. People say rude things about them, [and] their confidence is off the roof because they chose to be that way,” he stated, describing that deeply rooted confidence despite negative criticism from others.
Writer, producer, and director Nakia T. Hamilton brings over 15 years of experience in film and commercial production to Assured by Grace; Courtesy of Nakia T. Hamilton
“Then there are people that’s the complete opposite. So you have to make a decision to be beautiful and [know] that you are beautiful and love yourself,” Hamilton shared with The Exclusive Press (EP).
The filmmaker also highlights the importance of representation for Hamilton, particularly for Black female leads, expressing his commitment to creating films that center on Black women in leading roles, whose experiences of being taken advantage of needs to be told.
***Note: The Exclusive Press’ exclusive talk interview with Nakia T. Hamilton about the film is coming soon on YouTube***
Supporting Cast and Production Team
In addition to Shipman, the film features a supporting cast that adds depth to Jadaya’s journey, including Jasmine Alaya, Breanna Wade, Nelson J. Davis, Ty Respus (also part of the production team), Fracaswell Hyman, and Charles Ozuna. Their performances contributed to the emotional and spiritual layers of the story, reflecting their characters’ influence on the main character’s life. The production team also includes Hamilton’s wife, Patrice Hamilton, as well as Malachi E. Hamilton, Nakiya Hamilton, and Terrell Flowers, according to IMDb.
Meet some of the supporting cast members of Assured by Grace, starring alongside the lead actress, Jazmine Vanderpool: L-R: Joshua T. Shipman, and Charles Ozuna; Courtesy of Assured by Grace
The Author’s Key Takeaways from the Film
- Unhealed childhood trauma can carry into adulthood and affect those trying to love you, leading to difficulties in forming healthy relationships and recognizing your self-worth.
- You must love yourself and distance yourself from people who don’t align with your values.
- Love reciprocates when you release those who do not truly love you.
- Beauty is not define by wordly standards – walk into your identity with boldness through God.
- When you lack confidence, you accept less than you deserve while expecting more.
- Hair is often considered a woman’s crown, and losing it can deeply impact self-image, especially when it’s a visible part of daily life.
- Alopecia should be taken seriously and not downplayed
“Assured by Grace is an inspiring film about love, identity, and the courage to see yourself differently,” Tracey Morrison, CEO, Founder, and Journalist of The Exclusive Press.
Hamilton hopes the audience leaves with the understanding that prioritizing God’s love leads to self-love, personal growth, and the pursuit of becoming the best version of oneself while walking in faith. He also wants viewers to understand that alopecia shouldn’t be taken lightly and for people whose struggling with self-love & acceptance while battling the condition to love themselves just how God loves you.
Assured by Grace, released on April 2nd, is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The film will also be available on Tubi on April 27th.
Be sure to visit www.ILoveMyVideo.com to learn more about Nakia Hamilton, current projects and to stay updated on future film projects.
