Category: Independent Films

Director: Kamal Smith
Writers: Jason “Jayskillz” Collins, Brian Freeman, and Jami Freeman
Starring Dejuan Ford, Clifton Powell, De’aundre Bonds, Mike Bonner, Cody Fox, And Ebony Tates
Run time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Genre: Gritty Crime, Drama
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English

When you have run the streets and then the streets run you

Director’s Kamal Smith’s new film  RETURN OF THE MACK: BACK FOR DA SMOKE tells the story of
John "Golden" Mickens III (DeJuan Ford), grandson of the original Mack from Oakland(Max Julien) who chooses the same lifestyle and follows in his footstep, and eventually goes to prison as he did,  only to return a find his own daughter, a victim of sex trafficking. Detective Avery Calhoun (Clifton Powell), T-Tony (De'aundre Bonds), Doug E. Fresh (Dookie Rain), Lefty (Mike Bonner), Jebediah Creed (Cody Fox), Kitty (Ebony Tates), Diamond (Cornisha 'Cookie' Smith)

The film puts a glaring spotlight on the issue of sex trafficking and the huge tole and price is places on its victims and society.

RETURN OF THE MACK: BACK FOR DA SMOKE provides the connection from the 1970s original The Mack in Oakland, CA, to today’s down and dirty life on the streets of Detroit. This shows how much things have changed and yet still stay the same.

RETURN OF THE MACK: BACK FOR DA SMOKE is a dynamic and gripping film that explores so many of the ills in world and gives a grime reminder of the importance of each of wanting to make a difference, not just when it affects you or a loved one, but any of our fellow human beings.

A great film that you should not miss.

Director Kamal Smith Director brings you along on this journey, helping you get a better understanding of how people get caught up in sex trafficking and prostitution.

The writers Chri Jason “Jayskillz” Collins, Brian Freeman, and Jami Freeman created dialogue and plots that were credible you can see scenes taking place in 2026.

Editor David Impiccatore Editing (choppy, flows from scene to scene)

The lighting and ambience set the stage for the drama and life altering events.

The film’s costume designs spoke volumes about the lifestyles of the film’s characters without having to say a word. Tied in perfectly with the storyline.

The selection of the streets of Detroit, MI, as the backdrop for filming was a smart choice, it brings authentic inner city living to the film. Nothing like the streets of Detroit.

After running things in the streets and reeking destruction on society, along with the women in his stable, Golden finds the tables turned on him and he finds himself having to fight against the same evils he committed when trying to help save his estranged daughter. Must see a film.

Release Date: April 17, 2026

Distributor: Quiver
Production Co: Grand Rising Productions
Producer: Executive Producers: Dejuan Ford, Brian Freeman, and Jami Freeman
Co-Executive Producers: Jerryck Cunningham, Sharon Thompson-Clayton and Edward Turner
Run time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Starring: Dejuan Ford, Clifton Powell, De’aundre Bonds, Mike Bonner, Cody Fox, And Ebony Tates
Director: Kamal Smith
Writers: Chri Jason “Jayskillz” Collins, Brian Freeman, and Jami Freeman
Editor: David Impiccator