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Kemba

Play trailer Poster for Kemba 2024 1h 58m Biography Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 1 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Based on the true story of Kemba Smith, Kemba follows the journey of a sheltered college student who falls in love with a man, only to find out he isn't who he seems. When Kemba learns of her boyfriend Khalif's true identity as a drug kingpin, he turns abusive--grooming straight-laced Kemba to overlook his illicit dealings. Though she never dealt or handled drugs, in a tragic turn of events, Kemba receives an outrageous sentence for her boyfriend's crimes--placing her in the middle of the government's "war on drugs." Never losing hope, her parents along with an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund launch a campaign for appeal and later clemency, harnessing the power of Black civic organizations, sororities, celebrities, and lawmakers to help free Kemba.
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Kemba

Critics Reviews

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Josh Bell Crooked Marquee Feb 21, 2024
C
What should be a grand inspirational story is instead sparse and stilted. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jacob M @RT19084695 Oct 9, 2025 I really enjoyed the film, and I particularly appreciated the second half. I am also so glad that Kemba and Michelle were freed. The acting felt authentic and the story line was powerful, even if resources may have been limited. I think that this is a good feature film in general for someone looking to be inspired or even just unwind, and a must-watch film for anyone who is interested in law, advocacy, or public service. See more Read all reviews
Kemba

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Cast & Crew

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Kelley Kali

Director

Nesta Cooper

Kemba Smith

Michelle Hurd

Odessa Smith

Sean Patrick Thomas

Gus Smith

Cameron Dye

President Clinton

Kelsey Scott

Michelle
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Kemba

Kemba (2024) Kemba (2024) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Based on the true story of Kemba Smith, Kemba follows the journey of a sheltered college student who falls in love with a man, only to find out he isn't who he seems. When Kemba learns of her boyfriend Khalif's true identity as a drug kingpin, he turns abusive--grooming straight-laced Kemba to overlook his illicit dealings. Though she never dealt or handled drugs, in a tragic turn of events, Kemba receives an outrageous sentence for her boyfriend's crimes--placing her in the middle of the government's "war on drugs." Never losing hope, her parents along with an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund launch a campaign for appeal and later clemency, harnessing the power of Black civic organizations, sororities, celebrities, and lawmakers to help free Kemba.
Director
Kelley Kali
Producer
Lana Link, Stacey Parks, Rob Pfaltzgraff
Screenwriter
Christine Swanson
Distributor
BET Original Films
Production Co
MPI Original Films, BET+
Genre
Biography, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 15, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Feb 22, 2024
Runtime
1h 58m
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