The Breakfast Club INTERVIEW: Omar Epps, Yelena Popovic & Reginald Akkeem Berry Sr. Discuss Authentic Storytelling Behind New Film 'Moses The Black’ + More
Feb 2, 2026
Omar Epps, actor turned producer exploring redemption; Yelena Popovic, writer-director who reimagined a saint’s story in modern Chicago; Reginald Akkeem Berry Sr., former gang member turned community leader. They discuss adapting Saint Moses into a gritty Chicago crime drama, grounding the film in real street experience, balancing spiritual themes with urban realism, and the film’s community and distribution challenges.
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Saint's Arc Informs Modern Redemption
- St. Moses's arc from violent leader to joyful martyr inspired a modern redemption story set in Chicago.
- Yelena says the saint's courage and humility made the spiritual transformation cinematic and universal.
From Skepticism To Partnership
- Yelena traveled to Chicago and met Reginald Akkeem Berry Sr. to ensure authenticity.
- Berry pivoted from skepticism at their first lunch to partnering after Yelena promised to honor community realities.
Center Story Through One Character
- Focus the modern film through the protagonist's eyes to make spiritual themes relatable.
- Yelena intentionally emphasized the main character's repentance so audiences can identify and change.