Stephan James is Just Out of Prison in Indie Film ‘Ricky’ Official Trailer

by Alex Billington
January 16, 2026
Source: YouTube

“You cannot let your past define who you are.” Blue Harbor Entertainment has unveiled the official trailer for an indie drama titled simply Ricky, releasing in March. This first premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival exactly one year ago. Despite winning the Best Director Award at Sundance, it’s having a tough time getting a proper theatrical release. Blue Harbor has a Kickstarer running as part of a Pay-It-Forward to get more people out to see it and enjoy it. Newly released after being locked up in his teens, 30-year-old Ricky navigates the challenging realities of life post-incarceration, and the complexity of gaining independence for the first time as an adult. Starring Stephan James as Ricky, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Titus Welliver, Maliq Johnson, Imani Lewis, & Simbi Kali. “This film resonates far beyond incarceration. Whether someone has lived that experience or simply recognizes their own struggle in Ricky’s journey, our goal is to spark real conversations about re-entry, resilience, and the human cost of starting over. At the same time, we want to shine a light on the state of independent filmmaking itself—an art form at risk in today’s industry.” Check it.

Here’s the first official US trailer (+ poster) for Rashad Frett’s film Ricky, direct from YouTube:

Newly released after being locked up in prison during his teens, 30-year-old Ricky (Stephan James) must navigate the challenging realities of life post-incarceration, and the complexity of gaining independence for the first time as an adult. Rooted in authenticity, humanity, and social realism, Ricky explores themes of redemption, masculinity, systemic inequality, and community. Ricky is directed by the American indie editor / cinematographer / filmmaker Rashad Frett, making his feature directorial debut after many other short films previously. The screenplay is written by Lin Que Ayoung and Rashad Frett. Produced by Pierre M. Coleman, Simon TaufiQue, Rashad Frett, Sterling Brim, DC Wade, Cary Joji Fukunaga, Josh Peters, Mark Steele. This initially premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival a year ago. Blue Harbor Ent. opens Frett’s Ricky film in select US theaters soon in March 2026. They’re running a Kickstarter now to help get funds as part of a Pay-It-Forward campaign to make sure people can see it. For more details visit their page.

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