by Kris Harrell
Troy University could become an Alabama Hollywood.
“No Perfect Love” is an independent film made in Troy, written and directed by an alumna, starring former Troy students, and featuring original music written by former members of The Sound of the South. The premiere on Saturday afternoon celebrated the end of the alumni’s dedication to the four year project.
Lakisha Louissaint, a Troy graduate, is the director, writer and executive producer of the film. She began working on “No Perfect Love” during her time as a student, persevering through COVID-19 and financial struggles.
“One thing about me is when God gives me a dream, I'm going to follow through with it, no matter how bad it hurts,” Louissaint said.
The film features Troy alumnus Martavious Ginyard, and the lead actor is Dedrick Sean Kennedy, an actor also known as Sean Freeman. Freeman is a Troy graduate who also starred in the movie “Boxed In,” which can be found on Peacock, Netflix and Hulu. Louissaint’s film contains original music scores by graduate Ronel Escarment and former SOTS member Jesselyn Joy Dudinsky.
The film is a screen adaptation of Louissaint’s own novel, “A Broken Marriage with Hidden Secrets,” which was published in 2017 and soon to be retitled to match the film.
“No Perfect Love” is a story of family, faith, love and marriage. Throughout the film, Janelle (played by DeShon Green) and Joshua (played by Sean Freeman) navigate their relationship and the secrets they have kept from each other.
“Not bad secrets, but secrets that can still hurt to the core. And with those secrets that they come to the table with, it challenges their faith,” Louissaint said. “It puts them in a place of: will you work it out and work your own issues out? Or will you walk away and take your issues with you still buried down deep within?”
While working on the film, Louissaint worked continuously to raise funds for the film.
“There were days that I did not have the money to film, and I would max out a credit card,” Louissaint said. “I would stand up and do hair, take that money, put it towards the film. I would do a website, take that money and put it towards the film. I would publish someone's book, take that money, and put it towards the film.”
DeShon Green, a graduate of Kennesaw State University, made her film debut with the production of “No Perfect Love.”
“It really was a learning experience, and as an actor who came from theater, transitioning into film was different,” Green said. “There was lots of moments, lots of different emotions, I got to approach.”
The filming of “No Perfect Love” featured locations scattered around Troy, Alabama, as well as some locations in Conyers and Athens, Georgia.
Filming took place at the Troy Rec Center’s playground, Pike County League, private homes and along the Elba Highway. One scene even features the inside of Troy University’s Health Center and the Troy University School of Nursing.
Kevin Jordan, who played the role of Brian in the film, said he found it easy to get into his role during filming.
“He brought a lot of smart comments and laughter and sarcasm and made light of a lot of situations,” Jordan said. “And that's sort of a certain extent of who I am every day.”
For more information on the creative process behind the film, read “Labor of faith: ‘No Perfect Love’ indie film created by Troy alumni” on page 7 of The Trojan Living section.