Jenevesque Media Hosts Red Carpet Premiere of The Atelier Movie in NYC

and you won't believe who all came through!

By Nakara Johnson

(Left to right) Darion Cotton, Laila Hoff, Godard Aristil, David A. Perez, Anya Dillard, Kwaku Agyemang, Justis Pitt Goodson, Elijah Pitt Goodson, and Taha Shimou speak on cast and crew panel after the screening of Atelier: The Story of Brownmill Company on June 3, 2026 | Photographed by Zion Laster

On Wednesday night, the red carpet rolled out for guests attending the world premiere of Atelier: The Story of Brownmill Company. Hosted at the world-famous Regal Cinema in Times Square, the event brought together innovators across the fashion and film industry for a first look at the highly anticipated film.

(Left to right) Jess Martinez, Daren Brotherton, Joshua Murphy, Bethann Hardison, and Taha Shimou attend the premiere of Atelier: The Story of Brownmill Company in Times Square on June 3, 2026 | Photographed by Zion Laster

Reflecting the “dress to impress” theme of the night, guests arrived dressed to the nines in patterns, suits, and dresses of all kinds, which added a unique vibrance to the room. Bethann Hardison (Fashion Trailblazer and voting boar member for Gucci Changemakers' Creative Fellowship), Nikon Kwantu (Producer of the Oscar-nominated documentary The Perfect Neighbor), Christina Brown (Socio-political Commentator known as @missxtinab), and Jess Martinez (Guinness World Record Holder for World’s Largest Afro) were among the many guests in attendance. 

At the top-floor atrium of the theater, VIPs were given a chance to immerse themselves in the world of Brownmill by stepping into a corner of the flagship store, handcrafted by editorial photographer Ben Jethro Pierre, and getting their photos taken.

Tehsuan Glover gets interviewed by Ashley Rose Nicholas at the premiere of Atelier: The Story of Brownmill Company in Times Square on June 3, 2026 | Photographed by Zion Laster

Downstairs, on the main floor, guests walked the red carpet and posed against a brick wall backdrop featuring the film's title. The brick motif serves as a call back to Brownmill's roots in Newark, NJ, and a celebration of the city’s “Brick City” alias.

Prior to entering the theater, guests enjoyed gourmet sweets and concessions from Jenevesque Media's key sponsor Brooklyn State Fair, as well as Iced Teas provided by Saint James Iced Tea. Odele Beauty was also a VIP gift sponsors of the premiere, providing product samples and travel sizes to be included in guests curated gift bags.

The air was filled with high electricity, with everyone involved in the film feeding off of each

other's energy throughout the night. Guests were ecstatic to share in the experience and to see the film brought to life.

Madison Star Brim and Elijah Pitt Goodson arrive to the premiere of Atelier: The Story of Brownmill Company in Times Square on June 3, 2026 | Photographed by Zion Laster

Jenevesque Media also debuted sneak peeks from their other incoming projects, including Culture Shock, My Brother’s Chain of Command, and Where Burdens Bloom, before diving into the film. Director Anya Dillard and Post-production Supervisor David A. Perez emphasized throughout that the feedback shared by audiences a this premiere will have a massive impact on the version of the film that they show during the upcoming festival season. 

Atelier is expected to make its festival debut on July 22nd as a part of The Newark Black Film Festival.

(Left to right) Bethann Hardisonn, Daren Brotherton, Joshua Murphy, Zahri Josita Jackson, Khalil Louigene, and Enid Dillard sit front row representing Gucci at the premiere of Atelier: The Story of Brownmill Company in Times Square on June 3, 2026 | Photographed by Zion Laster

At 9:00 pm, the film concluded and was met by a thunderous round of applause. A panel discussion followed shortly after, moderated by Agnes Boateng (founder and former president of the National Association of Black Journalists, Rutgers-Newark Chapter), and featuring members of the Atelier movie cast and production crew.

During this panel, the team shared their process and reflections about the film’s journey and impact. The discussion brought both smiles and tears to everyone who was involved. Audience members were also allowed to contribute their thoughts during a riveting Q&A, sparking intimate conversations between the filmmakers and attendees.

Anya Dillard relaying final departure address after post-screening panel at the premiere of Atelier: The Story of Brownmill Company in Times Square on June 3, 2026 | Photographed by Zion Laster

As the discussion came to a close, Brownmill Company co-founder and creative visionary on the team, Taha Shimou, reflected on one of the biggest lessons that he has learned on this journey with the brand: You can’t always be perfect.

“When [you] embraced the imperfections, that's when beauty comes out the most, "

Shimou said. A sentiment that the film's entire cast and crew seemed to cosign. 

His words echo the film's messages about growth, resilience, and the importance of trusting

the process while creating something truly impactful. Audience members left feeling inspired and buzzing with anticipation about what Jenevesque Media will do next.