About
Director Ime Etuk
Ime N. Etuk (pronounced "E-May") is a Nigerian-American Producer and Director who grew up in Portland, Oregon. Before joining the Director’s Guild of America, Ime worked on the ABCNEWS shows, World News Tonight and 20/20. He has directed and produced music videos, commercials, and films. His first feature "Hurricane In the Rose Garden" (2008) screened at the Pan African and Slamdance Film Festivals before being picked up for distribution. Ime has worked under some of the most prolific directors in Hollywood, including Paul Haggis “Crash”, The Coen Brothers “The Man Who Wasn’t There”, Antoine Fuqua “Training Day”, and David Lynch “Twin Peaks”.
About
Cast
Bringing together experienced actors like Jahi Di'Allo Winston (Queen & Slim, Everything Sucks, Government Cheese), Cycerli Ash (Cellar Door, Pretty Little Liars) and Kendrick Cross (Stranger Things, Queen Sugar) with fresh talent like lead actor Karter Halliday — plucked from the very neighborhood where this true story took place — Outdoor School exudes authenticity. Halliday makes his screen debut alongside a supporting cast rich with subtle comedy - Eric Edelstein (Jurassic world), George Griffith (Twin Peaks), and Josh Fadem (Better Call Saul) — who juxtapose irony with the story’s inherent grit.
About
Production
In partnership with his Non Profit, Lion Speaks, Ime Etuk, used the production of Outdoor School (his debut feature film as both writer and director) to provided dozens of paid training opportunities to POC - helping several people gain entry into professional unions.
Lion Speaks amplifies Black narratives in the media and entertainment realm, while also championing the broader BIPOC community. Their purpose is to elevate stories from diverse heritages and empower creators with mentorship, training, and job opportunities. Find out more.