NCG Cinema to Host Global Premiere of Why Are You Not Here?, a New Reality Series Showcasing Ethiopia Through Love, Culture and the African Diaspora
Change A Man Media and Simba Travel Management bring celebrity poet Bertrand Boyd II’s journey of heartbreak, competition and cultural discovery to the big screen ahead of the series’ planned Amazon Prime launch
ATLANTA, GA — Change A Man Media and Simba Travel Management announce the global premiere of Why Are You Not Here?, a new reality series following American celebrity poet Bertrand Boyd II on an unexpected journey from heartbreak in America to competition, culture and personal discovery in Ethiopia. The series will premiere October 30, 2026, at NCG Cinema in Snellville, Georgia, with screenings at 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., ahead of its planned launch on Amazon Prime.
This production has global partners Ethiopian Airlines (official airline partner), Kuriftu Resorts, Capital Hotel & Spa, Skylight Hotel, Ministry of Tourism and Snellville Print Solutions.
The official trailer is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33yBoTDC9mM.
Just before traveling to Ethiopia to compete in the African Diaspora Poetry Slam, Boyd receives devastating personal news: his childhood sweetheart, who told him she loved him, is pregnant by someone else. The revelation comes as he prepares for what could become the defining performance of his career—a poetry competition carrying a $1 million grand prize and the opportunity for international recognition.
Heartbroken but determined, Boyd travels to Ethiopia with his attention divided between the opportunity ahead and the life he left behind. What begins as a journey centered on competition soon develops into a broader story of personal discovery.
Against the backdrop of Ethiopia’s landscapes, history and cultural traditions, Boyd begins forming new relationships and experiencing a sense of peace he did not expect to find. He learns Amharic, embraces Ethiopian culinary traditions—including a newfound appreciation for injera with beef tibs—and develops connections with the people and communities he encounters.
As the journey unfolds, the central question of the series evolves beyond whether Boyd will win the competition. Why Are You Not Here? ultimately asks whether winning or losing will matter as much as deciding where—and with whom—he wants the next chapter of his life to begin.
Blending reality television, travel, competition and personal storytelling, Why Are You Not Here? also offers international audiences a view of Ethiopia through the perspective of an African American traveler experiencing the country during a pivotal moment in his life. The series highlights Ethiopian heritage, landscapes, cuisine, coffee traditions and contemporary culture while exploring connections between Africa and the African Diaspora.
The project is produced by Change A Man Media LLC, an award-winning film and television production company created to broaden the images and stories of African Americans presented on screen. Its work is guided by a central question: “Do they see themselves or corrupt caricatures of stereotypes the world has branded them to be?”
Through film, television, theatrical and commercial productions, Change A Man Media seeks to present multidimensional stories of Black life and create work centered on hope, direction, education and love. Why Are You Not Here? extends that mission internationally, using Boyd’s personal journey to explore heartbreak, identity, belonging, the African Diaspora and the experience of encountering Africa beyond images traditionally presented to American audiences.
Writer, director, screenwriter and producer Kamal Johnson, also known as Devin T. Robinson and Egypt/Kamal, leads the creative team behind the project. Johnson has written, produced, directed and executive produced more than two dozen projects, including His Fool Her Fool, Black Men: Naked Truth, Six Hours, Sara Gait, Sky Revenge, Un O Dos, Tranquil Inferno and 5 Steps To Get Over Your Ex. His work has received international recognition and Official Selection distinctions, including selection for presentation at the National Black Theatre Festival. As a producer, he has worked across more than 50 film, television and commercial productions.
The production also includes Ethiopian producer Reta Alemu, founder of Alem Marketing & Promotion, which has produced documentaries, commercials and films in Ethiopia for nearly a decade.
The series has drawn early attention from Ethiopian media voices. Bernabas Mola of Addis Media Network described the production as “an extraordinary work of art,” while Dana Tesfaye of the Ethiopian Herald stated, “Ethiopia needs this type of branding,” highlighting the value of presenting the country through the perspective of an international visitor.
The global premiere of Why Are You Not Here? will take place Friday, October 30, 2026, at NCG Cinema in Snellville, Georgia, with screenings scheduled for 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Media representatives and invited guests are requested to RSVP by October 15, 2026.
MEDIA & RSVP CONTACT
404-547-9316
Telegram/WhatsApp: +1-213-357-6098
ABOUT WHY ARE YOU NOT HERE?
Why Are You Not Here? is a reality series following American celebrity poet Bertrand Boyd II as heartbreak collides with the opportunity of a lifetime. Traveling to Ethiopia to compete in the African Diaspora Poetry Slam, Boyd arrives focused on the relationship he left behind but finds himself transformed by Ethiopia’s people, culture, cuisine and landscapes. The series explores competition, love, identity, cultural connection and the unexpected places people can find belonging.
Production: Change A Man Media, Simba Travel Management and Alem Marketing & Promotion
