PAROLED
A short film about reentry, humanity, and hope. Based on true events.
Freedom is only the beginning.
In 2007, Melissa walks out of a women’s prison after more than a decade inside. There is no ride waiting, little money, and no clear map for what comes next.
Inspired by writer and director Melissa Kaye Bontempt’s lived experience, PAROLED follows the first 24 hours of reentry. From the prison gates to a bus station, unfamiliar technology, judgment, temptation, and unexpected kindness shape a day when every choice matters.
This is a story about the person behind the label: the relationships that sustain us, the dignity everyone deserves, and the courage it takes to begin again.
Created in the spirit of California Performing Arts AV’s healing-through-the-arts mission.
PAROLED - Official Trailer
The Cast
Meet the talented cast of PAROLED.
Lead Actress
Saman
as
Melissa Kaye Bontempt
Saman is an actor and lighting designer based in Los Angeles, CA who has recently graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a B.A. in Philosophy and a minor in Theatre & Performance Studies. She first began acting at the age of 9 when she joined the drama club at her elementary school in an effort to make new friends after her family moved from Belcamp, MD to Los Angeles, CA—and she hasn’t stopped since. In her craft, Saman employs Crash Acting’s non-dominant approach to acting in which the actor allows their own body and emotions to inform the portrayal of a character, creating a truthful experience of this character. When Saman is not on screen or stage, you can find her playing piano, singing showtunes, or in a tech booth programming a lighting console. You can connect with Saman on Instagram @toiletpaperandbandaids.
Supporting Actress
Nykki McGee
as
Maria
Nykki McGee is a stunt performer and actress originally from Indianapolis, Indiana. Growing up with a passion for all sports and theater, Nykki is an all around athlete with a passion for performance.
She earned her B.S. in Marketing and Minor in Telecommunications at Indiana University. Twenty days after graduating, Nykki drove across country after accepting an Assistant role at ICM Partners to begin her career in entertainment. From there, Nykki explored areas of the the industry working for CAA, the Clippers, Electronic Arts and Crown & Conquer and makeup artistry. She since has found herself back on the performance side of things, pursuing her ultimate passion of stunts and acting with ambitions of stunt coordinating and 2nd unit directing.
When she's not working, Nykki loves to train driving -- from drifting to off-roading, ride dirt bikes, boxing and trying all the "unique" dishes all around the world.
Supporting Actor
Paul Fisher III
as
Escorting
Correctional Officer #1
Paul Fisher was raised in the New Englander way in a small town in Massachusetts. Signing with the U.S Army for 2 years as a medic in 1987, formed a discipline unknown before. Falling backwards into the entertainment industry, Paul earned his first credits in 2014, including the Pilot, Blacklisted which made him Sag-Eligible. Moving to Tucson in 2014, Paul has continued to find set after set where his tough guy, morally and ethically bankrupt niche keeps him busy. He is looking forward to combining his talents with the cast and crew of “Paroled” filming this December.
Day Player
Tobias James
as
Release & Receiving
Correctional Officer #2
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Supporting Actress
Cynthia Becerra
as
Processing
Correctional Officer #3
My name is Cynthia Becerra and I've studied Theatre arts, dance, acting,and improvisation through junior high and high school. After graduating, I've had the opportunity to do a couple local community documentaries, skits,and an indie film! I love performing, entertaining and making people smile!
Supporting Actor
Melvin Price
as
Transport
Correctional Officer #4
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Day Player
Sandra Walters
as
Yard Officer
Correctional Officer #5
Professional Biography: Sandra Walters is a professional actress (SAG-AFTRA Member) and has appeared in many film, television, commercial and theatre productions. She has Agents in Los Angeles and Arizona. Sandra’s ability to perform has been recognized by the Arizona Modeling and Top Talent Competition (Phoenix, AZ) and awarded 1st Place (Best Actress). Sandra received her initial training from the Bobby Ball Academy and USC (BA-Drama/Communications). She is a Phoenix native and member of the Word Church, Pastor Fort.
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Supporting Actress
Isha Williams
as
Ronda (Ron)
Prison Inmate #1
I am a multidisciplinary artist, entrepreneur, and CEO of Popolicious Club committed to community empowerment through creative expression and service. With a background in healthcare and senior care management, I focus on relieving pain, promoting healing, and fostering connection through art, film, and theatre. My mission is to use my diverse talents to inspire hope, build partnerships, and make a lasting, positive impact in the communities I serve.
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Supporting Actress
Lisa Michelle Garrett
as
Tasha
Prison Inmate #2
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Day Player
Maya Scarborough
as
Kelly
Prison Inmate #3
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Jaylin Hodge
as
Prison Inmate #6
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Supporting Actor
Bennett Guillory
as
Judge P. Hanson
Ben Guillory (born Bennet Guillory on November 7, 1949, in Baton Rouge, Louisana) is a revered veteran African-American actor, theatre producer, and director of both the stage and screen. Raised in San Francisco, California, Guillory co-founded the Robey Theatre Company in honor of pioneering actor, public speaker, and opera singer 'Paul Robeson' with actor Danny Glover (of Lethal Weapon (1987) fame in Los Angeles in 1974, and serves as its artistic director. He received an Ovation Award nomination for Featured Actor in a Play in 2008, for his performance as Wining Boy in "The Piano Lesson" produced at The Hayworth Theatre in Los Angeles.
A highly sought-after supporting actor on the large and small screen, he has appeared in such films as the Oscar-Winning film The Color Purple (1985), and the biographical TV film The Tuskegee Airmen (1995). His television credits include guest spots on television shows such as Dynasty (1981), The Jeffersons (1975), JAG (1995), and numerous other programs. Guillory is slated to appear in the film The Harimaya Bridge (2009), which is post-production as of May 2009.
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Maria Williford
as
Prison Inmate #4
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Jayla Hodge
as
Prison Inmate #7
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day player
Phillip Sokoloff
as
Public Defender
PHILIP SOKOLOFF is a member of Actors Equity and of SAG-AFTRA. He has appeared in over 70 plays on both coasts including “The Petrified Forest” and “A Perfect Evening” at Theatre West, and “Death with Benefits” and “Rod Serling’s Tales from the Zone” at Theatre 40, and “Revolutionary Genocide” for The Robey Theatre Company. He recently received the Best Actor award from Cannes Independent Shorts for his role in the short film “Fritchi Manor.” He also appeared in an ABC-TV MOW, “Running Delilah.” Behind the scenes, he has functioned as a publicist for over 3000 plays and several dozen independent films.
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Jane Smart
as
Prison Inmate #5
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Caress Tucker
as
Prison Inmate #8
Court Room Member
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day player
Robin Vega
as
District Attorney
Robin Vega is an LA native actor whose work spans independent film and character-driven storytelling. He most recently starred in the lead role of Go Live, directed by Michael J. Gonzales. His supporting performances includes The Casting Director! directed by Brando Crawford.
Robin’s training is rooted in rigorous scene study and practical on-camera technique. He has studied at Playhouse West under Wolfgang Bodison, as well as at David Kang Academy, where he trained in scene study, TV & film acting with Jou Jou Papailler. He has further developed his craft at Hollywood Playground, studying under Robert Rusler.
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Linda Shipley
as
Melissa's Mother
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Day Player
Tiffany Chevonne
as
Black Hound Bus Station Clerk #1
Tiffany found acting irresistible appearing in the hit Film, Straight Outta Compton (Universal Pictures) as an extra in 2014. Then she landed a role in the stage production To Death Do Us Part, an original work by Kathy Long Hill. She continued with background work on Grey’s Anatomy, (CBS), 911 (FOX, ABC) and Snowfall (FX). More stage work followed with Diamonds In the Waiting Room, (T’ana Phelic) Menopause (Tymeka Coney) and Daddy, Let Me Sing (Lorine W. Calhoun).
Current Film releases include Initial Shock, the Brigette Harris Story, All or Nothing and a number of award-winning Films including Hard, Desert Duet Harmony, Flight of the Sparrow, Rhama and she won best supporting actress for her role in Amina, available on Vimeo.
Tiffany has trained with award-winning actress Monique Calhoun, studied cinematically with Paolo Krater at Krater Studios, John Swanbeck (The Big Kahuna), Mike Pointer and trains weekly.
An RFA certified caregiver in Foster Care, Tiffany is the Mother of four sons with five grandchildren. Tiffany is thrilled to debut at the Dow Theatre. Shout Out to a great cast and crew! She resides in Los Angeles.
Local hire in New York
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Shawna Beaugard
as
Court Room Member
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Reyanna Nunnelly
as
Black Hound
Bus Station Clerk #2
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Michael Busano
as
Court Room Member
Bus Station Traveler
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JC Cadena
as
Black Hound
Bus Station Traveler
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Michael Casuncad
as
Black Hound
Bus Station Traveler
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Freddy Anene
Black Hound
Bus Station Traveler
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Darious Kaj Jackson
Black Hound
Bus Station Traveler
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Day player
Jonathan Navarro
Taco Stand Clerk
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Day player
To Be Announced
Gas Station Clerk
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Day player
To Be Announced
Hotel Clerk
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Laz Navaro
as
Black Hound
Bus Station Traveler
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Chukwuenuka Onianwa
as
Black Hound
Bus Station Traveler
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Supporting Actress
Queen Joy Tucker
India - Bus Traveler
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Day player
Christian Tucker
Homeless Man #1
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Day player
To Be Annouced
Gas Station Clerk #2
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Day player
To Be Announced
Nichelle
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Noley Romero
as
Black Hound
Bus Station Traveler
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Octavius Johnson Sr.
as
Black Hound
Bus Station Traveler
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Supporting Actress
Calissa Casuncad
Theresa- Bus Traveler
Calissa is a 12-year-old aspiring actress with a strong foundation in performing arts. She has been
dancing on stage since the age of five, and began acting at eight, steadily building her confidence and
versatility. She also enjoys singing and playing the guitar and piano, giving her a well-rounded creative skill
set. Outside of performing, she likes spending time with family and friends and staying active in the things
she loves. My Photo For More Info!
Day player
Sahnya M. Thomas
Taco Stand Customer
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Day player
Jermain Alexander
Homeless Man #2
Jermaine Alexander is an actor and award-winning filmmaker. Currently, he's been on Criminal Minds, Barry and Young and the Restless. Jermaine is the director of Theatre While Black and is excited to share an episode of this labor of passion and love. He's edited an award wining Documentary about 3 unsung heros during the world's most unnatural disaster; Hurricane Katrina. Resilient Valor:PTSD He is extremely proud to be a part of The ALL- STAR film Festival. My Photo For More Info!
Cameo appearance
Melissa Kaye Bontempt
as
Melissa Kaye Bontempt
Melissa Kaye Bontempt is an award-winning actress, producer, and community advocate. She is the Founder and CEO of California Performing Arts AV, a nonprofit dedicated to healing through the arts. Through film, theatre, and storytelling, Melissa uses her lived experience to create impactful, socially conscious work that centers resilience, transformation, and truth. Her projects aim to amplify unheard voices while building creative opportunities for underserved communities.
Meet The Crew
Jermain Alexander
Producer
Queen Joy Tucker
Assistant Producer
Melissa Kaye Bontempt
Writer / Director
Damian D Lewis
1st Assistant Director
Octavius Johnson Sr.
Director of Photography
Christopher Tucker
Assistant To The DP
Lisa Michelle Garrett
Script Supervisor
Tiffany Chevonne
Production Assistant
Caress Tucker
Lead Make-up
Maria Williford
Assistant Make-up
Maya Scarborough
Wardrobe
Isha Williams
Craft Services
