Zeinabu irene Davis’ ambitious feature debut links the African American present of the 1980s to the Black modernism of the early 20th century by juxtaposing two love stories, one from each era and starring the same actors. In each case, the lovers must negotiate not only racism but also illness and differences in class and educational background. Upon casting deaf actress Michelle A. Banks as the female lead, Davis and screenwriter Mark Arthur Chéry modified the film to incorporate signing and intertitles to make it accessible to both deaf and hearing audiences. At the same time, these touches act as an homage to early Black cinema.