Naman Shrestha
Part of Lifetime’s ‘Ripped from the Headlines’ movie series, ‘Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story’ narrates a powerful story of the resilience and strength of Monique Smith (née Simboli Ruffin). Growing up in a toxic household, she constantly feels like an outcast in her own family. After enduring years of abuse from her mother and others, she finds out the reason she could not find a sense of belonging is that it is not her blood family. Upon becoming a mother herself, she embarks on a quest to learn more about her origin story and find her real family. She ultimately cuts off ties with the family that raised her before finally discovering herself as the truth sets her free. With Tailiah Breon in the director’s seat, the drama film chronicles the life of the titular character across several locations that span her inspiring journey from childhood to adulthood.
Where Was Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story Filmed?
To film ‘Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story,’ the production team settled on locations in two major states located in the southeastern and northeastern parts of the country. To be specific, the shooting took place in Georgia as well as New York. The cast and crew spent around two weeks in the month of December 2024 working for about 12 hours a day in indoor and outdoor locations to bring the Lifetime production to life. It goes without saying that the sheer hard work and collaborative efforts of each and every member associated with the project are what resulted in the creation of the compelling drama film.
Atlanta, Georgia
Though the real Monique Smith grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, the filming of the events that showcase her early life was conducted in Atlanta, the capital city of Georgia. Utilizing multiple locations in and around Atlanta, the team managed to portray her difficult childhood in Charm City as well as paint the visual canvas of her journey to self-discovery in Augustine, Florida — where she relocates to start afresh. According to reports, the stages of Pangea Studios were used to tape the majority of the scenes. Located at 3133 Continental Colony Parkway in the southwestern part of the city, the 47-acre production complex boasts a first-rate residential backlot, half a dozen sound stages, and other amenities that make it a suitable filming site for films such as ‘Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story.’
New York City, New York
A few sequences of the Lifetime movie were also lensed in New York City, located in the eponymous state. The production team visited the Big Apple to record a few establishing shots that depict the vibrant and glistening skyline of the city, embellished by the majestic skyscrapers as well as iconic landmarks such as Central Park. Shooting in The City That Never Sleeps proved essential as it is where the real Monique Smith originally hails from — she was reportedly abducted from New York when she was just a year old. Aside from the wide shots of the cityscape, a few exterior scenes were also filmed in the area.
Furthermore, the locales of The Bronx — the iconic borough in the county of the same name in the southeastern part of NYC — served as the shooting site for a minor portion of the filming. Over the years, New York City has doubled up as the shooting spot for a variety of productions of various genres. Its ability to mimic diverse settings, favorable climate, availability of skilled technicians, and excellent production services have established it as a major entertainment hub in the industry. ‘The Life List,’ ‘Anora’ ‘A Real Pain,’ ‘Survival of the Thickest,’ and ‘Euphoria’ are just some of the many movies and television shows that were shot in the city.
Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story Cast Details
The Lifetime production is headlined by Yaya DaCosta and Robert Hamilton III, each of whom bring their A-game to their respective roles. The New York City native has a deep affection for myriad languages and is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish and French. Starting her career at the age of 11, Yaya has come a long way as she boasts nearly 40 acting credits and a few award nominations for her work as of writing. On the other hand, while relatively new to the industry, Robert has proved his mettle through his effortless acting skills. From what we can tell, he is just starting out and has a long way to go.
Yaya DaCosta as Monique Smith
In the uplifting film, Yaya DaCosta transforms herself into the character of Monique Smith. She is best known for her work as Tanya in ‘The Kids Are All Right,’ for which she also bagged a nomination for the Best Breakthrough Performance at the 2011 Nominee Black Reel Awards alongside a couple of Best Ensemble nods. She has also amassed acclaim for her refined portrayal of Carol Hammie in ‘The Butler,’ Andrea Freeman in ‘The Lincoln Lawyer,’ LaRhette in ‘Take the Lead,’ Nico Slater in ‘Ugly Betty,’ Cassandra Foster in ‘All My Children,’ Greta in ‘In Time,’ Angela Vaughn in ‘Our Kind of People’ as well as April Sexton in ‘Chicago Med,’ ‘Chicago P.D.’ and ‘Chicago Fire.’ Her other credits include ‘House,’ ‘The Nice Guys,’ ‘Whitney,’ ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,’ ‘Unforgettable,’ and ‘The Messenger.’
Robert Hamilton III as Jonathan
Robert Hamilton III essays the character of Jonathan in ‘Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story.’ You may recognize him from his portrayal of Jackie Robinson in ‘Lovecraft Country’ Terence in ‘Emergency’ as well as Martyn in ‘Nobody Girl.’ He also has movies and television shows like ‘Fatal Attraction,’ ‘Step Up: High Water,’ ‘Dynasty,’ ‘Dream on Dreamer,’ ‘Reasonable Doubt’ and ‘Loki’s Game’ to his name.
The supporting cast of the empowering drama is packed with a talented bunch of actors. ‘P-Valley’ star Tiffany Black dons the garb of Elizabeth, while Sir Brodie of ‘The Outsider’ and ‘Survivor’s Remorse’ fame appears as Nelson. Interestingly, he can also be spotted in ‘P-Valley’ in a minor capacity. Additionally, Solace Kimbro Jones, Angela Ray, and Anona Tolar join the cast as Bolie, Stacia, and Caroline, respectively. The film also features Lauren Buglioli as Trinity, Philip Fornah as Uncle Leroy, and Courtney Grace as Rubye. Rounding up the cast of ‘Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story’ are Kadeem Isaiah and Djassi DaCosta Johnson.
Read More: Monique Smith: Where is the Abuse Survivor Today?
