Booker T. Mattison releases new film on Tubi

Booker T. Mattison, associate professor in the Department of Entertainment and Media Studies at Grady College, is set to release his second original film for the free streaming platform Tubi. An Unusual Suspect premieres April 25, 2025.

The legal thriller follows Viola January (Christie Leverette), a young, ambitious attorney who takes on the case of a wrongfully convicted man. But as the trial draws to a close, Viola begins to realize that the real story—and the real killer—are still at large.

Mattison, who wrote and directed the film, brings a rich creative vision to each project he undertakes. “My philosophy is that every time a camera is turned on, it is an opportunity to create something great,” he said. That philosophy is evident in the film’s layered storytelling and standout performances.

This marks Mattison’s second film for Tubi following Twisted Marriage Therapist, and his previous holiday film The Sound of Christmas, a BET+ Original starring Ne-Yo, was the #1 film on BET+ Christmas of 2022.

An Unusual Suspect also features strong Grady College connections behind the scenes. Mattison brought several former students onto the production team, including Eli Saliba (MFA ’22) as a camera production assistant, and Brian Lucear (AB ’19) and Grant McDonald (AB ’24) as production assistants. Two additional students from his Directing for the Screen course—Lily DeMouey (AB ’24) and Alex Pitts (AB ’24)—were invited to shadow on set.

The film’s promotional campaign is also a Grady collaboration. Mattison partnered with David Clementson, associate professor in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations, and a team of ADPR students to support the marketing rollout. Student team members consist of Azha Mosely, Chanel Sanchez, Annabelle Payne and Sarah Kate Maher.

Watch the trailer below, and follow the campaign on Instagram and Facebook.

Author: Lauren A. Pike, lauren.pike@uga.edu