In a digital era dominated by viral moments, influencer culture, and the constant pursuit of visibility, filmmaker Sophia L. Ellis is using storytelling to hold a mirror to modern society. Her latest film, #WhoKilledJabori, is a bold, comedic mystery that blends entertainment with social commentary, inviting audiences to laugh while quietly questioning the world they scroll through every day.
Ellis reveals that the inspiration behind #WhoKilledJabori stems directly from today’s obsession with clout, content creation, and social media validation. While the film is fictional, its foundation is rooted in the very real dynamics shaping modern relationships and digital personas.
“I wanted to take the idea of influencer culture and flip it into a chaotic, fun ‘what if’ story,” Ellis explains. “What if a group of influencers went viral for all the wrong reasons? Even though the story isn’t based on a specific real-life event, it definitely reflects real energy — the blurred line between authenticity and performance.”
At the center of the story is Jabori, a character whose presence resonates deeply throughout the narrative — even when he is not physically present. According to Ellis, Jabori serves as the emotional and psychological anchor of the film, revealing the true nature of those around him.
“He’s the glue that holds everyone together,” Ellis says. “Through his relationships, audiences begin to see how influential he was in each character’s life. Some loved him, some envied him, and others never truly understood him. His absence forces everyone to confront their truths.”
Like many independent productions, #WhoKilledJabori came with its share of creative challenges. One of the most technically demanding moments occurs during a flashback kitchen scene that required precise continuity and allowed only one opportunity to capture the moment correctly. Ellis describes the scene as a pivotal emotional and visual turning point that she believes will resonate strongly with viewers.
The film also thrives on spontaneity. A standout game night sequence — entirely unscripted — was incorporated into the final cut after the cast leaned into improvisation during filming. The scene not only amplified the film’s natural comedic tone but also served as a creative way to introduce a card game concept Ellis developed to accompany the project.
While the film’s title suggests a classic mystery, Ellis emphasizes that #WhoKilledJabori operates on multiple levels. The film invites audiences to search for answers while simultaneously exploring deeper psychological themes tied to identity, ego, and the performative nature of online life.
“On the surface, it feels like a whodunit,” Ellis explains. “But as the story unfolds, you realize it’s less about who and more about why. Each character represents a different aspect of influencer culture — insecurity, ego, the need to be seen, and the pressure to maintain an image.”
For Ellis, the film also reflects her personal journey as both a storyteller and an individual navigating authenticity in highly curated spaces. She views the project as an exploration of identity and the complexities of how people present themselves versus who they truly are.
“We often only see the highlight reel of someone’s life,” she says. “This film is about peeling back those layers and showing what happens when the truth is exposed.”
Ultimately, Ellis hopes audiences walk away from #WhoKilledJabori feeling entertained but also reflective. Beneath the film’s comedic chaos lies a message about authenticity, accountability, and self-awareness in a world increasingly shaped by digital perception.
“I want viewers to laugh, but I also want them to question what they see online,” Ellis shares. “Why do we chase attention? What are we trying to prove? There’s always more behind the lens than what gets posted.”
Early viewer reactions have already highlighted the film’s cultural relevance, with some noting similarities between the story and real-life influencer tragedies that have captured public attention in recent years. For Ellis, these responses confirm the film’s emotional and social resonance.
About the Filmmaker
Sophia L. Ellis is an East Coast-raised producer, director, and screenwriter whose passion for storytelling was reignited after serving 18 years in the U.S. Army Reserves. Armed with a Master’s degree in Project Management and a degree in Digital Cinematography from Full Sail University, Ellis has built a dynamic career creating content that blends entertainment with meaningful cultural narratives.
As the founder and CEO of MBTL Studios (Melanin Behind the Lens), a certified minority women-owned production company, Ellis is committed to amplifying authentic Black storytelling. She has written, directed, and produced more than 14 award-winning films, including Power, Love, Karma, the romance feature My King Looks Like Me, the horror film SuperMoon, and the socially driven satire #WhoKilledJabori.
Ellis has also contributed to projects for HGTV and HBO Max while continuing to develop more than 20 original film and television concepts. Through each project, she remains focused on storytelling that merges creativity, purpose, and cultural impact.