CHOPS
CHOPS
Synopsis
CHOPS is an award-winning, seven-episode scripted drama set in Detroit, exploring the intersection of mental health, artistic ambition, family, and the journey toward healing.
The story follows Nola Gold, a grieving single mother searching for answers after her boyfriend’s mysterious death, and Julius “Ju” Heard Jr., an aspiring actor navigating relationships, personal challenges, and an undiagnosed autism condition.
As their lives intersect with Detroit’s independent filmmaking community, they confront trauma, ambition, and the struggle to find purpose. Created, written, and directed by HAKim A. Khalfani, CHOPS uses emotionally compelling storytelling to encourage empathy, understanding, and meaningful conversations.
The City. The Artists. The Healing.
Director
HAKim A. Khalfani
HAKim A. Khalfani is a Detroit-born filmmaker, writer, director, and producer whose work explores the human experience through emotionally compelling, character-driven storytelling. Khalfani wrote and directed the independent feature film FORGIVENESS and is the creator, writer, director, and executive producer of CHOPS, an original seven-episode scripted drama set in Detroit. Through CHOPS, Khalfani examines the intersection of mental health, grief, neurodiversity, family, and artistic ambition. His storytelling seeks to challenge perceptions, inspire empathy, and give voice to individuals and communities whose experiences are often overlooked. Drawing from his Detroit roots and professional experience in film and television, Khalfani is committed to creating authentic narratives that entertain while encouraging meaningful conversations. His guiding creative philosophy is reflected in his vision for CHOPS: “Mental health issues aren't new. CHOPS makes them urgent by showing where they intersect with the artist's journey.”
Credits
DIRECTOR
- HAKim Khalfani
CREATOR
- HAKim Khalfani
WRITER
- HAKim Khalfani
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
- Elizabeth Carson
- HAKim Khalfani
- Bill Fishman
- Adam Lazarre White
- Harold Grey
- Micheal Butler
- Kenneth Young
PRODUCERS
- James Perkins
- Makeiva Albritten
ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS
- Dale Stelly
- Camille Calvin
- Rico Dockins
- Ronald Brim
PRINCIPAL CAST
- James Perkins
- Makeiva Albritten
- Camille Calvin
- Kwame Patterson
- Rashida Diva Shabazz
- Cysco Reyes
- Hope Golds
- Amanda Dacks
- J. Maddoxx
- Phillip Bobo
- Cynthia Gates Fujikawa
- Jaime Donovan
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
- Keith Smith
EDITOR
- Daniel Mason
COMPOSER AND MUSIC CREDITS
- Helluva
- Maz
- Sara Band
PRODUCTION DESIGNER AND OTHER PRINCIPAL DEPARTMENT HEADS
- Jason Griffith
PRODUCTION COMPANY
- Fallout Entertainment / Picture That Productions
