A locally-produced comedy feature film has received recent critical success and can be seen in mid-Missouri cinemas beginning April 15. The Soul Graffiti, written and directed by native Missouri filmmaker, Jet Ainsworth, and produced by local film studios Worthy Pictures and Broadway Kitchen, has been warmly received from multiple international film festivals since February 2022. The film was produced across multiple locations in the Boone, Cole, Howard, and Cooper County areas.

When a local heritage radio station falls under tough financial times thanks to a format change and a world of other entertainment options, KANT owner Ray Dinkins, Jr. is intent on selling his late father’s creation to a corporate cell phone company. This news forces anxious bookworm Ben Cross and self-destructive morning DJ Niki Bliss to seek a higher purpose.

It will take Ben, Niki, overworked part-timer Madison, nigh jock J-Dub, Randy “The Cowboy,” and a host of others to make a last-ditch effort to keep “101 The Jam” on the air. Along the way, Ben and Niki learn what they are truly capable of, and begin changing how they view the world and their places in it.

Together, with the help of modern technology and an entire community hell-bent to #SaveThe Jam, everyone finds the true meaning of “soul graffiti.”

Ainsworth is known to many in the Howard County community. A 1997 graduate of New Franklin High School, he was an on-air personality on Columbia, Missouri radio for several years. A writer, producer, director, actor, and singer-songwriter, Ainsworth has written and produced 10 films, including the award-winning short field “Any Last Words.”

Forty-four of the 45 cast members hail from Missouri, including Fayette native Jaidyn Franz, Jason Jones, and Josh Addison. The film stars New Mexican veteran actor Danielle Brower in her first leading role, and Jefferson City-based actor Kyle Loethen. Ainsworth appears on screen in the film, along with other area residents including Mo Louis and Robin Morrison.

The Soul Graffiti makes its Missouri premiere theatrical run at Capitol City Cinema in Jefferson City on April 15 and 16, and again the following weekend April 22, 23, and 24. Tickets are on sale now at CapitolCityCinema.org. The film can also be seen in Columbia at Ragtag Cinema on May 8.

Awesome Film Fest in Burbank, California, home of Universal, Warner Bros., and Paramount Pictures, awarded The Soul Graffiti the 2022 “Best Comedy Feature Film” prize. The Oklahoma-based Sunny Side Up Film Festival recently showered the film with 11 award nominations across all major categories, taking home “Director's Choice Best Feature Film.”