‘Can You Stand the Rain’ World Premiere Shines in Miami

A Night To Remember

Devale Ellis took to the stage at Miami Beach Cinematheque on June 13 to celebrate the sold-out world premiere of his latest feature, Can You Stand the Rain, during the 37th American Black Film Festival. Addressing an audience that packed the house, Ellis opened with a triumphant shout: “MIAMI OWES US NOTHING!!!” He then thanked the festival organizers and fans for pouring in their support: “A sold out crowd!!!🔥 We were so honored to share our film with such an incredible audience in Miami and can’t wait to bring it to a theatre near you! Stay tuned!”

From Nfl Star To Filmmaker

Ellis first made headlines as a wide receiver in the NFL, spending four seasons with the New York Jets and a stint with the Kansas City Chiefs. After hanging up his cleats, he shifted gears into entertainment—landing roles on BET’s Sistas spinoff Zatima and headlining the limited series Divorced SISTAS on BET+. His Instagram feed has been a chronicle of those milestones, from behind-the-scenes shots on the Zatima set to supportive messages from his wife, Khadeeja, who recently posted, “I’m proud of you Ellis! You did that! Divorced SISTAS streaming NOW on @betplus.” Now, Ellis has stepped into feature filmmaking with Can You Stand the Rain, a romantic drama he co-wrote and produced.

Audience Reaction At Abff

Festivalgoers responded enthusiastically to the feature’s world premiere. After the screening, the lights came up to cheers and a standing ovation. Attendees praised the film for its authentic portrayal of love and perseverance, while social media quickly filled with photos and praise. One viewer tweeted, “Devale Ellis nailed every beat—this film’s heart and humor had Miami buzzing tonight.” On Instagram, fans tagged friends under the official ABFF page, calling the screening “electric” and “unforgettable.”

The Filmmaking Journey

Shot predominantly in Miami, Can You Stand the Rain explores themes of resilience, commitment, and second chances. Ellis collaborated with longtime creative partner and director Marlon Johnson, aiming to weave a story that resonates across generations. The title pays homage to the classic 1988 song by New Edition, and the film’s soundtrack features both that iconic track and an original score crafted by emerging Black composers.

At the post-screening Q&A, Ellis shared that the project began as a passion script during the height of the pandemic. “We wanted to tell a love story that felt real,” he said. “So many of us have faced storms together—this film is our thank-you to anyone who’s ever weathered one.” Cast members chimed in on the collaborative process, noting how Ellis encouraged improvisation to keep performances fresh.

Next Stops For Rain

With the ABFF world premiere in the books, Ellis confirmed that Can You Stand the Rain will hit select theaters later this summer, followed by a wider rollout in the fall. He’s also in talks with streaming platforms for a simultaneous digital release. Fans can watch for announcements on his @iamdevale Instagram handle, where he’s already teased teaser trailers and behind-the-scenes clips.

The success in Miami marks a major step in Ellis’s evolving career—from touchdown heroics to heartfelt storytelling. As the applause fades in Miami, the real journey for Rain’s rollout is only just beginning. Devale Ellis and his team are riding this early wave of enthusiasm straight into the next chapter of the film’s life.

Trivia

Devale Ellis has built a significant online presence, particularly on social media platforms like Instagram, where he shares insights about his life and career.