Look Who’s Next: Housemates

Housemates is the new show by the award-winning actor, filmmaker, and producer Anthony Vander. Housemates explores themes of relationships, education and cultural identity, during a day in the life of three best friends, Ashley, Leon, and Kwame. 

Leon, a charismatic DJ, is pushed into a corner by his fellow housemates to take a one-day tutoring gig. With zero enthusiasm and preconceptions about how the session will go, Leon is surprised to learn that Ashley’s nephew, Kyle, is a child prodigy when it comes to Math and English. By contrast, the independent and graceful Ashley is deflated following a disaster date and shares her experience with Leon, only to find out that he has been similarly luckless in love.

Career-driven housemate Kwame returns from work to the positive news of Leon’s tutoring, only to come crashing back down to earth once he hears of Ashley’s plans to cook Nigerian Jollof rice – a dish he is adamant has been perfected by Ghanians, prompting a West African Jollof standoff. Charming, insightful and relatable, Housemates is a reminder that our friends are sometimes the best reflection of who we are.

Nominated by CEO of MediaCom UK (Karen Blackett OBE) as Top Ten Trailblazer Black History Month 2017. In 2013, Anthony’s directorial debut feature film, Sweetboy, aired on London Live television multiple times in 2016 and 2017 and had its North American première at the American Black Film Festival in 2014.  Anthony produced and starred in the crowdfunded feature film, Scales. Anthony’s performance in Scales won him best-supporting actor at The Los Angeles Film Awards 2018. Housemates is a new show that he feels is very important, stating “it’s about the strength of friendship. A group of successful, genuine characters and how their beautiful black roots define them.”