*Now streaming on ALLBLK, “Operation: Aunties” is a bold new dramedy that merges cybercrime, comedy, and sisterhood. Directed by Emmy-winner Wendy Raquel Robinson and starring Melissa De Sousa,Tisha Campbell and Amiyah Scott, the film follows three women turned vigilantes, fighting tech-driven trafficking on their own terms.
Here’s the official synopsis: After an attempted trafficking incident impacts her family, professor and blockchain expert Dr. Carol Cleavers (De Sousa) uncovers a dark web trafficking ring targeting women through a rideshare app. When the feds start to drag their feet on the case, Carol recruits her ride-or-die bestie, retired detective Sharon O’Hara (Campbell), and her tech-genius niece Aminah (Scott) to take matters into their own hands. Together, the three women become cyber-age vigilantes on a mission for justice and survival.
The story struck a personal and professional chord with Robinson. “It challenged me not only as a director, but I had to put myself in the place of all of the actors… And then when I found out that it was based on a true situation on the dark web… the rabbit hole got deeper and deeper and deeper.”
Robinson, who worked closely with writer TJ Ali, explained the complexity behind shaping the final script. “We had to go through at least four different drafts… I had to turn into Auntie. I said, baby, ain’t nobody gonna be able to follow this…how can we simplify it, but still keep the artistic integrity of this piece.”
For Campbell, the film offered a rare blend of genres and a chance to flex all her artistic muscles. “It was the story as well… And more so than anything, it was seeing us African-American women in a different light. Yes, we’re the strong Black woman. We accept that trope, but that’s not all of who we are. We can be sensitive. We can be vulnerable. We can be comedic. We can be bad-asses… And there’s also drama.”
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She added, “I come from a musical theater and theater background. I couldn’t get arrested doing comedy, but once people know me as that, that’s kind of what I do. And I love it, but that’s not all of who I am, just like these ladies on the screen.”
Scott was immediately drawn to the opportunity to work with veterans like Campbell and Robinson. “I saw that it was starring Tisha and Melissa with Wendy directing, and it was a no-brainer for me. I’ve seen these ladies throughout years, their work, I’ve laughed, I’ve cried….”
She also spoke candidly about what the role represented for her as a Black trans woman. “I’m Black and I’m proud and I’m trans. And to have a story that didn’t box me into just being trans, wasn’t another typical trans story. Trans wasn’t even mentioned in the film at all… And now I have brand new aunties, so it’s just amazing.”
The tech-forward character was also a milestone in representation. “We should be seen in more ways than the usual… I think when the credits roll, you don’t feel that heaviness that we’re usually forced to feel… So I’m thankful that we were able to tell a story that has depth, but it didn’t have that pain,” Scott said.
Robinson’s direction allowed the film to shift seamlessly between tones. “I looked at the entire pie, but I took it out in slices and was present for each scene… I put myself in the shoes of these characters… using the rhythms… I wanted it to flow. I wanted the camera to be an additional character,” she explained.
Campbell, who plays retired detective Sharon O’Hara, brought her real-life experiences into the role. “I think that’s how one would describe me, tough and funny… my whole family’s blue collar. I have captains in the police force… Every time I have to play a cop, they laugh at me because I’m the only one that can’t shoot in the entire family … but at least I can look like I can shoot a gun.”
When asked what they each hoped audiences would take away from the film, Robinson said, “I’m more excited to see these actresses in a different light… to see the future of where Black, ballsy, bold, badass women can go.”
Scott hopes the film becomes “a classic… it’s a beautiful story. So I’m just hoping that people find whatever it is, something from it.”
Campbell echoed that sentiment: “This movie is kind of relatable to all, to everyone, not just people who are aunties or of a certain age… Melissa is the bass, I’m the drums, loud. And, you know, Amiyah kept the rhythm… I just love that we’ll all be able to shine collectively as a group.”
Watch our conversation with Wendy, Tisha, and Amiyah below.
“Operation: Aunties” is now streaming exclusively on ALLBLK.
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