Kam and Nicole Ward Courtesy Photo

What began as a bestselling book has grown into an award-winning stage production and now a feature film. Chosen: Reclaiming Her Time will make its red carpet premiere May 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, marking the culmination of what many are calling the Chosen trilogy.

The journey started in 2018 with Nicole Howard’s book, Chosen: A Lady’s Journey from Called, to Crushed, to Crowned. The work, rooted in themes of resilience, faith, and personal transformation, quickly resonated with women navigating seasons of adversity and purpose. Howard, an author, producer, and motivational speaker, built the Chosen brand around empowerment—encouraging women to reclaim their voice and walk confidently in their calling.

The book’s success led to the creation of Chosen: The Stage Play, which toured multiple states over two years with seven performances, five of which were sold out. The emotional depth of the live production expanded the story’s reach and solidified its impact. The filmed version, Chosen the Stage Play Film, is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video and has garnered significant national and international recognition.

The stage play film was selected by numerous festivals, including the Anatolia International Film Festival, London International Film Festival, Culver City Film Festival, Bluebird Film Festival, Great Lakes International Film Festival, Inside Nollywood International Film Festival, Kwanzaa Film Festival, Genre Celebration Film Festival, and the Feedback Female Film Festival. It earned awards from the International Golden Awards, Crown Point International Film Festival, Swedish International Film Festival, Golden Lion International Film Festival, Yes, Let’s Make a Movie International Film Festival, and the Urban Media Makers Film Festival. The project was also a finalist at the 2024 Essence Film Festival and received nominations from Tribeca Film Festival and other international competitions—accolades that underscore the story’s cultural and artistic resonance.

Building on that momentum, Chosen: Reclaiming Her Time brings the narrative to the big screen with expanded cinematic storytelling. The film dives deeper into identity, spiritual restoration, and reclaiming agency—elevating the message that first captured readers nearly a decade ago.

The feature is produced by Vernard “Kam” Howard and Nicole Howard, co-owners of Respect My Royalty LLC and Respect My Royalty Cares Foundation. Nicole Howard, who holds a degree in Business Management and an MBA, is also founder of the Respect My Royalty platform and the “Queen Up!” podcast, designed to empower women to reach their full potential.

Kam Howard, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, is an educator, minister, and community leader. He holds degrees from the State University of New York College, Cambridge College, and Howard University School of Divinity, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Urban Leadership Education at Morgan State University. Alongside his ministry and educational leadership, he serves as Co-Owner and CFO of Respect My Royalty and remains deeply engaged in youth mentorship and community development.

Together, the Howards have transformed Chosen from page to stage to screen. The May 25 premiere represents not just a film debut, but the culmination of a vision rooted in faith, storytelling, and empowerment.

For more information, visit www.respectmyroyalty.com.

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