December 27, 2025
Filmmaker and entrepreneur Ellis A. Penn is proving that some of the most powerful stories are the ones rooted in real life. Originally from Passaic, New Jersey, and now based in Providence, Rhode Island, Penn is the creative force behind The Ville, a film project inspired by true events that unfolded in Providence during the mid-1990s.
What began as a creative experiment during the spring of 2020 quickly turned into something much bigger. “I honestly started The Ville just to bring people together,” Penn shares. “It wasn’t about chasing fame. It was about telling a story that needed to be told.”
Set against the backdrop of Providence’s West End in the fall of 1995, The Ville explores how trust can be broken and how small misunderstandings, fueled by emotion and dishonesty, can escalate into life-changing consequences. At its core, the film examines themes of betrayal, loyalty, and the ripple effects of poor communication.
“The moral of the story is really about Judas-type betrayal,” Penn explains. “How one bad decision or misunderstanding can light everything up like the Fourth of July.”
The Ville is more than just a film. It’s a reflection of Penn’s deep connection to community and storytelling. He describes the project as a trilogy, signaling that this is only the beginning of a larger narrative centered on Providence and the people who shaped it.
The film stars Oscar Johnson, Sneak Snuck’em, Torrence Waithe, John Bussey, Flip Mercedes, Dana Watts, Sandra Bagwell, and V.I. ‘RGLDrosegold’ Ferrell, bringing authenticity and raw emotion to the screen. Penn serves as the Executive Producer, guiding the vision from concept to completion.
Beyond filmmaking, Ellis Penn is deeply invested in uplifting others. He is a community advocate who works closely with the Nonviolence Institute, The O.J. Community Resource Hub, and The Campus Re-Entry Program, mentoring children and young adults and encouraging them to make positive life choices.
“I’ve seen firsthand how choices can change the direction of someone’s life,” Penn says. “If my work can help even one person think differently or move in a better direction, then it’s worth it.”
With The Ville, Ellis Penn blends lived experience, community history, and purpose-driven storytelling. The film stands as both a cautionary tale and a tribute to resilience, proving that stories from overlooked neighborhoods deserve to be heard
As Penn continues to expand The Ville trilogy, one thing is clear: he’s not just making movies. He’s preserving history, sparking conversation, and using art as a tool for connection and change.
Filmmaker and entrepreneur Ellis A. Penn is proving that some of the most powerful stories are the ones rooted in real life. Originally from Passaic, New Jersey, and now based in Providence, Rhode Island, Penn is the creative force behind The Ville, a film project inspired by true events that unfolded in Providence during the mid-1990s.
What began as a creative experiment during the spring of 2020 quickly turned into something much bigger. “I honestly started The Ville just to bring people together,” Penn shares. “It wasn’t about chasing fame. It was about telling a story that needed to be told.”
Set against the backdrop of Providence’s West End in the fall of 1995, The Ville explores how trust can be broken and how small misunderstandings, fueled by emotion and dishonesty, can escalate into life-changing consequences. At its core, the film examines themes of betrayal, loyalty, and the ripple effects of poor communication.
“The moral of the story is really about Judas-type betrayal,” Penn explains. “How one bad decision or misunderstanding can light everything up like the Fourth of July.”
The Ville is more than just a film. It’s a reflection of Penn’s deep connection to community and storytelling. He describes the project as a trilogy, signaling that this is only the beginning of a larger narrative centered on Providence and the people who shaped it.
The film stars Oscar Johnson, Sneak Snuck’em, Torrence Waithe, John Bussey, Flip Mercedes, Dana Watts, Sandra Bagwell, and V.I. ‘RGLDrosegold’ Ferrell, bringing authenticity and raw emotion to the screen. Penn serves as the Executive Producer, guiding the vision from concept to completion.
Beyond filmmaking, Ellis Penn is deeply invested in uplifting others. He is a community advocate who works closely with the Nonviolence Institute, The O.J. Community Resource Hub, and The Campus Re-Entry Program, mentoring children and young adults and encouraging them to make positive life choices.
“I’ve seen firsthand how choices can change the direction of someone’s life,” Penn says. “If my work can help even one person think differently or move in a better direction, then it’s worth it.”
With The Ville, Ellis Penn blends lived experience, community history, and purpose-driven storytelling. The film stands as both a cautionary tale and a tribute to resilience, proving that stories from overlooked neighborhoods deserve to be heard
As Penn continues to expand The Ville trilogy, one thing is clear: he’s not just making movies. He’s preserving history, sparking conversation, and using art as a tool for connection and change.
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