“Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story” is a Lifetime movie based on the true story of Monique Smith, who endured an abusive childhood and later discovered the family she grew up with wasn’t her biological family. The film follows her decades-long quest to uncover her true identity.
Starring Yaya DaCosta as Monique Smith—who also steps up as an executive producer—this film grabs your heart and doesn’t let go. Directed by Tailiah Breon and written by Sylvia Jones, it features a talented cast, including Robert Hamilton III, Solace Kimbro Jones, Kadeem Isaiah, Morgan-Rose Jordan, and Djassi DaCosta Johnson (Yaya’s real-life sister). Are you curious about where they filmed this emotional rollercoaster and who else brings it to life? Let’s get into it!
What’s the Story Behind Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story?
This isn’t just another movie; it’s a heartfelt tale of resilience. Monique grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, in a home that felt anything but safe. Raised by a woman she thought was her mother, she faced physical, emotional, and sexual abuse starting at a young age. Two uncles, now deceased, were among those she says harmed her for over a decade. Can you imagine trying to find your place in a family that didn’t want you?” Monique has always felt out of place, like a puzzle piece that doesn’t fit. Her early years were scarring, but they also paved her path—and fueled her desire—to find a better life.
An Identity That Becomes Question Marks
As an adult, Monique faced a challenge that many of us might never contemplate: she lacked any legal documentation substantiating her identity. No birth certificate. No Social Security card. Such simple things as applying to college, enlisting in the Marines, or getting some jobs were off-limits. Whenever she requested the documents from the woman she referred to as her mother, she received excuses or outright refusals. That’s when doubt crept in. Why was something so simple so difficult to obtain? It was more than just paperwork — it was a sign that the life she’d been sold wasn’t accurate.
The Truth Changes Everything
Monique discovered a shocking revelation: they had abducted her from New York when she was just one year old. The woman who raised her wasn’t her biological mother and had faked records to cover it up, even securing multiple Social Security cards under different names for Monique. What a devastating revelation! This revelation completely upended her world. She discovered that the family she had known all her life had no connection to her. Suddenly, everything she thought she knew unraveled, and she was left with one big question: who was she really?
Chasing Her True Roots
Monique didn’t just sit with that shock—she took action. For decades, she hunted for answers about her origins. She reached out to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, calling herself a “grown-up missing child.” She worked with law enforcement, submitted DNA to databases, and even teamed up with genetic genealogists. Dead ends piled up, but Monique kept going. Her persistence paid off in 2019 when DNA detectives connected her with six biological sisters. In 2022, at 55, she finally held her birth certificate and learned her real name: Simboli Ruffin. Sadly, her biological mother, Margaret Conyers, had passed away years before in New York, but finding her sisters gave Monique a new sense of family.
Where was Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story Filmed?
The movie was shot in two major U.S. states: Georgia and New York. These locations helped bring Monique’s story to life, blending gritty realism with vibrant backdrops. The cast and crew poured their hearts into filming over two weeks in December 2024, often working 12-hour days. Indoor and outdoor spots were carefully chosen to reflect the emotional weight of Monique’s experiences. Let’s break down where the cameras rolled.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta was the main hub for filming, standing in for key moments in Monique’s life. While the real Monique grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and later moved to Augustine, Florida, Atlanta’s versatile locations made it the perfect substitute. The city’s mix of urban and suburban vibes helped portray her tough childhood and her fresh start later on.
A big chunk of the movie was taped at Pangea Studios, located at 3133 Continental Colony Parkway in southwest Atlanta. This 47-acre complex is a filmmaker’s dream, with six sound stages, a residential backlot, and top-notch amenities. It gave the team everything they needed to craft scenes that feel personal and real. From quiet neighborhood moments to intense family confrontations, Atlanta’s settings added depth to the story.
Why Atlanta? It’s a hotspot for film production, with tax incentives, skilled crews, and diverse locations. Plus, it’s home to countless other projects, from blockbusters to TV shows, making it a go-to for bringing stories like Monique’s to the screen.
New York City
New York City played a smaller but crucial role in the film. The crew headed to the Big Apple to grab establishing shots of its iconic skyline—think towering skyscrapers and landmarks like Central Park. These visuals set the stage for Monique’s origins, since she was reportedly taken from New York at just one year old. The city’s energy and history added a layer of authenticity to her story.
They also filmed a few exterior scenes in The Bronx, a borough with its own distinct flavor. These moments helped ground the movie in Monique’s early life, hinting at the world she was born into. New York’s ability to double as almost any setting makes it a favorite for filmmakers. Shows like Euphoria and movies like Anora have leaned on its streets, and Not My Family is no exception.
Filming in New York wasn’t just about aesthetics. It tied directly to Monique’s real-life connection to the city, making those shots more than just pretty backgrounds—they’re part of her truth.
Who stars in Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story?
The cast is a powerhouse, bringing Monique’s journey to life with heart and grit. While specific names aren’t fully detailed in what we’ve got, the actors worked closely with director Tailiah Breon to nail the emotional beats. Lifetime movies thrive on talent that can make you feel every moment, and this film is no different. The performers spent long days on set, diving deep into their roles to honor Monique’s story.
What makes the cast stand out? Their commitment. They didn’t just show up—they poured themselves into portraying real people with real struggles. Whether it’s the young Monique facing abuse or the adult Monique searching for answers, the performances hit home.
FAQs
Where does Monique Smith’s journey take place?
Monique’s story kicks off in Baltimore, Maryland, where she endures a rough childhood. Later, she moves to Augustine, Florida, for a new beginning. Her search for answers stretches across years, and the movie brings these places to life, showing her emotional path from pain to purpose.
Who plays Monique Smith in the movie?
Yaya DaCosta shines as Monique Smith, pouring heart into the role. As an executive producer, she brings even more enthusiasm to the project. Directed by Tailiah Breon, the cast, including Djassi DaCosta Johnson (Yaya’s sister), captures every high and low of Monique’s life.
When did the filming of Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story take place?
Filming happened over two weeks in December 2024, with the cast and crew working 12-hour days to bring Monique’s story to life. The film was primarily shot in Atlanta, with some scenes also taking place in New York, and the tight 13-day schedule effectively blended grit and emotion.
Got questions or want more details? Drop us a line, and let’s keep the conversation going!
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