Richmond, Virginia, is the backdrop for a gripping new documentary, “Surviving Andre,” set to release on August 16, 2024. Filmed by Vzual Films, the documentary chronicles the harrowing experience of Nkese Hayes as she navigates the aftermath of being scammed by notorious con man Andre Vann aka Gepetto Jackson . With the creative support of Bone The Mack, this film promises to reveal the deep emotional and financial scars left by Vann’s deceit after he scammed her family of all their life savings. After trying to get legal justice to no avail , Ms Hayes has decided to take matters into her hands and is on a quest to tell her story publicly in hopes of creating awareness and eventually ending his 20 plus years of scamming innocent people . She hopes to put an end to the long list of victims all over the country .
For Nkese Hayes, this project is a significant diversion from her career as a psych nurse practitioner . She is well aware of the mental health repercussions victims endure from Andre’s crimes . Andre is one of many imposters who use celebrities and their identity to scam unsuspecting victims . This issue has become very prevalent in the music industry and can be mentally and emotionally devastating to his victims .
The documentary is a personal and professional milestone for Hayes, as she steps into the role of storyteller , victim , warrior, and advocate. By sharing her story, she aims to shed light on the pervasive problem of scams in the industry, hoping to prevent others from falling victim to similar schemes.
“Surviving Andre” not only delves into the specifics of Nkese’s ordeal but also explores the broader impact on her family and community. The journey of documenting this story was transformative for Hayes, offering a platform for healing and awareness. She invites anyone who has had dealings with Andre Vann to come forward, hoping that their collective voices will amplify the message of resilience and caution. This compelling narrative is poised to resonate with many, providing both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope for all who have endured similar experiences.