David Oyelowo, Misan Harriman and Meghan Markle chat on Nov. 15, 2023.Photo:Emma McIntyre/Getty

Emma McIntyre/Getty
Meghan Marklerecently reunited with a close friend.
In newly released photos, the Duchess of Sussex — wearing a monochrome brown ensemble — moderates a special screening of Netflix’s short film,The After,with the film’s star David Oyelowo and director Misan Harriman. The chat took place on Nov. 15 at a private residence in Montecito, California, where Meghan lives withPrince Harryand their two children.
The 18-minute film marks Harriman’s directorial debut. According toNetflix,The After"delivers one of the most honest, gut-wrenching portrayals of grief ever captured on camera. The short film tells the story of Dayo, a London man who witnesses a horrific attack that changes his life and forces him to start a journey of healing and reconnecting. In the role of Dayo, David Oyelowo (Selma,Nightingale) gives a profound and emotionally charged performance."
In an Instagram post, Harriman said it was “extra special” to have Meghan and “so many of my film idols watch this film.”
Harriman said in aninterview with Krish Majumdarthat despite his success in photography, “cinema was my first love.”
“I found joy, I found love, safety, solace, in cinema and VHS and Betamax videos in the earliest of days,” Harriman said. “I really didn’t think I deserved to have the opportunity to be a storyteller and was kind of programmed to just be happy to be able to consume great art. As I’ve found a sense of stability and love, and thus self-love, in my life, I am now confident enough to try and have a point of view as a filmmaker.”
In addition to having apartnership dealbetween Netflix and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archewell Productions, Meghan has previous connections to both men.
David Oyelowo, Misan Harriman and Meghan Markle at Netflix event on Nov. 15, 2023.Emma McIntyre/Getty

Earlier this year, Meghan and Harry’s Archewell Foundationannounced the donation of school supplies and menstrual productsto young women in Nigeria in partnership with The GEANCO Foundation, whose David Oyelowo Leadership Scholarship provides full tuition, medical care and emotional support to young female victims of terrorism and gender inequality in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Harriman is behind many of Prince Harry and Meghan’s portraits. The Nigerian-born British photographer snapped the royal couple’ssecond pregnancy announcementin Feb. 2021 and later thefirst official photoof their daughterPrincess Lilibetat her first birthday party.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle; Misan Harriman.Aaron Chown/PA Images;Kevin Mazur/Getty Images Ms. Foundation for Women

The Duchess of Sussex made asurprise appearancevia video to introduce the photographer, entrepreneur and social activist via video before his TED Talk earlier this year.
“Our next speaker has an unmatched eye for a good photograph. I’ve experienced his talent firsthand as he’s captured many meaningful milestones for me and my family, and I know there are many others who share in this experience,” Meghan began.
“His lens has photographed everything from events that have changed the world, invisible moments we all desperately needed to see, along with some of the planet’s most recognizable faces,” she continued. “But this was not always his path, and you might be surprised to hear not who, but what, he credits for his success. I’m so thrilled to welcome to the stage, my dear friend, Misan Harriman.”
source: people.com