From the streets of Memphis to the red carpets of Tinseltown, Gatsby Randolph is the alter ego of Kobie Randolph, a storyteller, self‑promoter, and first‑time filmmaker who has turned his own life into cinematic art. His debut film, Who Is Gatsby Randolph?, is a hybrid, or “mockumentary”, that traces his audacious plans to gatecrash celebrity parties, mingle with superstars, and, ultimately, remake his identity in the image of Hollywood glamour.
From Night‑club Promoter to Hollywood Persona
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Kobie Randolph started young. As a teenager and then a college student, he threw teen dance parties, worked as a DJ, and even launched his own nightclub at age 22. When that venture faltered, he realized success lay elsewhere. It was the 18‑year‑old’s bold move, flying to Los Angeles in a thrifted Brioni suit and bluffing his way into a NAACP Image Awards pre‑party, that marked the beginning of an extraordinary transformation.
From these daring stunts, the idea of Gatsby Randolph, the character, was born. Kobie realized that by creating a persona, he could engineer his own narrative. He would stage reenactments of those bold moves and invite his audience into the story, effectively turning social media content into film material.
Crafting a Cinema‑Reality Hybrid
Who Is Gatsby Randolph? blends documentary with fiction. Directed, written, produced, and edited by Kobie himself (alongside Marcus Turner), the movie follows Gatsby as he infiltrates the entertainment industry, approaching red carpets, rubbing shoulders with icons like Beyoncé, Jay‑Z, Steven Spielberg, Angelina Jolie, Reese Witherspoon, and more .
Describe it as “Borat meets Entourage,” or as “a poignant wild ride,” critics saw Gatsby’s journey as one not only of ambition, but also of reinvention. Scenestr’s coverage noted that Kobie’s relentless hustle led to encounters with Hollywood elite, from Kim Kardashian to Heidi Klum, and even appearances at Oscars after‑parties.
Shot over seven years at events including the Grammys, Golden Globes, and Vanity Fair Oscar party, the film doubles as a documentary, a personal narrative, and a social experiment. Executive producer Kazembe Coleman, father of Zendaya, adds a touch of credibility and Hollywood ties.
Audience Reaction and Festival Accolades
The film drew early buzz with award consideration for Best Documentary and Best Picture at the 2021 Oscars and BAFTA, largely due to its unorthodox hybrid format and raw honesty. It also earned the Contemporary Vision Award at the Pan African Film Festival.
Critics call it entertaining and thought‑provoking. ReviewRon described it as “an entertaining romp,” praising its humor, hustle, and unpredictable energy. Radioactive Pictures emphasized its clever blend of reality and artifice, calling it “unlike anything I have seen before” radioactivepictures.com.au+1oceanroadmagazine.com.au+1.
The Persona Behind the Persona
Gatsby is essentially Kobie turned up to eleven, an exaggerated, high‑glam alter ego. He describes Gatsby as both himself and an amplified version, a confidence booster and shield in the unpredictable world of fame.
He embraces the power of self‑belief: “You have to be your number‑one cheerleader… As long as you believe in your vision, and you know that you have the tools to pull it off,” he says filmdaily.co. That “tunnel vision” drove him to film reenactments and maintain a relentless hustle, despite skepticism.
Looking Forward: The Sequel and Beyond
After Part I, Kobie is already crafting Who Is Gatsby Randolph? Part II, slated for theatrical release this fall, continuing Gatsby’s rise and explores new creative frontiers. His career continues to span production, writing, and personal brand-building, including fashion collaborations and global events.
Kobie is also pitching a feature project titled PYT (“Pretty Little Thing”), a contemporary, diverse retelling of Pretty Woman set in Beverly Hills.
Conclusion: Reinvention in the Spotlight
Gatsby Randolph is more than a film character, he’s a case study in modern self‑manufactured celebrity. Through bold posture, social engineering, and filmmaking savvy, Kobie Randolph turned perceived rejection into Hollywood acceptance. His hybrid doc‑feature raises questions about authenticity, image, and how fame is made today.
