From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Love Jones is a 1997 American romantic drama film written and directed by Theodore Witcher, in his feature film debut . It stars Larenz Tate , Nia Long , Isaiah Washington , Bill Bellamy , and Lisa Nicole Carson . Two of the poems recited by Nia Long's character, Nina, were written by Sonia Sanchez and are included in her book Like the Singing Coming Off the Drums: Love Poems . The film received favorable critical reviews, it was not a financial success. It has, however, a cult following because of its realistic characters and unorthodox take on the romance genre. It is Theodore Witcher's only directorial work to date.