Cast: Anthony Mackie (Hakim Jamal), Zazie Beetz (Dorothy Jamal), Kristen Stewart (Jean Seberg), Margaret Qualley (Linette), Vince Vaughn (Carl Kowalski), Jack O’Connell (Jack Solomon), Stephen Root (Walt Breckman).
Story: Seberg is inspired by true events about the French New Wave darling and Breathless star, Jean Seberg (Kristen Stewart), who in the late 1960s was targeted by the FBI because of her support of the civil rights movement and romantic involvement with Hakim Jamal (Anthony Mackie), among others. In Benedict Andrews’ noir-ish thriller, Seberg’s life and career are destroyed by Hoover’s overreaching surveillance and harassment in an effort to suppress and discredit Seberg’s activism. Source: The Playlist. Photo Source: Shadow & Act.
Release Date:12/6/19; Apple TV+ – Limited Series Genre: Thriller Rating:NR Studio(s): Chernin Entertainment, Endeavor Content, Hello Sunshine, Orit Entertainment, Apple TV+
Cast:Octavia Spencer (Poppy Parnell), Michael Beach (Ingram Rhoades) Aaron Paul (Warren Cave), Lizzy Caplan, Elizabeth Perkins, Mekhi Phifer, Tracie Thoms, Haneefah Wood, Brooklynn MacKinzie (young Poppy), Tami Roman (Lillian Scoville) and Ron Cephas Jones.
Story: The limited drama series follows podcaster Poppy Parnell (Octavia Spencer) as she is compelled to reopen the murder case that made her a national sensation and comes face-to-face with Warren Cave (Aaron Paul), the man she may have mistakenly helped to put behind bars. Based on the novel by Kathleen Barber, Truth Be Told provides a unique glimpse into America’s obsession with true crime podcasts and challenges its viewers to consider the consequences when the pursuit of justice is placed on a public stage.
Beginning December 6, the first three episodes of Truth Be Told will be available to watch on Apple TV+ in over 100 countries and regions around the world. New episodes will continue to roll out weekly, every Friday. Executive producers include Reese Witherspoon Octavia Spencer. Source: Apple.com.
Release Date:3/6/2020 – Theatrical; 3/20/20 – Apple TV Plus Genre:Drama Rating:PG-13 Director: George Nolfi Studio(s):Romulus Entertainment, Iam21 Entertainment, Apple TV+ Running Time:120 mins.
Cast:Samuel L. Jackson (Joe Morris), Anthony Mackie (Bernard Garrett), Nicholas Hoult (Matt Steiner), Nia Long (Eunice Garrett), Taylor Black (Susie), Jessie T. Usher (Tony Jackson).
Story: Based on a true story, The Banker centers on revolutionary businessmen Bernard Garrett (Anthony Mackie) and Joe Morris (Samuel L. Jackson), who devise an audacious and risky plan to take on the racially oppressive establishment of the 1960’s by helping other African Americans pursue the American dream. Along with Garrett’s wife Eunice (Nia Long), they train a working class white man, Matt Steiner (Nicholas Hoult), to pose as the rich and privileged face of their burgeoning real estate and banking empire – while Garrett and Morris pose as a janitor and a chauffeur. Their success ultimately draws the attention of the federal government, which threatens everything the two have built. Source: filmstories.co.uk.
Update 11/24/19: On 11/23/19 Fortune reported that weeks into the launch of its nascent streaming service, Apple TV+, the technology giant finds itself navigating potential scandal centering around its first major theatrical release. The Banker was set to arrive in theaters next month ahead of its TV+ release. But sexual abuse allegations leveled against the film’s co-producer, Bernard Garrett Jr. — son of the movie’s main subject — led Apple to delay the release indefinitely, as the filmmakers investigate the claims.
It raises questions about the potential impact on the film and it’s success with Apple. The Banker was scheduled to premiere and close out AFI Fest on Thursday ahead of a theatrical release on December 6, a prime calendar date for awards consideration. Early reports buzzed about the high-profile drama’s potential for Oscars gold. Even a nomination or two just months after Apple’s streaming launch would be a big statement and source of interest for on-the-fence consumers unsure about Apple TV+. Now, with a release date yet to be determined, it’s possible The Banker misses the Dec. 31 deadline to qualify for next year’s Academy Awards.
“We purchased The Banker earlier this year as we were moved by the film’s entertaining and educational story about social change and financial literacy,” Apple said in a statement to Deadline on Wednesday. “Last week some concerns surrounding the film were brought to our attention. We, along with the filmmakers, need some time to look into these matters and determine the best next steps. In light of this, we are no longer premiering The Banker at AFI Fest.”
The Banker was Apple’s first big narrative feature starring an A-list cast. Now, it’s not even clear if it will appear on Apple TV+. The company has not yet said anything about the fate of the film on its streaming service. Assuming The Banker eventually does premiere on the service or in theaters, it risks having a cloud hang over it depending on the result of Apple’s investigation. “The outcome has to be positive. If not, [the film’s] just going to be buried,” said Jeff Bock, a senior box office analyst at Exhibitor Relations. “There’s no way around social media. The onslaught never ends if you’re found out on the negative end of that.” Source: Fortune.com.
Release Date:2/11/20; DVD/Blu-Ray (Original Release Date: 12/13/19) Genre:Biography/Western Rating: R Director:Wes Miller Studio(s):Sweet Unknown Studios, Future Proof Films, Wing and a Prayer Pictures, WrenLee Pictures, Lionsgate Running Time:106 mins.
Cast: David Gyasi (Bass Reeves), Ron Perlman (Charlie Storm), Zahn McClarnon (Sam Sixkiller), Frank Grillo (Bob Dozier).
Story: Based on the true life story of Bass Reeves, a legendary tough African American cowboy in the Wild West. David Gyasi stars as Bass Reeves, the first black deputy U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi River who worked mostly in Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory. During his long career, he was credited with arresting more than 3,000 felons and had shot and killed 14 outlaws in self-defense. Hell on the Border also stars Frank Grillo, Zahn McClarnon, Randy Wayne, Manu Intiraymi, Rudy Youngblood, Ashley Atwood, and Ron Perlman.
Having escaped from slavery after the Civil War, Bass arrives in Arkansas seeking a job with the law. To prove himself, he must hunt down a deadly outlaw (Frank Grillo) with the help of a grizzled journeyman (Ron Perlman). As he chases the criminal deeper into the Cherokee Nation, Reeves must not only dodge bullets, but severe discrimination in hopes of earning his star—and cement his place as a cowboy legend. Source: Firstshowing.net.
Release Date:11/30/19; BET & BET Her Genre:Holiday/Comedy Rating: NR Director: Terri J. Vaughn Studio:Nina Holiday Entertainment Running Time:Unknown
Cast: Wendy Raquel Robinson (Paris), Ta’Rhonda Jones (Leesa J), Andra Fuller (Caleb), Melba Moore (Granny Fran), Elijah Everett (Christian), Trina Braxton (Karen Corvey), Natalie Lymor (Angela).
Story: When hip hop diva, Leesa J, rekindles an old friendship over Christmas, her walk down memory lane causes her to shed her prima donna persona, and soon opens her heart to receive love. Source: blackfilm.com.
Story: Jessica (Shein Mompremier) is a struggling chef living in a trendy borough in New York. Her restaurant just hasn’t received the kind of attention that it takes to survive, especially with Christmas on the way. Prince Jack is from a small European country and arrives in New York to plan his family’s annual Christmas charity dinner. After firing the cantankerous chef, he finds himself lost in the big city and wanders into none other than Jessica’s restaurant. He immediately falls in love with Jessica’s cooking and comes up with a brilliant plan: why doesn’t she cater his Christmas gala? As romance blossoms, so do the obstacles. His parents, a would-be girlfriend and a pushy socialite (and ex-girlfriend) from Jack’s home country all stand in the way. But love is a powerful force. And as the day of the big event arrives, she decides she doesn’t care what anyone else says. She’s going to make the best dinner the annual Christmas gala has ever seen! And, in the process, she might just land herself the best Christmas present of all, her very own Prince! Source: blackfilm.com.
Release Date: 12/13/19; In Theaters
Black Cinema Connection 