Cynthia Erivo’s ‘Harriet’ To Open Urbanworld Movie Competition
The 23rd Annual Urbanworld Movie Competition, together with its founding associate HBO, introduced its highlight slate, highlighting content material from across the globe by creators of colour and ladies.
BET Networks and Tyler Perry Studios will debut First Wives Membership, certainly one of their first collection launched by the brand new BET Plus video-on-demand service.
“Every year we try to develop our programming slate to reveal tales, themes, and characters which were under-represented in our world. This yr is not any exception,” stated Gabrielle Glore, Urbanworld Movie Competition Competition Director & Head of Programming. “What’s most enjoyable to see is the continued elevation of high quality manifested throughout our content material creators’ work, as we have fun their creativity and craft.”
Focus Options’ Harriet, the inspiring biopic of the life Harriett Tubman starring Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo, is confirmed because the opening evening’s debut movie.
“I’m thrilled to share Harriet with the Urbanworld Movie Competition viewers. The expertise of making this movie was life-changing for me in so some ways,” blushed Kasi Lemmons in a press launch. “We’re honored to open this competition and look ahead to discussing our journey with such a passionate group of movie lovers.”
Lemmons may also function this yr’s competition ambassador.
Veteran creator and cultural filmmaker Nelson George may also debut his documentary A Nice Day in Hip Hop, which facilities round Gordon Parks’ legendary photoshoot gathering over 150 artists in entrance of the identical constructing because the Jazz greats in Harlem.
Urbanworld 2019 may also debut Simply Mercy, starring Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx, and The Apollo, Roger Ross Williams’ acclaimed documentary chronicling the distinctive historical past and modern legacy of the Harlem mainstay.
Display Gems’ Black and Blue, the fast-paced thriller starring Naomie Harris and Tyrese Gibson, will conclude the competition.
Manhattan will host the competition from September 18 – September 22.
