He has wowed us in everything from The Great Debaters to Beyond the Lights. Now, Nate Parker is taking on what will most likely be hailed as his most challenging role to date as preacher and freedom fighter Nat Turner in the upcoming film The Birth of a Nation.
For its part, Hollywood has long had a morbid fascination with all things slavery, including the portrayal of blacks as can’t do nothin’, stand for anything slaves. And the African American community is typically left wanting. We hang our heads low with that dreaded “here we go again” feeling.
But, anyone familiar with Nat Turner’s life is hoping that Parker’s new movie will offer a different take on slavery through the life of the man who led one of the most famous slave revolts in history.
As for Parker, his responsibility isn’t just limited to in front of the camera either. In addition to starring in the film, he wrote and directed what will hopefully be an epic take on a courageous life.
Premiering as a competitor at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, the official synopsis of the film, along with additional screen stills (official trailer not yet available) is below:
The Birth of a Nation / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Nate Parker) — Set against the antebellum South, this story follows Nat Turner, a literate slave and preacher whose financially strained owner, Samuel Turner, accepts an offer to use Nat’s preaching to subdue unruly slaves. After witnessing countless atrocities against fellow slaves, Nat devises a plan to lead his people to freedom. Cast: Nate Parker, Armie Hammer, Aja Naomi King, Jackie Earle Haley, Gabrielle Union, Mark Boone Jr. World Premiere
BMWK, What say you? Are you ready for a different kind of slave movie?