'Judas and the Black Messiah' gets March 5 India release
Judas and the Black Messiah, which stars Daniel Kaluuya, is releasing on March 5 in India. In the US, it will release on February 12 both on traditional theaters and on HBO Max. The film has been getting critically rave reviews internationally and has already received two Golden Globe nominations for best supporting actor and best song (motion picture), Fight for You by H.E.R.
The film had its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival
The film, directed by Shaka King (known for Newlyweeds, Mulignans and LaZercism), had its world premiere on February 1 at the Sundance Film Festival through satellite screenings and select movie screenings at arthouse centers and drive-in locations maintaining social distancing. One of the late entrants to the 93rd Oscar race, H.E.R.'s Fight for You has also been shortlisted for the original song category.
It is about the Black Panthers' movement and betrayal
The biographical film revolves around Black Panthers leader Fred Hampton, who was assassinated by Chicago Police in his bed in 1969. Hampton's partymen clashed with cops during the 1960s uprising when the US was divided over the Vietnam-war'>Vietnam war and atrocities committed to the community of color. Hampton, essayed by Kaluuya, was betrayed by party insider William O'Neal, who leaked crucial information to FBI.
The venture is supported by 'Black Panther' writer-director Ryan Coogler
O'Neal is remarkably portrayed by Lakeith Stanfield, while the film also stars Jesse Plemons, Dominique Fishback, Ashton Sanders, and Martin Sheen. Shaka pitched the film to Black Panther writer-director Ryan Coogler and Charles D. King, who produced the film alongside the director. Shaka and Will Berson wrote the project screenplay, while Kenny Lucas and Keith Lucas wrote the story with Shaka and Berson.
For Black men, Fred Hampton is a real hero: Shaka
Talking about directing this tragedy, Shaka said, "I think, for a lot of Black men, Fred Hampton is a real hero because of just how undaunted, unafraid and unstoppable he was, yet people always seem centered on the tragic way he died, not at all focused on the heroic way he lived. I wanted to change that." Interestingly, H.E.R. claimed Hampton's crusade inspired her.
