Devon Terrell
Devon Terrell

The second of 2 (that we know of) young Barack Obama-related films making a splash this year, is set to world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival this fall, it was announced today by the festival.



Titled simply “Barry,” and directed by Vikram Gandhi, the film is set in New York City, in 1981, and is inspired by true events, telling a story of a young Barack Obama as he tries to find his way as a college student in a new city, while faced with questions about race, culture and identity during what would be a crucial year in the future President’s life.

Devon Terrell (who won the lead role in Steve McQueen’s now-defunct HBO project “Codes of Conduct”) stars in the film as Obama, with Anya Taylor-Joy, Jason Mitchell, Ellar Coltrane and Ashley Judd rounding out the cast.

The film is produced by Black Bear Pictures (“The Imitation Game”) and Cinetic Media.

Adam Mansbach (“Go the F*** to Sleep,” “Angry Black White Boy”) wrote the script.

As for the other “young Obama” movie, a late summer 2016 release (August 26) is eyed for “Southside With You” from director Richard Tanne, starring Tika Sumpter, who plays Michelle; while Parker Sawyers, known for parts in “Zero Dark Thirty” (2012) and “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” (2014), plays Barack Obama. The 2016 Sundance crowd-pleaser drama follows a young Barack Obama and future First Lady Michelle Robinson on their first date, during the summer of 1989.



Miramax is partnering with Roadside Attractions on the theatrical release of the IM Global-backed film, which made its World Premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival were it drew rave reviews.

Sadly, nothing to look at yet for “Barry;” no images, no trailer, no clips, no nothing. But with today’s announcement that it will world premiere at TIFF in September, I anticipate we’ll see something of it soon enough.