During this year’s American Black Film Festival, the Fierce Female Filmmakers panel featured a rousing conversation with Nicole Brown (President of TriStar Pictures) and director Gina Prince-Bythewood, which was moderated by Brett King, VP, Creative Programming, Diversity & Inclusion Sony Pictures Entertainment.
The panel kicked off with Sony Pictures Entertainment sharing exclusive footage from two upcoming films being released this year – Bythewood’s The Woman King starring Viola Davis and the first Whitney Houston studio biopic, I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
The Woman King presented footage that garnered two, four-minute standing ovations. I Wanna Dance With Somebody showed a montage featuring Naomi Ackie and Stanley Tucci.
'The Woman King' stars Davis, Thuso Mbedu, John Boyega and more
As we reported previously, The Woman King is “inspired by true events in the Kingdom of Dahomey, a powerful state in the 18th century. It will tell the story of Nanisca, general of the all-female military unit known as the Amazons who fought the French and neighboring tribes who violated their honor, enslaved their people, and threatened to destroy everything they’ve lived for.”
Other stars include Lashana Lynch, Adrienne Warren. Sheila Atim and Jayme Lawson.
The Woman King lands in theaters this September.
'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' is an upcoming biopic about the late musical icon, Whitney Houston.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker star Ackie is taking on a huge role as she embodies musical icon Whitney Houston in the upcoming biopic, I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
The we previously reported, the film gives an inside look at the the epic life and music of the iconic singer. Directed by Kasi Lemmons and written by Anthony McCarten, the film “will take audiences on an emotional, energetic journey through Houston’s career and music.” It also stars Nafessa Williams, Ashton Sanders and Tucci.
I Wanna Dance With Somebody is expected to hit theaters on Dec. 21.
Check out panel photos below:
