You just watched Stephan James starring alongside Sanaa Lathan in Fox’s event series “Shots Fired” from Gina Prince-Bytehwood and Reggie Rock Bythewood (the series has ended, but you can binge-watch the season online or on Hulu).

Now, set to be released on August 1, James stars in a multiple award-winning Canadian feature film titled “Across the Line” in which he plays a young, black NHL hopeful living in a racially divided Nova Scotian community who finds his career prospects in jeopardy when tensions in his community come to a head.

Said to be inspired by true events, the film’s official, longer synopsis reads: Stephan James is Mattie, a talented hockey player selected by a top NHL team, but his plans are jeopardized by his hustling brother and the corrosive racial tension at his school. Sarah Jeffery is Jayme, a beautiful but tough young woman who is standing squarely on the line between two cultures and must decide which one she belongs in.

Scripted by Floyd Kane, the film is directed by Director X, whose resume includes directing music videos for top talent like Rihanna, Drake and Kendrick Lamar.

Joining James in front of the camera are Sarah Jeffery, Shamier Anderson, Lanette Ware and others.

Producers include Amos Adetuyi, Michael Donovan, Mark Gosine & Floyd Kane.

Look for “Across the Line” on August 1.

Trailer below: