2013 just might go down in film history as the turning point for Black cinema. No longer limited to the yearly offering of Madea films and romantic comedies, moviegoers can now enjoy a plethora of features that expand on the Black experience. With the critical and box office success of “Fruitvale Station” and “Lee Daniel’s The Butler”, both indie and major studios are waking up to the profitability and value of our narratives.
The Urban Daily has rounded up our fave Fall/Winter releases:
“Winnie Mandela” (Sept. 6th )
Starring: Jennifer Hudson, Terence Howard
J-Hud goes for Oscar #2 as she takes on the role of one of South Africa’s most prominent figures, Winnie Mandela. Based on Anne Marie du Preez Bezrob’s biography “Winnie Mandela: A Life,” the movie traces Winnie’s strict upbringing by a father (who wished she were born a boy) to her fateful meeting with future husband and civil rights leader Nelson Mandela. Winnie faces insurmountable odds as she works to keep the momentum of Mandela’s dream alive while he is imprisoned.
“Things Never Said” (Sept. 6th)
Starring: Shanola Hampton, Omari Hardwick, Elimu Nelson, Tamala Jones, Michael Beach
Kalinda Stepney is at a crossroads – struggling with a failing marriage, the aspiring poetess has big dreams of performing at New York’s most acclaimed spoken word stage, The Nuyorican Poets Cafe. A handsome and mysterious stranger (Omari Hardwick) enters Kalinda’s life, inspiring her voice and sense of worth.
“Mother of George” (Sept.13)
Starring: Danai Gurira, Isaach De Bankole, Yaya Alafia, Anthony Okungbowa
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Millions of fans know Danai Gurira as bad ass Michonne from “The Walking Dead,” but in “Mother of George” Gurira turns in a powerful yet understated performance as Adenike, a newly married Nigerian woman caught between tradition and loyalty. When Adenike realizes she and her husband Ayodele cannot conceive a child on their own, she takes desperate measures that will forever change the lives of those around her.
Blue Caprice (Sept. 13) Starring: Isaiah Washington, Tequan Richmond, Joey Lauren Adams, Tim Blake Nelson
One of the most buzzed about features from this year’s Sundance Festival, “Blue Caprice” is based on the events of the 2002 Beltway Sniper attacks. Told from the point of view from two cold-blooded killers, “Blue Caprice” will take viewers on on unforgettable descent into madness.
Nina and and Lyle are a young Brooklyn couple bound by their love for each other-and their love of weed. What should be a match made in stoner heaven soon turns into a complicated love triangle.
“The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Peete ” (Oct. 11)
Starring: Skylan Brooks, Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks, Anthony Mackie, Jeffrey Wright, Ethan Dizon
Jennifer Hudson takes on a grittier role as a hard-living single mother who leaves her 13 year old son, Mister, to fend for himself after she’s taken in by the police. It’s up to Mister to take care of himself and 9 year old Pete, as they dodge authorities and child protective services on the streets of Brooklyn.
“Twelve Years A Slave” (Oct. 18) Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Adepero Oduye, Brad Pitt, Alfre Wodard, Michael K. Williams
Already attracting early Oscar buzz, “Twelve Years A Slave” is based on the first hand account of Solomon Northrup, a Northen Black man kidnapped and sold into slavery. Chiwetel Ejiofor takes on the tragic role of Solomon Northrup, who is backed by a stellar cast including Michael Fassbender, who plays a cruel and depraved plantation owner moviegoers won’t soon forget.
“Best Man Holiday” (Nov. 15) Starring: Morris Chestnut, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, Monica Calhoun, Taye Diggs, Terence Howard, Harold Perrineau, Regina Hall, Melissa DeSousa
The gang’s all back! What’s old is new again as old romances and rivalries are re-ignited as a group of old college friends reunite during the Christmas holiday.
Starring: James Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, Samuel L. Jackson, Sharlto Copley
Spike Lee is back in fighting form as he remakes Park Chan-Wook’s 2003 Korean thriller. James Brolin plays an advertising executive who is kidnapped and held in solitary confinement for 20 years. He then goes on a bloody rampage, exacting revenge on those he believes are responsible for his imprisonment.
“Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom” (Nov. 29)
Starring: Idris Elba, Naomie Harris
Idris Elba makes his bid for Academy gold as he takes on the role of South Africa’s most iconic leader. Naomie Harris plays Winnie Mandela in this film adaptation of Mandela’s 1994 autobiography.
“Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas” (Dec.13) Starring: Tyler Perry, Chad Michael Murray, Alicia Witt, Tika Sumpter, Anna Maria Horsford
Madea and her niece Eileen (Anna Maria Horsford) bring drama and mayhem to the small southern town of Buck Tussel, when they go to visit Eileen’s daughter (Tika Sumpter) who has secretly married a White farmer (Eric Lively). Expect the sassy, gun-toting grandma to make it a Christmas they will never forget.
