The Story ⚡
“The Color Purple” is coming to the Nigerian big screens from 9th of February 2024
Tell Me More
“The Color Purple” is a 2023 American musical period drama directed by Blitz Bazawule. Adapted from Marcus Gardley’s screenplay, the film is based on the stage musical of the same name, itself derived from Alice Walker’s 1982 novel. This marks the second film adaptation of the novel, with the first being Steven Spielberg’s 1985 production. Spielberg and Quincy Jones return as producers, joined by Scott Sanders and Oprah Winfrey, who also starred in the 1985 film.
The narrative unfolds as a woman faces a myriad of life challenges, drawing on her resilience and finding strength and hope amidst the enduring bonds of sisterhood. The cast, boasting names like Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Louis Gossett Jr., Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Ciara, Jon Batiste, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and marking the film debut of Fantasia Barrino, brings this powerful story to life.
“The Color Purple” is set to captivate Nigerian audiences at the cinemas starting February 9th, with FilmOne Entertainment handling the distribution.
Key Background
Blitz Bazawule, a filmmaker and musician hailing from Ghana and currently residing in New York, made his mark with the feature directorial debut “The Burial Of Kojo,” which premiered on Netflix in 2019 through Array.
Notably, he co-directed Beyoncé’s “Black Is King,” earning a Grammy nomination in 2020. Currently, Blitz is at the helm of directing the Warner Bros production of ‘The Color Purple Musical,’ backed by a stellar producing team including Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Quincy Jones, and Scott Sanders.
In addition to his directorial achievements, Blitz Bazawule is the founder of the Africa Film Society. His notable recognitions include the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship, the TED Fellowship, and the Vilcek Prize, underlining his significant contributions to the world of film and storytelling.
Tangent
The year 2024 marks a pivotal moment for the infusion of African talent into Hollywood, emphasizing the pressing need for both actors and directors to take centre stage in shaping the industry’s trajectory. The call for increased representation and diversity resonates strongly, creating a unique opportunity for African creatives to become integral contributors to global storytelling.
Hollywood’s evolving landscape demands not just faces but voices behind the camera, directors who can weave compelling narratives informed by diverse perspectives and cultural richness. As the industry embraces these changes, the potential for African actors and directors to redefine and broaden the spectrum of Hollywood projects is more significant than ever.
The trailblazing successes of figures like David Oyelowo and Lupita Nyong’o have already proven that not only can African talent find a foothold in Hollywood, but it can also excel and redefine industry standards. Their accomplishments serve as beacons of inspiration, lighting the way for aspiring actors and directors across the continent.
However, the journey toward comprehensive representation is ongoing, and the years ahead offer an exciting prospect for a new wave of African creatives to not just participate but significantly contribute to Hollywood, ensuring that the global cinematic narrative reflects the diversity and richness of the world’s cultures.
In Summary
With Reviews have been overwhelmingly positive and one wonders how much of a gross it can establish here in the Nigerian market.
From next month February, the numbers will tell.
