blackfilm.com correspondent Koku Tona sits down with producer, director, and writer of “Judas and the Black Messiah”, Shaka King. King discusses everything from working with Lakeith Stanfield and Academy Award nominated actor Daniel Kaluuya, preserving Fred Hampton’s legacy, finding out they’re neighbors, and more! blackfilm.com chats with “Judas and the Black Messiah” director Shaka King
Watch the interview, and let us know what you think!
You can view Koku Tona’s video review here.
Film Synopsis
FBI informant William O’Neal (LaKeith Stanfield) infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party and is tasked with keeping tabs on their charismatic leader, Chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya). A career thief, O’Neal revels in the danger of manipulating both his comrades and his handler, Special Agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons). Hampton’s political prowess grows just as he’s falling in love with fellow revolutionary Deborah Johnson (Dominique Fishback).
Inspired by true events, “Judas and the Black Messiah” is directed by Shaka King, marking his studio feature film directorial debut. The project originated with King and his writing partner, Will Berson, who co-wrote the screenplay, and Kenny Lucas & Keith Lucas, who co-wrote the story with Berson & King. King, who has a long relationship with filmmaker Ryan Coogler (“Fruitvale Station”), pitched the film to Coogler and Charles D. King (“Just Mercy,” “Fences”), who are producing the film with Shaka King. The executive producers are Sev Ohanian, Zinzi Coogler, Kim Roth, Poppy Hanks, Ravi Mehta, Jeff Skoll, Anikah McLaren, Aaron L. Gilbert, Jason Cloth, Ted Gidlow, and Niija Kuykendall.
Judas and the Black Messiah premiered on HBO Max February 12th, and is in select theaters depending on your location due to COVID safety measures.
blackfilm.com chats with “Judas and the Black Messiah” director Shaka King
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