Grace Gibson, Lynn Whitfield’s daughter, to make feature debut in Kasi Lemmons’ Black NativityPosted by Wilson Morales
February 14, 2013
While production is currently shooting in New York City for Kasi Lemmon‘s musical Black Nativity, Blackfilm.com has learned that Grace Gibson, daughter of actress Lynn Whitfield and director Brian Gibson, is also included in the star-studded cast. It’s her feature debut.
She joins a cast that includes Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, Jacob Latimore, Tyrese Gibson, Luke James, Nas, and Mary J. Blige.
The film is produced by William Horberg’s Wonderful Films, and Trudie Styler and Celine Rattray’s Maven Pictures, and will be financed, marketed and released worldwide by Fox Searchlight Pictures.
Originally written by Langston Hughes as a re-telling of the Bible’s nativity story, ‘Black Nativity’ follows Langston (JACOB LATIMORE), a street-wise teen from Baltimore raised by a single mother, as he journeys to New York City to spend the Christmas holiday with his estranged relatives Reverend Cornell and Aretha Cobbs (FOREST WHITAKER and ANGELA BASSETT). Unwilling to live by the imposing Reverend Cobbs’ rules, a frustrated Langston is determined to return home to his mother, Naima (JENNIFER HUDSON). Langston embarks on a surprising and inspirational journey and along with new friends, and a little divine intervention, he discovers the true meaning of faith, healing, and family.
Kasi Lemmons is writing and directing the film based on Langston Hughes’ gospel musical that was first performed on Broadway in 1961. The film will feature original lyrics and arrangements from Grammy winning singer, songwriter and record producer Raphael Saadiq (the band Tony! Toni! Toné!). Casting director Tracy ‘Twinkie’ Byrd is currently putting together the rest of the cast. Production should conclude in March.
Zola Mashariki, Senior Vice President of Production, along with Director of Production Richard Gold and Creative Executive Taylor Friedman are overseeing the project for Fox Searchlight Pictures.
Grace is also a singer and dancer as well. Here’s video of her covering Adele’s Rumor Has It/Set Fire to the Rain.
