‘Superfly’ Set to Open 2018 American Black Film Festival in Miami BeachPosted by Wilson Morales
May 29, 2018
Variety is reporting that The 2018 American Black Film Festival will open with the premiere screening of “Superfly” on June 13 at the Fillmore Theater in Miami Beach, Fla.,
The film is inspired by the 1972 classic, which starred Ron O’Nealas Priest, a cocaine dealer looking to score one more super deal and retire. The movie was directed by Gordon Parks Jr., the son of Gordon Parks. The $500,000 film was massively profitable with box office of $30 million.
“Superfly” is directed by Director X in his feature film debut from Alex Tse’s script. It stars Trevor Jackson stars as Youngblood Priest, with Jason Mitchell playing Eddie, Lex Scott Davis as Georgia, Michael K. Williams as Scatter, Andrea Londo as Cynthia, Allen Maldonado as Litty, Jacob Ming-Trent as Fat Freddy and Omar Chapparo as Adalberto.
“We are thrilled ‘Superfly’ will be the opening night film at the 2018 ABFF,” CEO Jeff Friday said. “For many, the title resonates as a cultural touchstone, not only for the look and style of the film itself, but also for Curtis Mayfield’s legendary soundtrack, and for its place in history. ‘Superfly’ is one of the few films of its era that featured African-American characters with agency and power. In bringing ‘Superfly’ to a new generation, Director X has transitioned a timeless classic into a modern day, entertaining film that will be enjoyed by all.”
Hip-Hop superstar Future has come on board to produce with Joel Silver, while Steven R. Shore, son of the original film’s producer Sig Shore, will serve as an exec producer alongside Matthew Hirsch, Hal Sadoff and Aaron Ausch.
Future will curate the soundtrack for the redo, following in the footsteps of legendary songwriter and musician Curtis Mayfield, who composed the original soundtrack, which went on to the a critical and commercial success. Separately, rapper 21 Savage is in talks to join the film in some capacity.
