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Freedom's Path is a historical war drama starring Gerran Howell, Rj Cyler, and Ewen Bremner. The film follows the Union soldier's journey as a ruthless slave catcher discovers the Underground Railway and conspires to destroy it. Directed by Brett Smith, Freedom's Path has received critical acclaim, winning awards at various film festivals.

An exclusive clip from Freedom's Path teases the historical war drama starring 1917’s Gerran Howell, The Harder They Fall star Rj Cyler, and Trainspotting’s Ewen Bremner, which tells the story of a Union soldier who is rescued by a free Black man. The Forge acquired North American rights to Brett Smith’s feature film Freedom's Path back in June, with the drama all set to be released in select theaters later this month, followed by VOD later this year. You can check out our exclusive clip from Freedom's Path below.

The official synopsis for Freedom's Path reads...

Back in October 2019, before the pandemic, we brought you news about American Civil War movie Freedom’s Path.

The feature, which charts the friendship between a Union soldier and a runaway slave who is helping facilitate the Underground Railroad, stars Ewen Bremner (Trainspotting), Rj Cyler (Me And Earl And The Dying Girl) and Gerran Howell (Catch 22). Post-production has just wrapped.

As it turned out, the project would mark the final stops on the journey of two veteran actors who died while the movie was in post-production: Thomas Jefferson Byrd, a frequent Spike Lee collaborator, and New Orleans native Carol Sutton, both of whom had supporting roles.

Both actors died in sad circumstances. Tony-nominee Byrd was murdered in Atlanta and Sutton died of complications from Covid.

Today, the production has chosen to release two images of the admired actors in their final film, marking the first official stills from the movie.

The Independent Spirit Award nominations were announced on January 26 and included a windfall for the cast of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” — not just leads Viola Davis and the late Chadwick Boseman, but also supporting actors Colman Domingo and Glynn Turman. Is this a sign that we’re underestimating the film’s supporting cast at the Oscars?

SEE13 best Viola Davis movies ranked, including ‘Fences,’ ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,’ ‘The Help’ and more [Photos]

Davis and Boseman have gotten the most attention from early awards voters thus far, with Davis winning Best Actress from Philadelphia critics and earning nominations and runner-up citations from many other groups including the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and the National Society of Film Critics. Boseman has done even better, winning Lafca as well as prizes from Chicago, Denver and San Francisco journalists and noms from numerous others.

They have the showiest roles in “Ma Rainey,” but...

A 30-year-old man was arrested Friday by Atlanta police in connection with the killing of film actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd.

Suspect Antonio Demetrice Rhynes was arrested in an early-morning raid at an apartment complex, police said. He was booked into the Fulton County Jail. No motive or court date has been revealed.

The 70-year-old Byrd was shot several times in the back on Oct. 3. His body was discovered about 1:45 a.m. at an address southwest of downtown Atlanta, police said.

Byrd had credits in several Spike Lee films, beginning in 1995 with Clockers. He also appeared in Girl 6, He Got Game, and Bamboozled, among other films.

He also appeared in a recent Netflix adaptation of Lee’s 1986 movie, She’s Gotta Have it, the 2004 Ray Charles biopic, Ray, the political satire Bulworth, and the F. Gary Gray movie Set It Off.

“I’m so sad to announce the tragic murder...

Atlanta law enforcement have a suspect in custody for the murder of actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd. The frequent Spike Lee collaborator was found dead around 1:45am in Atlanta on October 3rd. The veteran actor had been shot several times in the back, his body located near his home. Lee was tghe first to report the news on social media, stating, "I'm So Sad To Announce The Tragic Murder Of Our Beloved Brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd Last Night In Atlanta, Georgia. Tom Is My Guy." Lee then went on to celebrate some of the movies they did together over the years.

Earlier this week, Atlanta homicide detectives obtained an arrest warrant for 30-year old Antonio Demetrice Rhynes on a felony murder charge. They obtained the warrant based on "evidence and tips from the public," and he was arrested early Friday morning. A $10,000 reward had been posted in order to get...

A suspect has been arrested in the murder case of Thomas Jefferson Byrd, a character actor who had appeared in several of Spike Lee’s movies. Byrd was killed in Atlanta on October 3.

30-year-old Antonio Demetrice Rhynes was arrested on Friday morning, the Atlanta Police Department told TheWrap in a statement. Apd Fugitive Unit in coordination with Apd Swat officers arrested Rhynes on Friday morning at Royal Oaks Apartments 3540 North Camp Creek Parkway.

A warrant was issued for Rhynes arrest on Wednesday by homicide detectives. Once processed, the suspect will be taken to the Fulton County Jail.

The Atlanta Police Department previously said that on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 1:45 a.m., officers were dispatched to 2257 Belvedere Ave found Byrd dead from multiple gunshot wounds to the back and was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The Atlanta Police Department is proud of the diligent efforts of the Homicide Unit to identify...

Update: Homicide detectives have identified a suspect in the shooting death of Thomas Jefferson Byrd. On Oct. 14, Atlanta police officials announced that warrants for the arrest of 30-year-old Antonio Demetrice Rhynes of Atlanta for felony murder were issued and investigators from the Apd Fugitive Unit were working to arrest the suspect. In the early morning hours of Oct. 16, Rhynes was indeed arrested and taken to the Fulton County Jail. As of press time, he had yet to enter a plea. ————— Hollywood has lost a star. Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd passed away in Atlanta, Ga. on Saturday, Oct. 3 "from multiple gunshot wounds to the...

Police arrested a man on Friday morning who is accused of murdering Thomas Jefferson Byrd, the character actor who appeared in several Spike Lee films.

Antonio Demetrice Rhynes, 30, was arrested by a fugitive unit and Swat team officers, according to the Atlanta Police Department.

Rhynes is accused of shooting Byrd early on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 3. Officers were called to the home at 2257 Belvedere Ave. at 1:45 a.m. They found Byrd dead with multiple gunshots in the back, according to a police statement.

According to police, homicide detectives followed up on evidence and tips from citizens to identify Rhynes as a suspect. They obtained a warrant for his arrest on suspicion of murder on Wednesday.

Rhynes was arrested early on Friday morning at the Royal Oaks Apartments, at 3540 North Camp Creek Parkway. He will be taken to the Fulton County Jail.

“The Atlanta Police Department is proud of...

Atlanta police on Friday announced a suspect had been arrested in connection to the Thomas Jefferson Byrd homicide case.

Antonio Demetrice Rhynes, 30, of Atlanta, was taken into custody Friday morning on suspicion of fatally shooting the actor, who appeared in such Spike Lee films Clockers, He Got Game and Red Hook Summer. Police said tips and evidence led them to Rhynes.

Once processed the suspect will be taken to the Fulton County Jail, police said.

The 70-year-old Byrd was shot and killed Oct. 3. A motive for the killing remains unclear.

Lee created a GoFundMe page to help Byrd’s children, which so far has raised ...

Atlanta police on Friday announced a suspect had been arrested in connection to the Thomas Jefferson Byrd homicide case.

Antonio Demetrice Rhynes, 30, of Atlanta, was taken into custody Friday morning on suspicion of fatally shooting the actor, who appeared in such Spike Lee films Clockers, He Got Game and Red Hook Summer. Police said tips and evidence led them to Rhynes.

Once processed the suspect will be taken to the Fulton County Jail, police said.

The 70-year-old Byrd was shot and killed Oct. 3. A motive for the killing remains unclear.

Lee created a GoFundMe page to help Byrd’s children, which so far has raised ...

Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd, best known for his roles in Spike Lee films, was shot and killed in Atlanta on Sunday. According to a statement by police spokesman Officer Anthony Grant, officers found Byrd unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds in his back while they were responding to a call at 1:45 a.m. on Saturday. Paramedics […]

The post Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Star Of Spike Lee Films, Shot Dead At 70 appeared first on uInterview.

After months of anticipation and mounting Oscar buzz, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” just received a December 18 release date on Netflix. The film, an adaptation of Pulitzer Prize-winner August Wilson’s play of the same name, reunites both producer Denzel Washington and actress Viola Davis with the estimable playwright’s work after they both starred in “Fences” on Broadway and in the Oscar-winning film. Chadwick Boseman co-stars with Davis in what is, sadly, his final role. Kyle Buchanan (New York Times) writes of Boseman’s performance, “Shot through with movie-star charisma and practically assured of Oscar recognition, it is Boseman’s finest screen performance.”

Davis steps into the shoes of real-life blues singer Ma Rainey in the film, which is set in Chicago in 1927 and chronicles a recording session beset with delays, generational tensions amongst the band, and pressure from white record executives. Boseman plays Ma Rainey’s trumpet player Levee,...

Sad news is coming in at the start of the week, as Ghost actress and Broadway star Armelia McQueen has passed away. A cause of death hasn't yet been revealed, though McQueen's friend Dorian Hannaway confirmed the performer's passing with an emotional post on Facebook. She was 68 years old.

"My dear friend Armelia crossed over yesterday," Hannaway said. "She leaves us cherishing her memory as she was one of the greatest friends you could ever have. The only thing bigger than her beautiful soul was her extraordinary talent. She gave us such joy in her many turns on the Broadway stage as well as her film and TV roles. She was brilliant in Ain't Misbehavin' and so many other shows."

Born in Southern Pines, North Carolina, McQueen moved to New York at a young age after the divorce of her parents. Graduating from high school in 1969, she majored in...

Spike Lee Honors Late He Got Clockers” Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd — Spike Lee payed tribute to the late actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd Sunday on Instagram, who starred in many of the director’s films including Clockers, He Got Game and Red Hook Summer. In his post Lee revealed that Byrd was murdered Saturday night in Atlanta, [...]

Continue reading: Spike Lee Honors Late He Got Game & Clockers Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd...

Veteran actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd, known for appearing in several Spike Lee movies, was reportedly shot dead in Atlanta over the weekend. According to police spokesman Officer Anthony Grant, police responded to an emergency call at around 1:45 a.m. on Saturday morning where they found the Tony-nominated actor unresponsive with several gunshots wounds in his back. He was then pronounced dead by responding paramedics, and homicide detectives are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Byrd was 70 years old.

Saddened by the news, Spike Lee took to Instagram to comment on Byrd's passing. Including a photo of Byrd in Clockers, Lee writes, "I'm So Sad To Announce The Tragic Murder Of Our Beloved Brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd Last Night In Atlanta,Georgia. Tom Is My Guy, Here Below You See Him As The Frightening Character Errol Barnes In Clockers."

Lee added, "Brother Byrd Also Did His Thang In My Joints- Chi-raq,...

Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd, who had featured in many films by director Spike Lee, died of gunshot wounds here this weekend. He was 70.

Byrd died on Saturday "from multiple gunshot wounds to the back", a spokesperson for the Atlanta Police Department said in a statement to eonline.com. Officers responded to a "person injured call" around 1.45 am on Saturday and, upon arrival, the authorities said they found "a male lying unresponsive at the location".

Byrd's death is currently under investigation, the police said.

Spike Lee took to Instagram to pay tribute to the late actor, who appeared in his projects such as "Chi-Raq", "Clockers", "Red Hook Summer" and "He Got Game".

"I'm So Sad To Announce The Tragic Murder Of Our Beloved Brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd Last Night In Atlanta, Georgia," Lee wrote on Instagram.

The director noted the films he worked with the late actor on, and concluded by...

Thomas Jefferson Byrd in Clockers

Thomas Jefferson Byrd, star of Clockers and He Got Game, has been shot dead in Atlanta, Georgia, according to a police statement. Paramedics reported that he had multiple gunshot wounds but at present nothing else is known about the incident.

Byrd, 70, spent almost three decades as a film actor, appearing in films like Ray, Bamboozled, Brooklyn's Finest and Chi-Raq as well as carving out an impressive career on the stage. He had a lengthy working relationship with Spike Lee, who described him as a beloved brother.

Byrd's last role was in US Civil War drama Freedom's Path, which is expected to be released next year....

Tony-nominated actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd who is best known or his many roles in Spike Lee’s films was found killed in Atlanta. He was 70.

According to media reports, Byrd was found unresponsive early Sunday morning. Paramedics pronounced him dead as they found multiple gunshot wounds in his back.

Byrd was a frequent collaborator with Lee, appearing in eight of his films including Clockers, Get on the Bus, Girl 6, He Got Game, Bamboozled, Red Hook Summer, Da Sweet Blood of Jesus and Chi-Raq. He also appeared in the Netflix series adaptation of Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It. His film credits also include the 1996 crime drama Set It Off as well as the Oscar-winning pic Ray.

A graduate of Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Byrd made his Broadway debut in the revival of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, starring alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Carl Gordon, Charles S. Dutton and Stephen McKinley Henderson.

Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd, the Tony-nominated actor known for his roles in several Spike Lee films, was killed in Atlanta on Saturday. He was 78. Lee has posted several remembrances of Byrd on Instagram. “May we all wish condolences and blessings to his family. Rest in peace brother Byrd,” the director wrote.

The Atlanta Police Department confirmed to IndieWire that Byrd was shot Saturday at a home in Atlanta. He was pronounced dead on the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

Collaboration between Lee and Byrd dates back to Lee’s 1995 crime drama “Clockers.” Lee shared on Instagram two clips from the film featuring Byrd, including one he said was one of his favorite scenes in the movie.

The actor most recently worked with Lee in the 2015 gun-violence musical satire “Chi-Raq.” His other notable credits include Lee’s “He Got Game,” in which he performed opposite Milla Jovovich and Denzel Washington and...

Thomas Jefferson Byrd, an actor in several of Spike Lee’s films, was killed in Atlanta on Saturday, the Atlanta Police Department confirmed to Variety. He was 70.

On Saturday, Atlanta police officers were dispatched to 2259 Belvedere Ave., responding to a call about an injured person at 1:45 a.m. Upon arrival, officers located Byrd lying unresponsive at the location. Emergency medial services responded to the scene, identified Byrd and pronounced him dead from multiple gunshot wounds to the back.

Homicide detectives are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the investigation is currently ongoing. The Atlanta Police Department tells Variety that the information is preliminary in nature and could change as the investigation continues or new information comes to light.

Byrd appeared in several of Lee’s films, including “Clockers,” “Get on the Bus,” “Bamboozled,” “Chi-Raq,” “Red Hook Summer,” “Girl 6” and “Da Sweet Blood of Jesus.” He...

Spike Lee is paying tribute to late actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd, who starred in a myriad of the director’s films including Clockers, He Got Game and Red Hook Summer.

Lee took to Instagram Sunday to reveal that Byrd was murdered Saturday night in Atlanta, Georgia. In his post, Lee shared a photo of Thomas as the character Errol Barnes in his 1995 film, Clockers.

“I’m So Sad To Announce The Tragic Murder Of Our Beloved Brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd Last Night In Atlanta,Georgia,” Lee wrote. “Tom Is My Guy.”

Lee shared that Byrd starred in a variety of his ...

Stars: Stephen Tyron Williams, Zaraah Abrahams, Rami Malek, Elvis Nolasco, Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Joie Lee, Felicia Pearson, Jeni Perillo, Katherine Borowitz, Donna Dixon, Chiz Schultz, Lauren Macklin, Steven Hauck, Stephen Henderson, Rafael Osorio | Written and Directed by Spike Lee

The respected filmmaker hitting Kickstarter for help phenomenon seems to have died down over the last year or so but along with Zach Braff, Spike Lee was certainly one of the highlights of this short-lived trend. Shaking the virtual tip jar towards a great many people, myself included, he managed to get together a budget of just under $1.5 million, including a $10,000 donation from Steven Soderbergh and so presents us with Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, a somewhat surprise remake of 70’s indie flick Ganja & Hess. Even with my meagre donation, I think it was $10, it’s sad to say that I feel ripped off and I suspect most will.

The question...

Here is first trailer for Spike Lee’s new film Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, which he made after he raised $1.5 million on Kickstarter. Lee is a director that is hit or miss with me. He’s made some great films and some crappy ones. This new one definitely looks intriguing as it follows the story of a man who is addicted to blood.

The movie stars Stephen Tyrone Williams, Zaraah Abrahams, Rami Malek, Elvis Nolasco, Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Joie Lee, Felicia “Snoop” Pearson, and Jeni Perillo.

Spike Lee’s new stylized thriller Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus is a new kind of love story. Dr. Hess Green (Williams) becomes cursed by a mysterious ancient Afrian artifact and is overwhelmed with a newfound thirst for blood. He however is not a vampire. Soon after his transformation he enters into a dangerous romance with Ganja Hightower (Abrahams) that questions the very nature of love,...

Fans of Spike Lee, take note! Lee’s “Red Hook Summer” continues his Chronicles of Brooklyn series and will be making its way to Blu-ray and DVD December 21! “Red Hook Summer” stars Clarke Peters (“Endgame,” “Notting Hill”), Nate Parker (“The Great Debaters,” “Arbitrage”), Thomas Jefferson Byrd (“Ray,” “He Got Game”) and introduces both Jules Brown and Toni Lysaith. The release will include a director’s commentary with Lee, a behind-the-scenes featurette and a music video. If you haven’t heard about “Red Hook Summer,” here’s the synopsis: “The latest in Spike Lee’s Chronicles of Brooklyn (which also include She’s Gotta Have It, Do The Right Thing, Crooklyn, Clockers, and He Got Game), [ Read More ]

The post Spike Lee’s Red Hook Summer Comes To DVD And Blu-ray December 21 appeared first on Shockya.com.

The limits of faith and temptation are tested in the upcoming DVD and Blu-ray release of Spike Lee's Red Hook Summer. Image Entertainment's One Village label will release the film on both Blu-ray and DVD on December 21, 2012. Red Hook Summer stars Clarke Peters (Endgame, Notting Hill), Nate Parker (The Great Debaters, Arbitrage), Thomas Jefferson Byrd (Ray, He Got Game) and introduces both Jules Brown and Toni Lysaith. The DVD will include a Director's Commentary with Spike Lee, a behind-the-scenes featurette and a music video.

The latest in Spike Lee's Chronicles of Brooklyn (which also include She's Gotta Have It, Do the Right Thing, Crooklyn, Clockers, and He Got Game), Red Hook Summer tells the story of Flik Royale, a sullen young boy from middle-class Atlanta who has come to spend the summer with his deeply religious grandfather, Bishop Enoch Rouse, in the housing projects of Red Hook.

Remember my Moonrise Kingdom review earlier this summer, in which I confessed that I'd tweeted the fatuous "oh yes oh Wes oh yes yes yes" after seeing the movie?

Oh, Spike Lee. Oh, no. No (sigh).

Red Hook Summer, Lee's latest feature film, disappointed me greatly. To compare it to my reaction to Moonrise Kingdom causes me to worry that I am a privileged hipster elitist who favors the precious over the real. I'm not going to dwell on whether that's accurate and to what degree, but I firmly believe that even if that's true, it's not why I couldn't engage with Red Hook Summer. Lee's movie about teenagers coming of age has structural problems, clunky performances and an excess of speechifying. As someone who is a great fan of Lee's New Orleans documentaries and several of his features, it is a letdown.

The barely-a-teen at the center of Red Hook Summer...

Chicago – “I ain’t pawning my responsibility off as a parent and saying she’s in God’s hands.” What a powerful line. The idea that religion has been used as a crutch, an excuse for communities who preach that God will save their young ones when they need to do their part is a passionate and powerful one. And we all know that Spike Lee does his best work when he’s inspired by powerful ideas. “Red Hook Summer,” the controversial director’s controversial latest features Lee playing with fascinating concepts and working well with setting even if the final result isn’t quite the sum of its parts.

Rating: 3.0/5.0

Flik Royale (newcomer Jules Brown) has been sent from Atlanta to Red Hook, Brooklyn to live with his preacher grandfather Da Good Bishop Enoch Rouse (Clarke Peters of “The Wire”). Flik immediately butts head with his passionate relative, one...

Summer Bummer: Lee Offers Strong Ending for the Devoted

With his first fictional film since 2008’s Miracle at St. Anna, the ever divisive Spike Lee returns with a film he himself personally financed, Red Hook Summer. While it does bear labor of love earmarks, this personal tale that touches on the gentrification of Brooklyn, unfortunately takes an awfully long time to find its voice. With a running time of 130 minutes, the first 90 feel like Lee wants to punish the viewer with a mixture of painfully wooden child actors, and worse, with plenty of unnecessary and wearying church sermons. If you’ve not been to the “good house” for a while, you might feel like you’ve been held hostage to the word by Spike Lee. But if you’ve the patience, Lee has a rewarding payoff in store for you in the film’s final fourth that lessens the load...

Watch an exclusive clip from Spike Lee's Red Hook Summer, starring Jules Brown, Thomas Jefferson Byrd and Toni Lysaith Scripted and helmed by Spike Lee, Red Hook Summer is a drama which follows a middle-class Atlanta boy whose life is changed after spending the summer with his very religiuous grandfather in the Red Hook housing projects of Brooklyn. The latest in Spike Lee’s Chronicles of Brooklyn series (which also include She's Gotta Have It, Do The Right Thing, Crooklyn, Clockers, and He Got Game), Red Hook Summer tells the story of Flik Royale, a sullen young boy from middle-class Atlanta who has come to spend the summer with his deeply religious grandfather, Bishop Enoch Rouse, in the housing projects of Red Hook. Having never met before, things quickly get off on the wrong foot...

Watch an exclusive clip from Spike Lee's Red Hook Summer, starring Jules Brown, Thomas Jefferson Byrd and Toni Lysaith Scripted and helmed by Spike Lee, Red Hook Summer is a drama which follows a middle-class Atlanta boy whose life is changed after spending the summer with his very religiuous grandfather in the Red Hook housing projects of Brooklyn. The latest in Spike Lee’s Chronicles of Brooklyn series (which also include She's Gotta Have It, Do The Right Thing, Crooklyn, Clockers, and He Got Game), Red Hook Summer tells the story of Flik Royale, a sullen young boy from middle-class Atlanta who has come to spend the summer with his deeply religious grandfather, Bishop Enoch Rouse, in the housing projects of Red Hook. Having never met before, things quickly get off on the wrong foot...

In case you haven't noticed, Spike Lee has been making the publicity rounds for his latest feature, "Red Hook Summer," which opened on Friday and took in $42,100 on four screens over the weekend. That may not sound like a lot, but it's decent business for a film with no special effects, no recognizable characters and no big-name stars. And did I mention that it's set in the projects, but doesn't use them to terrify the audience into double-locking their doors to keep the bad guys away? The Red Hook Projects, as seen in their namesake film, are a place of danger, yes, but also real beauty. It's a community of mostly poor people, struggling to find their way just like the rest of us.

The main attraction, then, is Spike. And the fact that he's going back to Brooklyn, to continue the saga he began with "She's Gotta Have It...

Spike Lee (Do the Right Thing, 25th Hour) returns next month with Red Hook Summer, his first feature since 2008’s Miracle at St. Anna. The first trailer landed last month, and now Variance Films have released ten new images from the film.

Written and directed by Lee, the film stars newcomer Jules Brown as Flik Royale, alongside Clarke Peters (The Wire), Nate Parker (Red Tails), Toni Lysaith, James Ransone (How to Make it in America), and Thomas Jefferson Byrd (Bamboozled).

“The latest in Spike Lee’s Chronicles of Brooklyn anthology–which also includes “She’s Gotta Have It” (1986), “Do The Right Thing” (1989), “Crooklyn” (1994), “Clockers” (1995), and “He Got Game” (1998)–Red Hook Summer tells the story of Flik Royale (Jules Brown), a sullen young boy from middle-class Atlanta who has come to spend the summer with his deeply religious grandfather, Bishop Enoch Rouse (Clarke Peters), in the housing projects of Red Hook.

Variance Films has released the first trailer for Spike Lee's Red Hook Summer, which hits theaters August 10th. The film is another installment of the director's Chronicles of Brooklyn series, which also includes She's Gotta Have It, Do the Right Thing, Crooklyn, Clockers and He Got Game. This new drama centers on a young boy from Atlanta, who is forced to spend the summer in Brooklyn with his religious grandfather. Take a look!

Red Hook Summer - Trailer

Red Hook Summer comes to theaters August 10th, 2012 and stars Limary Agosto, Turron Kofi Alleyne, De'Adre Aziza, Daniel Breaker, Jules Brown, Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Colman Domingo, Kimberly Hebert Gregory. The film is directed by Spike Lee.

There was a lot of buzz surrounding Red Hook Summer in development because director Spike Lee reprises his role from the 1989 classic Do the Right Thing.  There were other elements that bode well for one of the better Spike Lee joints in recent years, including the Brooklyn setting and star Clarke Peters (The Wire).  Red Hook Summer polarized critics at Sundance (Matt gave it an "F"), which could be viewed as another positive sign, given Lee's resume.  Both the good (the music, visual flair) and the bad (poor child actors, drowning in that melodrama) are on display in the first trailer. Jules Brown, Toni Lysaith, Nate Parker, James Ransone, and Thomas Jefferson Byrd star alongside Peters in Red Hook Summer.  Let's you and I wait until it opens on August 10 to make up our minds.  In the meantime, test the waters by watching the trailer after the break. Click to...

Spike Lee returns to his roots as both a director and an actor with his latest project Red Hook Summer, which follows the adventures of a young boy uprooted from Atlanta and forced to spend the summer with his grandfather's congregation in Brooklyn. The first poster and a hi-res photo gallery have been released, featuring cast members Quincy Tyler Bernstine, Jules Brown, Thomas Jefferson Byrd, and Clarke Peters. Sadly, we get no evidence of Spike Lee reprising his role as Mr. Mookie, which we'll have to wait and see when the film hits theaters later this summer.

Red Hook Summer comes to theaters August 10th, 2012 and stars Limary Agosto, Turron Kofi Alleyne, De'Adre Aziza, Daniel Breaker, Jules Brown, Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Colman Domingo, Kimberly Hebert Gregory. The film is directed by Spike Lee.

It's red and it pops with color. It's the new poster for Spike Lee's upcoming drama, the 6th or 7th (depending on who's counting) installment of his chronicles of Brooklyn series, "Red Hook Summer."

Starring Clarke Peters, Nate Parker, Jules Brown, Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Toni Lysaith, James Ransone, De'Adre Azia and many more, "Red Hook Summer" tells the story of Flik Royale (Brown), a sullen young boy from middle-class Atlanta who has come to spend the summer with his deeply religious grandfather, Bishop Enoch Rouse (Peters), in the housing projects of Red Hook. Having never met before, things quickly get off on the wrong foot as Bishop Enoch relentlessly attempts to convert Flik into a follower of Jesus Christ. Between his grandfather’s constant preaching and the culture shock of inner-city life, Flik’s summer appears to be a total disaster--until he meets Chazz Morningstar (Lysaith), a pretty girl his age,...

40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks announced today that the company will undertake its first independent distribution effort with founder Spike Lee's Brooklyn coming-of-age story, Red Hook Summer. 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks will partner with New York-based Variance Films for the theatrical release, which will begin August 10, 2012 in New York City theaters, expanding to the top 30 markets throughout the month of August.

"From my very first joint back in 1986, She's Gotta Have It, I have been an independent filmmaker, and even today I still am," said Spike Lee. "I'm elated to join forces with Variance Films for the independent distribution of my new joint Red Hook Summer. We look forward to getting this film into the marketplace, where we believe 100 percent that there is a starving audience for American independent films like Red Hook Summer."

"Variance's sole mission is to ensure filmmakers retain their rights and their power," said Dylan Marchetti,...

Update #1: Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions have picked up Arbitrage and IFC Films has acquired Liberal Arts. Both films are listed at the beginning of Page 3. Update #2: Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions and Samuel Goldwyn Films are partnering on the U.S. theatrical release of Robot & Frank, which stars Frank Langella, Susan Sarandon, James Marsden, Liv Tyler and Peter Saarsgard. I have also added it to Page 3 along with a look at Langella in the film. Update #3: Magnolia Pictures has picked up the horror collaboration V/H/S bringing directors Adam Wingard, Glenn McQuaid, Radio Silence, David Bruckner, Joe Swanberg and Ti West together for a new horror anthology. I have added a preview for the film to Page 3. Update #4: IFC Films has picked up distribution rights to Simon Killer. Details on the film can be found at the bottom of Page 3. Update #5:...

Spike Lee has never suffered from a lack of ambition and the most remarkable thing about his latest film, Red Hook Summer, is how it finds so many ways to be absolutely terrible.  Every seed of a good idea is smothered under the weight of incompetent directing, horrible pacing, rancid dialogue, and atrocious performances from its lead child actors.  The film vomits up banal editorials, slight commentary on religion, minor observations on modern filmmaking, and a vague sense of community.  Many of the main characters celebrate Jesus, and that carries over to the audience when you thank Christ that the movie is over. Flick (Jules Brown) is uprooted from his comfortable life in Atlanta and forced to stay with his estranged grandfather Enoch (Clarke Peters) over the summer in Red Hook, New York while his mother goes on a trip.  Enoch, a local preacher, makes Flick spend time cleaning up...

'I just asked a normal question,' Rock tells MTV News about what prompted the director's passionate criticism against Hollywood.

By Josh Wigler, with reporting by Eric Ditzian

Chris Rock

Photo: MTV News

Park City, Utah — The old refrain of "more money, more problems" seems to apply to Spike Lee's "Red Hook Summer," the director's new drama he unveiled at the Sundance Film Festival on Sunday.

During a Q&A session following the screening of the filmmaker's religion-focused feature, actor and comedian Chris Rock (at Sundance for his new film "2 Days in New York" from Julie Delpy) asked Lee if he would have done anything differently had he "actually gotten... studio money" for the film. Lee's response was a fiery one, fueled with comments that condemned the Hollywood studio system for knowing "nothing about black people."

"We never went to the studios with this film. I bought a camera...

'I just asked a normal question,' Rock tells MTV News about what prompted the director's passionate criticism against Hollywood.

By Josh Wigler, with reporting by Eric Ditzian

Chris Rock

Photo: MTV News

Park City, Utah — The old refrain of "more money, more problems" seems to apply to Spike Lee's "Red Hook Summer," the director's new drama he unveiled at the Sundance Film Festival on Sunday.

During a Q&A session following the screening of the filmmaker's religion-focused feature, actor and comedian Chris Rock (at Sundance for his new film "2 Days in New York" from Julie Delpy) asked Lee if he would have done anything differently had he "actually gotten... studio money" for the film. Lee's response was a fiery one, fueled with comments that condemned the Hollywood studio system for knowing "nothing about black people."

"We never went to the studios with this film. I bought a camera...

When Spike Lee threw a small fit last night during his Q&A after the premiere of Red Hook Summer, is it because he was angry at Hollywood — or because he sensed that the audience didn’t really like his movie, and he was working off his disappointment by finding a big bad target to hit? My own feeling is that if the film had been better, he might not have been reduced to griping about the movies the Man won’t let him make. For Red Hook Summer isn’t just a letdown. It’s a bit of an ordeal.

The Sundance Film Festival, which kicks off this weekend, has been known to launch the careers of many a rising talent. The Festival has changed over the decades from a low-profile venue for small-budget, independent creators outside the Hollywood system to a now media extravaganza for the Hollywood industry. One thing that hasn’t changed is the number of great movies which premiere each and every year. This year has one of the best line-ups in recent memory. From niche horror to promising indie debuts, the festival is screening 110 feature-length films from 31 countries, so I’ve decided to narrow it down for everyone. Here are the movies you should keep an eye out for this year.

2 Days In New York

In the follow-up to Julie Delpy’s 2 Days in Paris, 2 Days in New York adds Chris Rock to the cast as the straight-man hipster American boyfriend. Fans of Richard Linklater...

Following last week's announcements of the Competition and Spotlight, Park City at Midnight, Next <=> and New Frontier lineups, the Sundance Film Festival, running January 19 through 29, has just announced the lineups for its out-of-competition Premieres and Documentary Premieres sections. Straight from today's release:

Premieres

A showcase of some of the most highly anticipated dramatic films of the coming year from new and established directors. Presented by Entertainment Weekly. Each is a world premiere.

2 Days in New York / France (Director: Julie Delpy, Screenwriters: Julie Delpy, Alexia Landeau) — Marion has broken up with Jack and now lives in New York with their child. A visit from her family, the different cultural background of her new boyfriend, her sister’s ex-boyfriend, and her upcoming photo exhibition make for an explosive mix. Cast: Julie Delpy, Chris Rock, Albert Delpy, Alexia Landeau, Alex Nahon. Image above.

Arbitrage / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Nicholas Jarecki) — A...

Just about every film at Sundance is a world premiere. So why is there a "Premieres" section, and how is it different than the Competition or the Spotlight or the New Frontiers or the Next or...okay, I think that's all of them. Sundance describes Premieres as "a showcase of some of the most highly anticipated dramatic films of the coming year from new and established directors" and Documentary Premieres as "about big subjects or by master filmmakers that showcase the power of the form."

Basically, what it really means is here's where you find the attention-grabbers at Sundance. These are the big honking movies, the movies featuring Hollywood directors and talent coming down from their Valhalla of craft services and video village to get their hands dirty with the independents. These are the movies that have the biggest red carpets and the majority of the press coverage (see this post).

True to form,...

Brother of Andrew Jarecki (All Good Things, Capturing the Friedmans) and Eugene Jarecki (Why We Fight, Reagan), Nicholas Jarecki, will be making his his narrative directing debut at Sundance Film Festival 2012 and we have the first look today. Arbitrage stars last year’s Sundance break-out actress Brit Marling (After Earth, Sound of my Voice), as well as Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, Tim Roth and Nate Parker. Check out the images below.

Synopsis:

A hedge-fund magnate is in over his head, desperately trying to complete the sale of his trading empire before the depths of his fraud are revealed. An unexpected, bloody error forces him to turn to the most unlikely corner for help.

We also have a single look from Spike Lee‘s highly-anticipated drama Red Hook Summer, which follows “a young Atlanta boy spends his summer in Brooklyn with his grandfather, who he’s never seen before.” The cast includes Clarke Peters,...

Sundance Film Festival has already revealed the films for In Competition and Out of Competition. Now we are getting the 22 titles for both films and documentaries. These are the biggest movies of the entire festival. Shadow Dancer, Bachelorette, and Peter Jackson’s documentary West Memphis are among the titles that will premiere at the film festival. Check out the full list below.

Premieres:

A showcase of some of the most highly anticipated dramatic films of the coming year from new and established directors. Presented by Entertainment Weekly. Each is a world premiere.

2 Days in New York (Director: Julie Delpy; Screenwriters: Julie Delpy, Alexia Landeau) — Marion has broken up with Jack and now lives in New York with their child. A visit from her family, the different cultural background of her new boyfriend, her sister’s ex-boyfriend, and her upcoming photo exhibition make for an explosive mix. Cast: Julie Delpy, Chris Rock,...

Utah film festival lineup in January will include new Spike Lee drama and Julie Delpy's follow-up to 2 Days in Paris

The Sundance film festival has announced its lineup of premieres, this year featuring new movies from Spike Lee, Stephen Frears and Julie Delpy among others.

Lee will present Red Hook Summer, his drama about an Atlanta boy who spends a summer in Brooklyn with his grandfather, who he's never met before. It stars The Wire's Clarke Peters, Jules Brown, Toni Lysaith, James Ransone and Thomas Jefferson Byrd. Frears, the British director of The Queen and Dirty Pretty Things, will screen Lay the Favourite, described as a film about an adventurous young woman who gets involved with a group of geeky older men who work the Las Vegas sportsbook system to their advantage. The film stars Rebecca Hall, Bruce Willis and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

French actor-director Delpy arrives with comedy drama 2 Days in New York,...

The Sundance Film Festival (apart from Venice) remains the only major film festival that we have not yet had a chance to fully cover. Hopefully 2012 will change that situation. It is one of our goals for next year and so you should be seeing a lot of Sundance posts for the next two or so months.

Sundance has just announced their Feature and Documentary Premieres for next months line-up and it of course includes notable stand-outs including Spike Lee‘s latest Red Hook Summer, Stephen Frears‘ Lay the Favourite, Josh Radnor‘s sophomore effort, Liberal Arts with Elizabeth Olson and Joe Berlinger‘s latest documentary on Paul Simon. In other words, if you are lucky enough to attend the festival, now is the time to get even more excited.

Here’s the full list of feature and documentary premieres at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival:

Premieres

A showcase of some of...

This years Sundance Film Festival is shaping up to be a fantistic celebration of film. As a film advocate I wish I was personally going, but am happy that the GeekTyrant team is headed to cover this awesome event.

Today, the Sundance Institute has announced the non-competition Premieres and Documentary Premieres sections. There is some impressive films that sound very thought provoking! Keep reading for all the details below.

Here is the official press release:

Sundance Institute announced today the films selected to screen in the out-of-competition Premieres and Documentary Premieres sections of the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. The Festival will be held January 19 through 29 in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden and Sundance, Utah. The complete list of films is available at www.sundance.org/festival.

John Cooper, Director of the Sundance Film Festival, said, “The fact that most of the Premieres have been produced completely independently further underscores the...