Anticipation for If Beale Street Could Talk, the Barry Jenkins-directed film based on the 1974 novel of the same name by James Baldwin, just reached its fever pitch.
Thursday, it was announced the film would have its U.S. premiere at the famed Apollo Teater in Harlem in h0nor of the 56th Annual New York Film Festival. Fitting, considering the author, film and novel upon which it is based have roots in Harlem.
For those unfamiliar with the premise, If Beale Street Could Talk centers around Tish, a young woman determined to prove the innocence of her fiance, Fonny, who has been accused of rape. Newly engaged and pregnant, Tish sets out to secure Fonny’s freedom before their baby is born. The film, which stars Regina King, Kiki Layne, Stephan James, Teyonah Parris, Colman Domingo, Brian Tyree Henry and Aunjanue Ellis, will premiere at the Apollo on October 9, where Jenkins and the cast will be present.
“It’s been an honor working with the estate to bring this piece of James Baldwin’s legacy to the screen,” said writer and director Barry Jenkins in a press statement to the public. “From the birthplace of Baldwin to the streets and homes within which we made this film, the honor is doubly felt in the NYFF’s generous offer to widen its borders for our US premiere: up on 125th Street, in the community Jimmy forever knew as home.”
Bask in the magic of the trailer below.