Will Smith returned home to Philadelphia this past Sunday, for the premiere of a new feature film titled Streets.
What’s Will’s connection to the film, which I’m only just hearing about for the first time? It’s produced by his friend and bodyguard Charlie Mack, and was written and directed by Jamal Hill, who worked as a production assistant on 2 past Will Smith movies – Hancock and I Am Legend; he’s also a Philly native by the way, like Big Willie.
So, what’s Streets about?
The film’s Facebook page describes it as a “dramatic tale of seventeen year old Nichole Gordon who begrudgingly moves to Philadelphia from the wealthy suburbs when her mother becomes the city’s new Assistant DA. As Nicole explores the city’s streets, new found friends put her in the middle of an escalating drug war and in the crosshairs of her mother’s own investigation.“
It stars rapper Meek Mill, Nafeesa Williams (One Life To Live), Chico Benymon (Half & Half), Tray Chaney (The Wire) and others.
The film was made for a reported $60,000, and had its world premiere this past Sunday, the 24th, which, as I already noted, Will Smith attended, along with Tyrese Gibson, and a few other notables.
I don’t have any info on what the plans for this film are; I’m guessing film festivals to start with. And despite the connection to Will Smith, and his support this weekend, I can’t be sure that he’ll have anything to do with its release,. like maybe using his influence to push it on a distributor. But who knows.
The premise is certainly interesting enough, but unfortunately, the trailer below doesn’t win me over at all. But maybe you’ll dig it…
First, check out Will Smith’s congratulatory speech at the film’s premiere, alongside the filmmaker and producer (Will’s bodyguard), and then watch the teaser trailer underneath:
Here’s the trailer:
