Set against the antebellum South,The Birth of a Nationfollows Nat Turner (Nate Parker), a literate slave and preacher, whose financially strained owner, Samuel Turner (Armie Hammer), accepts an offer to use Nat’s preaching to subdue unruly slaves. As he witnesses countless atrocities, against himself and his fellow slaves, Nat orchestrates and uprising in the hopes of leading his people to freedom. The first teaser trailer has arrived for this intense new drama. And it is positioned to be the film to beat at next year’sAcademy Awards.
The Birth of a Nationwon the Audience Award and Grand Jury Prize at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, where it made it’s debut. The film was picked up by Fox Searchlight for a record breaking $17.5 million. The film has been compared to12 Years a SlaveandSchindler’s List. Thehistorical dramawill get a year-endAward Season releasefromFox Searchlight.
Jackie Earle Haley,Gabrielle Union,Penelope Ann Miller,Mark Boone JuniorandAja Naomi Kinglead thesupporting castofBirth of a Nation.Nate Parkerproduced the movie withJason Michael Berman,Aaron L. Gilbert,Preston L. HolmesandKevin Turen. This first look footage is set toNina Simone’s classic cover of the Billie Holiday perennial Starnge Fruit.
Birth of a Nationmarks the feature-length directorial debut for Nate Parker, who takes the lead in the movie. He’s previously directed two short films. But he began his career as an actor on such TV series asCold CaseandKurtlar Vadisi. He made his movie acting debut in the indie comedy thrillerCruel Worldstarting opposite Edward Furlong andJaime Pressly. This latest project brings him a long way from those auspicious beginnings, positioning him as both a possible Best Actor and Best Director candidate.
Nate Parkerwent onto much more prestigious roles in such movies asAin’t Them Bodies Saintsand the highly acclaimedBeyond the Lights. The role of Nat Turner is one of his greatest yet, and you may see some of the emotion and power on display in this first look. The movie will be in theaters October 7.
