The first trailer for Nate Parker’s Nat Turner biopic The Birth of A Nation just hit web and it looks as good as advertised. The film chronicles the life the slave preacher who led a plantation revolt in Virginia in 1831.
The Birth of A Nation is directed by Parker who stars as Turner and has a cast that includes Armie Hammer, Aja Naomi King, Jackie Earle Haley, Penelope Ann Miller, and Gabrielle Union. Anticipation for the film has grown since it made history at the Sundance Film Festival in January. In addition to winning two awards and garnering standing ovations at screenings, the movie secured a record $17.5 million dollar deal from Fox Searchlight Pictures. It was the biggest deal to be signed in Sundance’s history.
The films first trailer shows Turner evolving from his role as a preacher and then into a revolt leader. The change comes about after Turner is asked by his masters to control other slaves with religion. But when he sees his fellow slaves continue to be demeaned, abused and even killed, flips the script. Many are looking forward to the film as it presents a new perspective on slavery and a narrative that is an alternative to most slave movies that are usually one-sided.
The Birth Of A Nation will hit theaters in October.
Photo: Screen shot
