Kevin Harrison Jr. (“Cyrano”) is set to star as the late American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in the new biopic “Samo Lives.” The announcement was made on the film’s website.
Julius Onah is set to write, direct and produce the biopic. Onah reunites with Harrison who previously collaborated on Independent Spirit Award-nominated film “Luce.” Onah co-wrote the script with Peter Glanz.
“Samo Lives” was developed by Endeavor Content and the biopic will tell and celebrate the incredible origins and global legacy of the New York-born, Haitian-Puerto Rican American artist, whose seminal paintings and street art defined the Neo-expressionism arts movement in the 1980s.
“Jean-Michel Basquiat redefined the idea of who ascends to the highest altitudes of the fine art world. But the complexity and richness of his experience as an artist and child of the African Diaspora has yet to be dramatized in the manner it deserves,“ Onah said in a statement.
Julius Onah is set to write, direct and produce the biopic. Onah reunites with Harrison who previously collaborated on Independent Spirit Award-nominated film “Luce.” Onah co-wrote the script with Peter Glanz.
“Samo Lives” was developed by Endeavor Content and the biopic will tell and celebrate the incredible origins and global legacy of the New York-born, Haitian-Puerto Rican American artist, whose seminal paintings and street art defined the Neo-expressionism arts movement in the 1980s.
“Jean-Michel Basquiat redefined the idea of who ascends to the highest altitudes of the fine art world. But the complexity and richness of his experience as an artist and child of the African Diaspora has yet to be dramatized in the manner it deserves,“ Onah said in a statement.
- 1/5/2022
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
“Cyrano” star Kelvin Harrison Jr. will next embody American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in a new project from director Julius Onah.
Harrison and Onah previously collaborated on the critically acclaimed drama “Luce,” which nabbed best male lead and best director nominations at the 2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards.
Developed and financed by Endeavor Content, the biographical film, titled “Samo Lives,” will celebrate the life, career and impact of the groundbreaking New York-born, Haitian-Puerto Rican American artist whose seminal paintings and street art defined the Neo-expressionism arts movement of the 1980s.
In 1983, Basquiat became the youngest artist to exhibit at the Whitney Biennial in New York, at just 22 years old. The acclaimed artist died on August 12, 1988 at the age of 27, but his work continues to make a great impact on the art world. At a Sotheby’s auction in 2017, Basquiat’s painting “Untitled” sold for $110.5 million, becoming one of the most expensive paintings...
Harrison and Onah previously collaborated on the critically acclaimed drama “Luce,” which nabbed best male lead and best director nominations at the 2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards.
Developed and financed by Endeavor Content, the biographical film, titled “Samo Lives,” will celebrate the life, career and impact of the groundbreaking New York-born, Haitian-Puerto Rican American artist whose seminal paintings and street art defined the Neo-expressionism arts movement of the 1980s.
In 1983, Basquiat became the youngest artist to exhibit at the Whitney Biennial in New York, at just 22 years old. The acclaimed artist died on August 12, 1988 at the age of 27, but his work continues to make a great impact on the art world. At a Sotheby’s auction in 2017, Basquiat’s painting “Untitled” sold for $110.5 million, becoming one of the most expensive paintings...
- 1/5/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
The Sundance Film Festival made enormous strides this year in terms of diversity, with 40 percent of the 112 films selected having been directed (or co-directed) by a woman, 36 percent by a person of color, and 13 percent by an Lgbtq filmmaker. With greater director diversity naturally comes a wider array of stories and increased opportunities for women and actors of color in front of the camera. But what about behind the camera?
IndieWire reached out to 15 directors and producers who had scripted narrative features that premiered this year at Sundance to have a frank conversation about crew diversity in the indie world: the challenges, the successes, and the need to expand one’s network to make such hires possible. The one common denominator of each of these films is that, early in preproduction, every one of them set a goal of having a more inclusive crew.
The discussion of how they actually...
IndieWire reached out to 15 directors and producers who had scripted narrative features that premiered this year at Sundance to have a frank conversation about crew diversity in the indie world: the challenges, the successes, and the need to expand one’s network to make such hires possible. The one common denominator of each of these films is that, early in preproduction, every one of them set a goal of having a more inclusive crew.
The discussion of how they actually...
- 2/7/2019
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
Julius Onah’s stirring family drama “Luce” has sold to Neon and Topic Studios out of the Sundance Film Festival.
Starring Naomi Watts, Octavia Spencer, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Tim Roth, the deal was struck for U.S. distribution rights for an undisclosed amount.
“It’s been a real thrill premiering ‘Luce’ at Sundance. After hearing Neon’s passion and excitement for the film, I know there is no better partner. Tom Quinn and his entire team have shown a clear vision for ‘Luce’ with great enthusiasm. I look forward to continuing the journey of this film with Neon and Topic Studios,” said Onah.
The film is an adaptation of Jc Lee’s play. Onah directs and co-wrote the script with Lee. John Baker, Onah, and Andrew Yang produced. Rob Feng and Amber Wang served as executive producers, with Eric Ro as co-producer.
The deal was negotiated by Neon and...
Starring Naomi Watts, Octavia Spencer, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Tim Roth, the deal was struck for U.S. distribution rights for an undisclosed amount.
“It’s been a real thrill premiering ‘Luce’ at Sundance. After hearing Neon’s passion and excitement for the film, I know there is no better partner. Tom Quinn and his entire team have shown a clear vision for ‘Luce’ with great enthusiasm. I look forward to continuing the journey of this film with Neon and Topic Studios,” said Onah.
The film is an adaptation of Jc Lee’s play. Onah directs and co-wrote the script with Lee. John Baker, Onah, and Andrew Yang produced. Rob Feng and Amber Wang served as executive producers, with Eric Ro as co-producer.
The deal was negotiated by Neon and...
- 1/30/2019
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Julius Onah’s thriller Luce has sold to Neon and Topic Studios at the Sundance Film Festival. Both studios have taken domestic rights to the feature, which is based on Jc Lee’s play and premiered Sunday in the U.S. Dramatic Competition.
Luce marks Neon’s fourth acquisition at Sundance this year, having previously taken rights to Alejandro Landes’ cinematic thriller Monos, Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala’s horror film, The Lodge and Abe Forsythe’s Little Monsters.
Luce centers on Amy and Peter Edgar (Naomi Watts and Tim Roth) who adopted their son Luce (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) from war-torn Eritrea 10 years ago. Luce is now an all-star student athlete, beloved by everyone. After a series of encounters with his teacher, Harriet Wilson (Octavia Spencer), questions about who Luce really is begin to emerge. A thrilling psychological drama, Luce addresses such themes as identity, truth, individuality and race. Onah shot the movie on 35mm.
Luce marks Neon’s fourth acquisition at Sundance this year, having previously taken rights to Alejandro Landes’ cinematic thriller Monos, Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala’s horror film, The Lodge and Abe Forsythe’s Little Monsters.
Luce centers on Amy and Peter Edgar (Naomi Watts and Tim Roth) who adopted their son Luce (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) from war-torn Eritrea 10 years ago. Luce is now an all-star student athlete, beloved by everyone. After a series of encounters with his teacher, Harriet Wilson (Octavia Spencer), questions about who Luce really is begin to emerge. A thrilling psychological drama, Luce addresses such themes as identity, truth, individuality and race. Onah shot the movie on 35mm.
- 1/30/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Neon, in partnership with Topic Studios, has acquired the rights to “Luce” starring Naomi Watts and Octavia Spencer.
The drama, directed by Julius Onah, is based on a play by J.C. Lee and was shot on 35mm. “Luce” features performances by Watts, Spencer, Kelvin Harrison Jr, and Tim Roth. The film has garnered rave reviews since its Sundance premiere on Sunday.
“Luce” follows Amy and Peter Edgar (Watts and Roth), who adopted their son Luce (Harrison) from war-torn Eritrea 10 years ago. Now Luce is an all-star student athlete, beloved by everyone. After a series of encounters with his teacher, Harriet Wilson (Spencer), questions about who Luce really is begin to emerge.
Also Read: Sundance 2019: Every Movie Sold So Far, From 'Late Night' to 'The Farewell' (Updating)
“It’s been a real thrill premiering ‘Luce’ at Sundance. After hearing Neon’s passion and excitement for the film,...
The drama, directed by Julius Onah, is based on a play by J.C. Lee and was shot on 35mm. “Luce” features performances by Watts, Spencer, Kelvin Harrison Jr, and Tim Roth. The film has garnered rave reviews since its Sundance premiere on Sunday.
“Luce” follows Amy and Peter Edgar (Watts and Roth), who adopted their son Luce (Harrison) from war-torn Eritrea 10 years ago. Now Luce is an all-star student athlete, beloved by everyone. After a series of encounters with his teacher, Harriet Wilson (Spencer), questions about who Luce really is begin to emerge.
Also Read: Sundance 2019: Every Movie Sold So Far, From 'Late Night' to 'The Farewell' (Updating)
“It’s been a real thrill premiering ‘Luce’ at Sundance. After hearing Neon’s passion and excitement for the film,...
- 1/30/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven and Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Bloom will launch international sales at Cannes for the Julius Onah-directed Luce. The just-wrapped film stars Naomi Watts, Octavia Spencer, Tim Roth and Mudbound‘s Kelvin Harrison Jr. The film is based on J.C. Lee’s play, which was adapted by Lee and Onah. John Baker, Onah and Andrew Yang are producing. Eric Ro is co-producer and The Dream Factory Group’s Rob Feng, Amber Wang and Lee are exec producers. CAA and Endeavor Content are co-repping domestic rights.
Harrison Jr plays Luce Edgar, a model student, track star and champion debater, stature that pleases the parents (Watts and Roth) who adopted him from a war-torn African nation and were concerned he might be haunted by the violent trauma of his upbringing in Africa. Luce’s teacher, Harriet (Spencer), believes he represents a symbol of black excellence setting a positive example for his peers – until she discovers the well-researched paper he wrote,...
Harrison Jr plays Luce Edgar, a model student, track star and champion debater, stature that pleases the parents (Watts and Roth) who adopted him from a war-torn African nation and were concerned he might be haunted by the violent trauma of his upbringing in Africa. Luce’s teacher, Harriet (Spencer), believes he represents a symbol of black excellence setting a positive example for his peers – until she discovers the well-researched paper he wrote,...
- 4/23/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
The latest episode of The Doomgoryum Report web-show introduces us to a fan-made vault classic based off the highly successful video game, Left 4 Dead.
In this fan made trailer/short film directed by Adrian Picardi and produced by Eric Ro known for SyFy's Resistance--we are introduced
to all our favorite game characters in one kick-ass video!
About Doomgoryums Horror Emporium
Doomgoryums Horror Emporium is a website ran by two horror fans who call themselves Axe Master and Happywax. Their web-show offers up reviews and news on all of the horror content you can stomach!
About Adrian Picardi and Eric Ro
Adrian Picardi was born and raised in South Pasadena, California. In 2006 he graduated from the Los Angeles Film School and jumped into the industry as an editor for Television. Picardi continued his directing career by independently producing a series of award winning projects. In 2008, Picardi teamed up with entrepreneur,...
In this fan made trailer/short film directed by Adrian Picardi and produced by Eric Ro known for SyFy's Resistance--we are introduced
to all our favorite game characters in one kick-ass video!
About Doomgoryums Horror Emporium
Doomgoryums Horror Emporium is a website ran by two horror fans who call themselves Axe Master and Happywax. Their web-show offers up reviews and news on all of the horror content you can stomach!
About Adrian Picardi and Eric Ro
Adrian Picardi was born and raised in South Pasadena, California. In 2006 he graduated from the Los Angeles Film School and jumped into the industry as an editor for Television. Picardi continued his directing career by independently producing a series of award winning projects. In 2008, Picardi teamed up with entrepreneur,...
- 4/13/2012
- by Amanda Dyar
- DreadCentral.com
Monday, October 4th at 11Pm Est, the long awaited web series The Resistance will make its debut in a most unlikely place, cable television. Syfy will air the series as a one hour special in place of its Ani-Monday animation block. This might be the first time a series created originally for the web will first premiere on TV. The cable network will package episodes of The Resistance web series and air them back to back, along with approximately 9 minutes of behind the scenes footage in order to reach the 44 minute television runtime. Following the TV broadcast, the series will revert to online video form. Viewers will be able to watch The Resistance in two parts on Xbox Live, Hulu and other distribution channels before it eventually lands on YouTube in four- to five-minute installments. If the series performs well, Starz will greenlight the program as a TV show or web series,...
- 9/17/2010
- by Mathieas McNaughton
- Tubefilter.com
Starz Media is ready to test the waters for sci-fi action thriller "The Resistance" and will do so by taking advantage of the digital age.
The project, originally envisioned as a Web series, could blossom into a TV series or even a movie, depending on the reaction to a pilot of sorts that will be distributed through digital platforms and a one-night TV outing. It's an example for how the entertainment industry is experimenting with new models for the creation and testing of content.
To gauge "Resistance's" potential, Starz on Oct. 4 will take over the 11 p.m. hour of Syfy's two-hour Ani-Monday anime block, which is programmed by Starz's Japanese animation arm Manga Entertainment.
The "Resistance" story runs about 35 minutes as the producers have placed all webisodes back-to-back for the TV version. Added behind-the-scenes material makes for 44 minutes of content.
For digital distribution, the TV version will be split into two pieces for iTunes,...
The project, originally envisioned as a Web series, could blossom into a TV series or even a movie, depending on the reaction to a pilot of sorts that will be distributed through digital platforms and a one-night TV outing. It's an example for how the entertainment industry is experimenting with new models for the creation and testing of content.
To gauge "Resistance's" potential, Starz on Oct. 4 will take over the 11 p.m. hour of Syfy's two-hour Ani-Monday anime block, which is programmed by Starz's Japanese animation arm Manga Entertainment.
The "Resistance" story runs about 35 minutes as the producers have placed all webisodes back-to-back for the TV version. Added behind-the-scenes material makes for 44 minutes of content.
For digital distribution, the TV version will be split into two pieces for iTunes,...
- 9/16/2010
- by By Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.