By: Dorian Kendrick
In a contemporary adaptation of Langston Hughes’ celebrated play, the holiday musical drama BLACK NATIVITY follows Langston (Jacob Latimore), a street-wise teen from Baltimore raised by a single mother, as he journeys to New York City to spend the Christmas holiday with his estranged relatives Reverend Cornell and Aretha Cobbs (Forest Whitaker and Angela Bassett). Unwilling to live by the imposing Reverend Cobbs’ rules, a frustrated Langston is determined to return home to his mother, Naima (Jennifer Hudson). Langston embarks on a surprising and inspirational journey and along with new friends, and a little divine intervention, he discovers the true meaning of faith, healing, and family.
Fox Searchlight Pictures presents, a Mavin Pictures / Wonderful Films production, BLACK NATIVITY, written for the screen and directed by Kasi Lemmons, based upon the play by Langston Hughes. The film stars Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker (THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND), Academy Award nominee Angela Bassett (WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT), Grammy Award nominee Tyrese Gibson (BABY BOY), Jacob Latimore (VANISHING ON 7TH STREET), Grammy Award winner Mary J. Blige (ROCK OF AGES), Grammy Award nominee Nasir Jones (BLOOD DIAMOND) and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson (DREAMGIRLS).
The creative team includes producers Celine Rattray, p.g.a. (THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT), William Horberg, p.g.a. (THE KITE RUNNER) and Galt Niederhoffer (THE WINNING SEASON), executive producers Trudie Styler (MOON), T.D. Jakes (JUMPING THE BROOM), Joy Goodman and Derrick M. Williams, director of photography Anastas N. Michos (SPARKLE, TEXAS CHAINSAW 3D), production designer Kristi Zea (THE DEPARTED), edited by Terilyn A. Shropshire, A.C.E. (JUMPING THE BROOM), co-producer Bergen Swanson (PRECIOUS), original score by Raphael Saadiq (PRECIOUS) & Laura Karpman (WHIZ KIDS), executive music producer Raphael Saadiq (BROWN SUGAR) and choregrapher Otis Sallid (MALCOLM X).
