Ahead of the UK release of 'If Beale Street Could Talk' on 8th February, we spoke to writer and director Barry Jenkins about the weight of adapting James Baldwin (who wrote the original novel), the collaborative environment he cultivated on set, as well as the kind of stories he wants to tell.
Beale Street, follows the story of Tish (Kiki Layne) and Fonny (Stephan James), a young couple living in 1970's Harlem. When Fonny is falsely accused of rape, the lovers try to fight for justice with the help, love and sacrifice of their families. It's a timely, political and devastating story in parts, however you can't escape the joy, hopefulness and love carrying the characters through the journey. It's already won a host of awards so far including Critic's Choice Awards for Best Supporting Actress (Regina King) and Best Adapted Screenplay, a Golden Globe for King and it has also been nominated for three Academy Awards (Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Score and Best Adapted Screenplay).
Now UK audiences finally get to see it; If Beale Street Could Talk is being released in the cinemas on Friday 8th February so check your local listings. It's definitely a SceneTV pick!
Also check out our interview with lead Stephan James here.
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