Viola Davis and “Woman King” Spotlight to Close Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Fest

Viola Davis is set to showcase her new film, “The Woman King,” at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) on the fest’s closing night, August 13. Ahead of the film’s world premiere at TIFF next month, Davis...

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Aug 9, 2022 - 21:01
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Viola Davis and “Woman King” Spotlight to Close Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Fest

Festivals

Viola Davis and “Woman King” Spotlight to Close Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Fest

Davis in "The Woman King": Sony Pictures Releasing

Viola Davis is set to showcase her new film, “The Woman King,” at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) on the fest’s closing night, August 13. Ahead of the film’s world premiere at TIFF next month, Davis will discuss the film, which she stars in and produced, and share clips at the event, which will be moderated by The New York Times’ Jazmine Hughes, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

MVAAFF was co-founded by spouses Stephanie and Floyd Rance in 2002. Said Floyd, “Stephanie and I are extremely proud of the platform we have created to celebrate projects from people of color in film. To have this festival conclude with Viola Davis helping us celebrate 20 years of Black excellence, it doesn’t get better than this.”

Written by Dana Stevens and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, “The Woman King,” is a tale inspired by real events, focused on the Agojie, an all-female unit of fierce, skilled warriors who protected the African kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s. As the source details, “the movie follows the journey of General Nanisca (Davis) as she trains the next generation of recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life.” Lashana Lynch (“Captain Marvel”) and “The Underground Railroad” stars Thuso Mbedu and Sheila Atim are also among the cast.

Davis won an Oscar and a BAFTA award for “Fences,” and an Emmy for “How to Get Away with Murder.” Her most recent credits include the Showtime drama “The First Lady,” in which she portrayed Michelle Obama. Earlier this summer, Davis was honored with the Women In Motion Award at Cannes, in recognition of her achievements as an actor, producer, and activist. She published her memoir, “Finding Me,” this year.

See the MVAAFF website to purchase tickets for the event.

“The Woman King” is set for a September 16 theatrical release in the U.S. and Canada.