Deon Taylor, the visionary filmmaker that brought us Fatale, Black and Blue, and The Intruder, will be directing the 1960s civil rights drama Freedom Ride. The announcement of the film coincides with the birthday of late activist Rosa Parks, born Feb. 4, 1913, who became known for her role in the Montgomery bus boycott.
Penned by Taylor, Steven Vosburgh (Jimi Hendrix: The Uncut Story), and newcomer Dusdi Fissette, the pic recounts the experience of the late civil rights activist and congressional leader John Lewis as he led determined Freedom Riders, a group of diverse activists peacefully protesting against racial inequality and Jim Crow laws, into the segregated South.
Freedom Rides would include sit-ins and organized boycotts of businesses, such as hotels and restaurants, that supported segregation laws. Those on the interstate bus crusades would often be met with violence from police officers, Ku Klux Klan members, and angry mobs. Sacrifices made by the Freedom Riders garnered national attention and pushed forward the efforts of the Civil Rights Movement.
Lewis, who was a founding member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), participated in his first Freedom Ride at the age of 21 in 1961 and would dedicate his life to civil rights and politics before passing on July 17, 2020.
Under the Hidden Empire Film Group banner, Taylor and partner Robert F. Smith are on board as executive producers. Jonathan Gray and Kristy Grisham of The Hideaway Entertainment and Brooklyn Media’s Benjamin Crump, the civil rights attorney who represented several families victimized by police brutality and racial injustices, including the parents of slain 17-year-old Trayvon Martin (born Feb. 5), will also join as executive producers, alongside co-producer Ryan Cassells (Cherry).
The pic will be produced by Roxanne Avent Taylor of Hidden Empire Film Group, Matthew Rhodes of The Hideaway Entertainment, Kim Leadford of INDE Companies, and Mark R. Harris.
Deon Taylor took to his Instagram account to announce the film.
“No words just honored! This is a moment Ive waited my whole life for!! John Lewis!!! Simply iconic and legendary!!! I will deliver something that will last forever!!”
