'The Birth of a Nation': The First Trailer for the Sundance Standout Has Arrived
The Birth of a Nation, one of the most talked-about films at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, won’t land in theaters until this fall. But the release of the first trailer for the movie (watch above) demonstrates that Fox Searchlight, which bought the worldwide rights to the film for a record-setting $17.5 million, is serious about trying to build on its buzz.
An exploration of the story of Nat Turner, who famously led a slave uprising in Southampton County, Virginia in 1831, The Birth of a Nation is a milestone moment for actor Nate Parker (Beyond the Lights), who directed, wrote and stars in the movie and spent seven years working on what was a passion project for him. “For me, it’s a very important conversation,” Parker told Yahoo Movies in February. “I want my kids — especially due to the fact that I’m a black man in America [and] there is pervasive racism in America and in the film industry — I want them to know that I took a shot at it.” The teaser, set to the strains of Nina Simone’s haunting rendition of “Strange Fruit,” gives just a hint of horrors that will unfold in Turner’s life of bondage.
Related: Nate Parker on Sundance Hit 'The Birth of a Nation’: 'It’s a Massive Blow to White Supremacy’
Since 12 Years a Slave won the Academy Award for Best Picture two years ago, there have been a few attempts to explore the history of slavery through new lenses, including the WGN America series Underground, about the Underground Railroad, and the upcoming update of the miniseries Roots, whose original 1977 broadcast touched on Turner’s revolt. But The Birth of a Nation is the most high-profile theatrical release to explore such territory since the Steve McQueen Oscar winner, and the first major biopic about Nat Turner.
The film opens in theaters Oct. 7, smack in the heart of awards season. Though it’s still early, many were already saying it has a strong shot at being recognized come Oscar time and, perhaps, preventing yet another #OscarsSoWhite.
