Several years ago, after his success debuting “The Birth of a Nation” at film festivals, it seemed that Nate Parker was bound to become one of the most exciting filmmakers in America. However, when past sexual assault charges resurfaced from his days in college, the buzz seemed to dissipate from ‘Birth.’ Now, years later, writer-director-star Nate Parker returns with a new film, “American Skin.”
As seen in the trailer for “American Skin,” the film tells a story that feels like it could be ripped from the headlines, as a Black man is pulled over by white cops and witnesses one of them shooting his teenage son for seemingly no reason. And after no charges were brought against the police officer for the crime, the father decides to take the law into his own hands.
As mentioned, the film stars Nate Parker, who also wrote and directed the film. Joining him in the cast are Omari Hardwick, Theo Rossi, and Beau Knapp. The film debuted at last year’s Venice Film Festival where it won the Sconfini Best Director award. Spike Lee is the executive producer.
READ MORE: Nate Parker Apologizes For Being “Tone Deaf” In His Response To Past Rape Allegations
Speaking to Deadline, recently, about the film, Parker said, “In 2014, following the death of Michael Brown, I traveled to Ferguson, Missouri to stand against the overt domestic terrorism I saw spreading like a virus throughout our country. My hope was both to amplify calls for justice, while seeking a better understanding of the tensions between law enforcement and men and women of color. The most tragic moment of this trip arrived when I stood downtown between two infuriated groups of citizens. From one side came yells of ‘Justice for Mike Brown’ and on the other ‘Support Our Police.’ It became even more clear to me, the disconnect in our collective understanding of citizenship, law enforcement, and our responsibility to preserve American Black lives. This trip and subsequent killings developed in me a fire that manifested itself into the makings of this film ‘American Skin.’”
He added, “As an American citizen, father, brother, son and artist, I felt compelled to use my platform as a filmmaker to respond to this crisis in a way that could not only promote social equity, but initiate a global culture shift that can result in the preservation of lives. If saving one life is the only thing this film achieves, it will have served its core purpose.”
“American Skin” is set to be released on January 15, 2021. You can watch the new trailer below.
Here’s the synopsis:
After witnessing his son murdered by a white police officer who goes uncharged, Marine veteran Lincoln ‘Linc’ Jefferson takes justice into his own hands in a series of events he hopes will finally lead to justice for his son.