How do you overcome an unimaginable tragedy? The murder of Emmett Till remains one of the cruelest and most disturbing events in U..S history. While many know this as a pivotal point in civil rights history, its meaning is even more significant for the woman who knew him best. Till’s mother — Mamie Till Mobley — used her pain and heartache to fight for a better future. Her path from grief to activism is chronicled in the new film “Till.”
Update: It was announced today, on the late Emmett Till’s 81st birthday, that director Chinonye Chukwu’s feature film “Till” will make its world premiere at the 60th New York Film Festival on opening weekend. The 60th New York Film Festival, presented by Film at Lincoln Center, will take place September 30 – October 16, presented by Film at Lincoln Center.
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The project comes from a successful Kickstarter campaign by Keith Beauchamp — director of “The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till.” In this documentary, he highlights the famous trial that led to murderers being set free. For “Till,” Beauchamp leaves directorial duties behind in favor of producer and co-writer credits.
Fundraising efforts saw prominent names added to the cast and crew, including Whoopi Goldberg. The actress wrote about what it meant to be a part of the project for its Kickstarter page. “…In light of everything happening in our country today, with the return of unchallenged racism, there is no better time to tell the story of Emmett Till whose heinous death was at the hands of monsters,” she said as part of the statement. “And whose mother, in her grief and pain, said, ‘I want the world to see what they did to my baby,’ and kept his casket open and shamed America to her core.”
In addition to Goldberg, the cast finds its lead in Danielle Deadwyler. The actress takes on a powerful role and gives viewers a chance to connect with a figure many are just discovering. It’s no small task, but one the “Station Eleven” actress takes on without hesitation. Jalyn Hall, Frankie Faison, Haley Bennett also star in the drama.
The film’s official synopsis:
‘Till’ is a profoundly emotional and cinematic film about the true story of Mamie Till Mobley’s relentless pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son, Emmett Till, who, in 1955, was lynched while visiting his cousins in Mississippi. In Mamie’s poignant journey of grief turned to action, we see the universal power of a mother’s ability to change the world.
The Chinonye Chukwu helmed “Till” opens in select theaters October 14. It expands to theaters everywhere on October 28. Watch the first trailer below.