Given that he won an Oscar for writing Moonlight (and the film itself went on to become a surprise Best Picture at the Academy Awards' big finale), there has been a lot of anticipation for what director Barry Jenkins might bring to the big screen next. He's locked in his latest project, an adaptation of James Baldwin's If Beale Street Could Talk.
Baldwin's 2006 novel is told through the eyes of Tish, a 19-year-old girl, in love with Fonny, a young sculptor who is the father of her child. Tish and Fonny have pledged to get married, but Fonny is falsely accused of a terrible crime and imprisoned. Their families set out to clear his name, and as they face an uncertain future, the young lovers experience a kaleidoscope of emotions: affection, despair and hope.
Jenkins, who has had the book in his sights for a few years now, and actually wrote the first draft of the screenplay during the first summer break that produced Moonlight, and has been working with Baldwin's estate to secure the rights. "James Baldwin is a man of and ahead of his time; his interrogations of the American consciousness have remained relevant to this day," Jenkins tells Variety. "To translate the power of Tish and Fonny’s love to the screen in Baldwin’s image is a dream I’ve long held dear. Working alongside the Baldwin Estate, I’m excited to finally make that dream come true."
Annapurna Pictures is backing the new drama, and Jenkins is aiming to kick off filming in October. He's also attached to develop a drama series based on Colson Whitehead's book The Underground Railroad, but from the sounds of it, If Beale Street Could Talk will be his priority for now.
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