Regina King spoke to the fans – including celebs like Angela Bassett – who drove out to watch the world premiere of her directorial debut, One Night in Miami.
The film had its world premiere on Monday night during an AFI Fest Centerpiece Gala screening at the Rose Bowl.
King spoke to the drive-in crowd virtually, along with actor Aldis Hodge, while another cast member, Leslie Odom Jr., attended the event in person.
Regina speaks: Regina King spoke to the fans – including celebs like Angela Bassett – who drove out to watch the world premiere of her directorial debut, One Night in Miami
Stars: King spoke to the drive-in crowd virtually, along with actor Aldis Hodge, while another cast member, Leslie Odom Jr., attended the event in person
King spoke with fans presumably from her home, wearing a bright purple top with her braided hair falling over her shoulders
The first-time feature director, who had previously directed episodes of Southland, Being Mary Jane, Scandal, This Is Us and Insecure, welcomed fans to this unique drive-in premiere before the film played.
The film offers the fictional account of a night where four legends – Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown – all gathered in Miami to discuss how they fit into the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.
Regina’s look: King spoke with fans presumably from her home, wearing a bright purple top with her braided hair falling over her shoulders
‘When I first read Kemp Powers’ compelling screenplay, I just wanted nothing more than to bring this story, about four legendary men Muhammad Ali, Sam Cooke, Jim Brown and Malcolm X, to the screen,’ King began.
‘The intimate discussions that they’re having together, they highlight the humanity of these men, and it highlights the humanity beyond their impact,’ she added.
The actress and director added that the conversations they are all having about what’s happening in the 1960s, ‘are just as relevant today as they were 60 years ago.’
Story to life: ‘When I first read Kemp Powers’ compelling screenplay, I just wanted nothing more than to bring this story, about four legendary men Muhammad Ali, Sam Cooke, Jim Brown and Malcolm X, to the screen,’ King began
‘We hope their conversations on-screen, inspire your conversations off-screen,’ King added, before thanking the AFI Fest for ‘hosting this film.’
She went on to thank everyone in attendance,’from the bottom of my heart for coming out to the drive-in to see it.’
The director closed by saying the film will be in ‘select theaters’ on December 25 before arriving on Amazon Prime Video on January 15, before telling fans to ‘sit back and enjoy.’
Leslie and wife: Leslie Odom Jr., who plays Sam Cooke, was in attendance at the premiere as well, spotted in his vehicle with wife Nicolette Robinson
Leslie Odom Jr., who plays Sam Cooke, was in attendance at the premiere as well, spotted in his vehicle with wife Nicolette Robinson.
Angela Bassett, who starred alongside King in 1991’s Boyz ‘n the Hood and 1998’s How Stella Got Her Groove Back, showed her support at the premiere as well.
Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke was also in attendance at the Rose Bowl premiere on Monday night.
Support: Angela Bassett, who starred alongside King in 1991’s Boyz ‘n the Hood and 1998’s How Stella Got Her Groove Back, showed her support at the premiere as well
Catherine: Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke was also in attendance at the Rose Bowl premiere on Monday night