Rustin” Revives 1963’s March on Washington Through Music and Cinema
“Ever since Branford Marsalis introduced me to a recording of the holy trombone choir from the United House of Prayer, I’ve been mesmerized. So when the brilliant, impassioned Lenny Kravitz agreed to write a song for Rustin, I begged him to include a chorus of trombones,” reflects George C. Wolfe on Kravitz’s latest creation, “Road To Freedom” for the film “Rustin.”
The partnership between multi-GRAMMY® Award-winner Lenny Kravitz and renowned director George C. Wolfe aims to capture both the essence of 1963 and the spirit of 2023. Kravitz took Wolfe’s vision to the next level by collaborating with the legendary Trombone Shorty, resulting in a bold celebration of freedom.
“Rustin” is set to debut on Netflix on November 17, 2023, with select theaters premiering it earlier on November 3. The film, directed by Wolfe, renowned for works such as “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” focuses on the life and contributions of Bayard Rustin, an overlooked but pivotal figure in the 1963 March on Washington.
The screenplay penned by Julian Breece and Dustin Lance Black, with music by Branford Marsalis, is produced by Bruce Cohen, Higher Ground’s Tonia Davis, and George C. Wolfe. It boasts an executive production team including Higher Ground’s Barack & Michelle Obama.
“Rustin” is not just a recounting of history. It’s a reminder of those who dared to imagine a different world, challenging authority and inspiring movements. The film shines a spotlight on Rustin, who, along with luminaries like Martin Luther King Jr. and Ella Baker, played an instrumental role in the march towards freedom.
Wolfe’s impactful contributions to the arts have earned him a DGA Award and five Tony Awards. His previous collaboration with Netflix, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” starring Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman, garnered five Academy Award nominations, winning two.
Higher Ground, the production company founded by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, is behind “Rustin.” They have consistently elevated stories that influence and resonate, with projects spanning films, TV shows, and podcasts.
For those keen on understanding the depth of Rustin’s legacy and enjoying Lenny Kravitz’s musical genius, this film promises an enlightening experience.
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