ABOVE PHOTO: Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyers star as Michelle Robinson and Barack Obama in the upcoming new romantic biopic of the Obamas’ courtship, Southside With You.
By Tambay A. Obenson
Shadow and Act
Miramax paid a reported roughly $2 million for North American rights to director Richard Tanne’s well-received Sundance romantic-drama, Southside With You, the lighthearted film that follows a young Barack Obama and future First Lady Michelle Robinson on their first date, during the summer of 1989.
Miramax is partnering with Roadside Attractions on the theatrical release of the IM Global-backed film, which made its World Premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival were it drew rave reviews.
Director Tanne developed the screenplay for the film which stars Tika Sumpter playing Michelle; while Parker Sawyers, known for parts in Zero Dark Thirty (2012) and Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014), is Barack.
The film is produced by Robert Teitel, Tika Sumpter, and Richard Tanne. Executive Producers are Stuart Ford, Matt Jackson, Glendon Palmer, John Legend, Mike Jackson, Carrie Holt De Lama, and Tracey Bing. Legend also produced and performs the end title song for the film, “Start.”
An August 2016 premiere is eyed.
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