BIRTH OF A NATION from FOX SEARCHLIGHT. The Sundance 2016 darling received a standing ovation after its' screening and a bidding war began for distribution rights. "Fox Searchlight" bought it for a record $17.5 million. It has been praised as the front runner for the best picture "Oscar" in 2017.
A news story broke about Nate Parker who co-wrote and directed "Birth of a Nation." Him and Jean Celestin were charged with the rape of a female Penn State college student in 1999. Nate was acquitted of that rape in 2001. Jean was not convicted of rape, but sexual assault. His appeal cleared him of that charge and was never retried again. The rape accuser committed suicide in 2012.
That 1999 Penn State case is public record and is now being re-examined as "Birth" rolls into U.S., theaters. "Fox Searchlight" is fielding Internet back lash. They said in a statement, "“Searchlight is aware of the incident that occurred while Nate Parker
was at Penn State. We also know that
he was found innocent and cleared of all charges. We stand behind Nate
and are proud to help bring this important and powerful story to the
screen.”
The American Film Institute (AFI) recently cancelled the screening of "Birth" plus the Q&A with Parker. The 1999 case has caused considerable controversy and "Fox" will host a screening later. AFI has recently been clouded over by the firing of 5 faculty members and 4 other faculty who have resigned out of protest. All have questioned the way Jan Schuette has been running the school as the new Dean since 2014.
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) will hold "Birth" screenings, but has cancelled the Q&A with Nate Parker on Sept. 9, 2016. It has been reported that Parker will continue to attend press junkets for "Birth."
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