Six decades have passed since the poignant and historic 1963 March on Washington, a pivotal event in American history. To commemorate this milestone, Colman Domingo’s Bayard Rustin has aptly described it as an “epic demonstration in our nation’s capital.” Coinciding with this significant anniversary, Netflix has released a captivating teaser for the highly anticipated biopic, Rustin.
An Unveiling of an Extraordinary Life
Directed by the talented George C. Wolfe, a five-time Tony Award winner, and featuring Emmy award-winning actor Colman Domingo in the titular role, Rustin’s biopic promises to shine a long-overdue spotlight on a remarkable man. Serving as an activist, organizer, and visionary, Bayard Rustin played an instrumental role in the March on Washington. The official synopsis aptly describes Rustin as a person who “dared to imagine a different world and inspired a movement in a march toward freedom.”
A Revered Cast
The film boasts an ensemble cast of extraordinary talent, including Chris Rock, Glynn Turman, Jeffrey Wright, and Audra McDonald. However, it is not only the on-screen talent that is notable, but also the executive producers of the film. None other than former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, have lent their support to this important project.
One of the core objectives of Rustin’s biopic is to rectify historical erasure and cast a renewed light upon Bayard Rustin’s invaluable contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. Owing to his homosexuality, Rustin has been unjustly sidelined in the annals of history. Thus, it is a profound and necessary act to reclaim his rightful place.
The newly released trailer amplifies Rustin’s resilience and the challenges he endured throughout his life. In a poignant moment, Domingo’s Rustin defiantly states, “On the day that I was born Black, I was also born homosexual.” This unflinching declaration emphasizes the intersectional struggles that Rustin faced and the immense barriers he overcame.
The Rustin biopic is scheduled to premiere at the Toronto Film Festival on September 13th before hitting select theaters in November and eventually streaming on Netflix on November 17th. The film invites audiences to walk alongside the enigmatic Bayard Rustin, gaining a deeper understanding of his immense contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and the enduring impact of his advocacy for justice and equality.
The forthcoming biopic Rustin is a timely and essential piece of cinema that aims to honor a lion-hearted individual whose legacy has long been eclipsed. Through the beautifully crafted storytelling and the exceptional performances of the cast, audiences will be transported to a tumultuous era and bear witness to the remarkable life of Bayard Rustin. With this film, his rightful place in history will be reclaimed and an entire generation will be inspired by the resounding call for freedom and equality.