Tag: Shirley Chisholm

Feature ‘Shirley’ Headed to Netflix

The feature film Shirley, about politician Shirley Chisholm, is heading to Netflix.

From Participant and Regina King’s Royal Ties Productions, Shirley portrays the story of the first Black Congresswoman and the first Black woman to run for president of the United States. The film will tell the story of Chisholm’s boundary-breaking and historic presidential campaign, based on exclusive and extensive conversations with family, friends and those who knew her best.

King will star as Chisholm in the film.

In addition to King (The Harder They Fall), the film stars Lance Reddick (“John Wick” series), Lucas Hedges (Manchester by the Sea), Christina Jackson (“Swagger”), Michael Cherrie (Home Again), Dorian Missick (“For Life”), Amirah Vann (“Underground”), W. Earl Brown (“Deadwood”), with André Holland (Passing) and Terrence Howard (“Empire”).

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(L-R): Shirley stars Christina Jackson, Lance Reddick and Amirah Vann

Amazon Studios Greenlights Shirley Chisholm Biopic Starring Viola Davis

Amazon Studios Nov. 29 announced it has acquired rights to The Fighting Shirley Chisholm, with Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis set to star in the title role as well co-produce.

Chisholm became the first black woman elected to Congress in 1969 – a seat she held until 1983. Chisholm survived racial harassment and assassination attempts in an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination in the 1972 presidential election. Chisholm died in 2005 at age 81.

After recently inking a first look exclusive production deal with Davis and Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions, The Fighting Shirley Chisholm further expands on Amazon Studios and JuVee Productions commitment to telling inclusive and impactful stories from established and new filmmakers of all backgrounds.

Co-producers include Stephanie Allain (Hustle & Flow, Dear White People) and Mel Jones under Homegrown Pictures, with Davis and Julius Tennon under their JuVee Productions banner.

Maggie Betts (Novitiate) will direct the screenplay written by Emmy-nominated writer Adam Countee (“Silicon Valley”, “Community”, “Mindy Project”).

Davis can currently be seen theatrically starring in Widows from director Steve McQueen and stars in Amazon Studio’s Troupe Zero, alongside Alison Janney and Jim Gaffigan.