Fox hosts Special Atlanta Screening of #ShotsFired [PHOTOS]

adminMarch 4, 2017

Written by | Ray Cornelius

Fox recently held an Atlanta screening of its upcoming series #ShotsFired and boy did it have people talking! The invitation only event was held at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and featured the one-hour viewing along with a post talk back discussion with the series’ co-creator Reggie Rock Bythewood and cast members DeWanda Wise and Jill Hennessy. It was moderated by multi-media personality and HGTV star Egypt Sherrod.

#ShotsFired is a 10-part series airing March 22 and follows two out-of-town Black prosecutors who are brought in to investigate the murder of a white teenager by a Black cop. However, things are not what they seem and the two must keep their personal bias and suspicions to themselves to seek the truth. It features Sanaa Lathan (like you’ve never seen her before) as Ashe Akino, a rough and tough investigator who is searching for answers alongside her very young boss and special prosecutor, Preston Terry played by “Race” star Stephan James.

#ShotsFired also includes iconic TV and film actors Helen Hunt as North Carolina Governor Patricia Eamons and well as “Underground” actress Aisha Hinds as Pastor Janea James. Versatile actor Tristan “Mack” Wilds plays Deputy Josh Beck, who is under investigation while Wise and Hennessey play the mother’s of the two slain teenagers, who are interestingly connected.

According to Bythewood, he and his wife Gina Prince-Bythewood created #ShotsFired after the death of Trayvon Martin. “This is like a mission’s statement because it let’s you know that were not playing here and that this is for real. Yes, were entertaining. We got hip hop music. We sorta got somewhat of a mystery going on but it’s real here,” said Bythewood during the post talk back.

Both Wise and Hennessy talked about preparing for their roles as grieving mothers of sons shot by police officers. They also talked about the irony of how many of their scenes were often taped at the same time real life situations were being playing out around the country involving unarmed African-American men and white police officers.

“What’s amazing about releasing this show right now is that we’re at a point where we’re prime for readiness. We’ve been taking our democracy for granted and this last election was like a serious wake-up call. I feel like this show is fuel for the fire and I am really excited to see what it’s going to ignite,” said Wise.

#ShotsFired debuts on Fox March 22. See more photos below from the red carpet including shots of Atlanta celebrities Dionne Farris, Da Brat, Joseline Hernandez, Crystal Fox, April Parker Jones and more!