Barry Jenkins directing film version of James Baldwin’s ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’

Posted by | Ray Cornelius 

Oscar winning director and my Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity brother Barry Jenkins is set to direct a film adaptation of James Baldwin‘s classic story, “If Beale Street Could Talk.” According to VARIETY, Jenkins wrote the screenplay during the summer of 2013 along with “Moonlight” and has been working with Baldwin’s Estate and his sister, Gloria Karefa-Smart.

“James Baldwin is a man of and ahead of his time; his interrogations of the American consciousness have remained relevant to this day,” Jenkins said. “To translate the power of Tish and Fonny’s love to the screen in Baldwin’s image is a dream I’ve long held dear. Working alongside the Baldwin Estate, I’m excited to finally make that dream come true.”

“If Beale Street Could Talk,” follows Tish, a newly engaged Harlem woman who races against the clock to prove her lover’s innocence while carrying their first born child. It is a celebration of love told through the story of a young couple, their families and their lives, trying to bring about justice through love, for love and the promise of the American dream.  Production begins this October!

RC will keep you posted on this as it continues to develop.

Photo Credit: RayCornelius.com + Crossroads Blues