Roadside Attractions acquired Sundance World Premiere Exhibiting Forgiveness, the lauded directorial debut by renowned artist Titus Kaphar starring Spirit Award Winner and SAG Nominee André Holland (Moonlight, High Flying Bird, Bones and All), Tony Award Nominee John Earl Jelks (Miracle at St. Anna), Oscar nominee Andra Day (The United States vs. Billie Holiday, Marshall) and Oscar® Nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (King Richard, Origin), representing the finest ensemble of actors. Writer and producer Kaphar delivers a multidimensional personal drama which explores parental relationships, generational healing, and the power of forgiveness. Produced by Stephanie Allain (Hustle & Flow, Dear White People), Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine, The Place Beyond the Pines), Jamie Patricof (Blue Valentine, Half Nelson) and Sean Cotton, Exhibiting Forgiveness will open nationwide for the fall awards season.
Tarrell Rodin (Holland) is an admired American painter who lives with his wife, singer-songwriter Aisha (Day), and young son, Jermaine. His artwork excavates beauty from the anguish of his youth, keeping past wounds at bay. His path to success is derailed by an unexpected visit from his estranged father, La’Ron (Jelks), a recovering addict desperate to reconcile.
La’Ron visits at the invitation of Tarrell’s mother, Joyce (Ellis-Taylor) a pious woman with a profound and joyful spirituality. She hopes that Tarrell can open his heart to forgiveness, giving them all another chance at being a family. Tarrell and La’Ron learn that forgetting might be a greater challenge than forgiving in this raw and deeply moving film.
Kaphar’s vulnerable and intimately articulated film inspired tour de force performances from Holland and Jelks, who both portray complex and flawed characters. The work is elevated by the extraordinary acting of Oscar® nominees Day and Ellis-Taylor.
“Titus has changed the world with his art, and this film will bring him a legion of new fans and delight the many who already love his work,” commented Roadside Attractions Co-Presidents Howard Cohen and Eric d’Arbeloff. “These are four jaw-dropping performances which we have no doubt is the finest ensemble filmgoers will see this year.”
Kaphar added, “Even the most extraordinary film in the world would remain hidden without the right distribution team; I’m so excited that our film has found its champion. Roadside has a reputation for bringing us unflinching movie experiences that center innovative and character-driven storytelling. I’m honored to have their support, and proud that Exhibiting Forgiveness will become part of their outstanding portfolio.”
