LEGENDARY DIRECTOR, BILL DUKE, EXPLORES THE CONTROVERSIAL ISSUE OF WOMEN BECOMING CATHOLIC PRIESTS I
"Created Equal" chosen as an official selection of the American Black Film Festival! World premiere screening to be held on June 15.
It's been six years since famed actor/director Bill Duke stunned audiences with his shocking documentary, Dark Girls. He returns with the same impact and controversy through CREATED EQUAL - an independently produced legal thriller, which will be featured as a "World Premiere" during theAmerican Black Film Festival on Thursday, June 15, 4pm, at the Miami Beach Cinematheque (1130 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL).
In a world where gender equality remains a critical issue, this controversial film, doesn't set out to challenge the Catholic Church doctrine, but asks a very modern question... should women be allowed into seminaries to study for priesthood? "Created Equal is a film that gives you a voyeur experience into the stained glass ceiling that exists in the Catholic Church and asks the question about women being allowed into seminaries without actually taking sides," shares Bill Duke. "We are so excited that the American Black Film Festival has officially selected our film as a world premiere and look forward to the conversation that is created around this highly debated topic."
The film stars Broadway actor and singer Aaron Tveit (Grease Live!) Latina actressEdy Ganem (Devious Maids), Yohance Myles (Shots Fired), veteran actors Lou Diamond Phillips (Longmire) and GregAlan Williams (Greenleaf).
VIEW THE OFFICIAL TRAILER HERE:
Thomas Reilly, a cocky, up-and-coming attorney begrudgingly takes on a case for Sister Alejandra, who's desperate to become a priest in the Catholic Church. Against his supervisor's wishes, Tommy files suit against the Archdiocese of New Orleans for sex discrimination without justifiable cause.
As the trial unfolds, an extremist concocts a plot to stop the heresy against the church by attacking and threatening to kill Alejandra if they don't back off.
Based on the novel, Created Equal, written by Roger A. Brown, who also serves as Executive Producer, the script was written by Ned Bowman, Michael Ricigliano Jr., and Joyce Renee Lewis. The film was produced by Thada Catalon of T-Cat Films.
"Created Equal became a huge priority for me when I saw that the United States of America was nearly on the brink of having Hillary Clinton as its first female President," shares producer, Thada Catalon. "I was inspired when she said in concession speech, 'Now, I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but someday someone will, and hopefully sooner than we might think right now.' It was important for me to use this platform to be a part of a progressive movement that seeks equal rights for all- not just in religion, but on the world stage."
Double Emmy Award-winning actor, GregAlan Williams, adds, "It's always a joy and an honor to be a part of meaningful work. This film, Created Equal, is of major importance to us all."
Created Equal certainly lives up to its intent as it sparks a worldwide conversation that explores the disparity between men and women holding the highest leadership positions within the church, as well as other positions that hold the greatest authority in the world. For more information on Created Equal, visitwww.CreatedEqualMovie.com. To get details on the film's "World Premiere" screening and showtime, visit: http://www.abff.com/2017-film-screenings/world-showcase/.
