by Kerry Jones
Stars from America will descend on London for the BT British Urban Film Festival
After serving eight years in prison, reformed gang leader Lance Ingram (played by Daniel Beaty) re-enters society and struggles to adapt to a changed Harlem.
Living under the tough supervision of a parole officer in a halfway house, he is unable to find a job that will let him use the technological skills he gained in prison, and is forced to deal with racism, gang violence, and the gentrification of the historic New York City neighbourhood in which he was raised.
A gripping tale of masculinity, misplaced youth and fate, directed by Jamal Joseph, a leader of the Black Panther Party who spent time in prison as a result of his involvement in the organisation, Chapter & Verse (Written by lead actor Daniel Beaty) pulls you into its vibrant world and reflects upon what it means to forge your own destiny in an outwardly harsh society.
Known as Tupac’s uncle, Joseph is the author of the interactive biography on Tupac Shakur, Tupac Shakur Legacy. He has been featured on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, BET’s American Gangster and on Tupac Shakur’s The Rose That Grew from Concrete Volumes 1 and 2.
Jamal is officially the senior film lecturer at Columbia University and will be teaching a script writing masterclass as part of the BTBUFF2017 programme, followed by an in-depth discussion at the London premiere of Chapter & Verse, screening at BT British Urban Film Festival, Friday 8th september 6pm.
Georgia native, Omari Hardwick, best known as Ghost in Starz TV Show POWER, plays the character of Jomo, a high school friend of Lance, who has found a way to legitimise his career with a flourishing barber shop. A pillar of the community and a sound board for Lance, Jomo finds himself taking on more than he bargains for.
Legendary actress, Loretta Devine (Dream girls/ Waiting to Exhale) takes on the role of Maddy, a local OAP whom Lance delivers food to, as part of his reformation job after leaving prison.
Chapter and Verse is produced by Cheryl Hill and Jonathan Sanger.
For more information and tickets, visit www.britishurbanfilmfestival.co.uk/films
