The Birth of a Nation

Old photograph of man with moustache against browning background
Sameer Rao  Feb 7, 2017 2:05PM EST

WATCH: William Monroe Trotter Fights D.W. Griffith's Film in ' Birth of a Movement'

The documentary about Trotter, a Black newspaper editor and activist who fought to ban “The Birth of a Nation” in 1910s Boston, is now available to stream.
Black woman with blonde-brown hair and turquoise earring in white dress
Sameer Rao  Dec 14, 2016 10:38AM EST

Beyoncé, 'The Birth of a Nation, 'Moonlight' Lead NAACP Image Award Noms

“Luke Cage,” “Insecure” and “Queen Sugar” also earned multiple nominations.
Old photograph of man with moustache against browning background
Sameer Rao  Dec 2, 2016 12:10PM EST

PBS to Air Doc on Black Editor Who Fought Original 'The Birth of a Nation'

William Monroe Trotter’s battle against D.W. Griffith’s notorious film forms the basis of “Birth of a Movement,” which features contributions from Spike Lee and Henry Louis Gates Jr.
Gabrielle Union in white dress against red, beige and blue background
Sameer Rao  Oct 12, 2016 11:32AM EDT

Gabrielle Union Understands Why You Might Skip 'The Birth of a Nation'

Union, who is featured in the movie, says she sympathizes with those who opted not to see it in reaction to director Nate Parker’s 1999 rape case and his handling of the fallout.
Nate Parker in navy button-down against brown background
Sameer Rao  Oct 3, 2016 1:56PM EDT

Nate Parker Talks Rape Case in '60 Minutes,' 'Good Morning America' Interviews

In the run up to “The Birth of a Nation’s” premiere this Friday, director Nate Parker addressed his infamous 1999 rape trial in two separate television interviews, declaring his innocence and his desire to shift attention toward the film.
Gabrielle Union in black patterned dress
Sameer Rao  Sep 2, 2016 11:13AM EDT

Gabrielle Union Hopes Nate Parker Case, Movie Will 'Open Up The Conversation'

Union, an actress and rape survivor who stars in “The Birth of a Nation,” addressed her co-star Nate Parker’s 1999 case in a candid new op-ed.
Sameer Rao  Aug 29, 2016 10:44AM EDT

Nate Parker Apologizes For Hurt Caused By Comments, Attitude On 1999 Rape Trial

“I got a lot of work to do within myself,” said Parker in an exclusive interview with Ebony.
Harry Belafonte in black tuxedo with blue background; Nate Parker in black tuxedo with orange background
Sameer Rao  Aug 25, 2016 11:12AM EDT

Harry Belafonte, Penn State Alums Stand By Nate Parker

“It’s interesting because it’s coming out the same time the film’s coming out,” said Belafonte of the renewed attention to Parker and Jean Celestin’s 1999 rape trial. 
Nate Parker in beige suit and white shirt with dark striped tie
Sameer Rao  Aug 17, 2016 3:54PM EDT

From Support to Horror, The World Reacts to Nate Parker's Resurrected Sexual Assault Case

Revived focus on a 17-year-old sexual assault case involving Parker and his “The Birth of a Nation” co-writer Jean Celestin—and the revelation that their accuser took her own life in 2012—has initiated a public conversation about rape and race.
Nate Parker with a noose made of the American flag, the word "Rapist?" is below him.
Tarana Burke  Aug 17, 2016 2:19PM EDT

On Nate Parker, Rape and the Perils of Double Consciousness [Opinion]

Writer and women’s rights advocate Tarana Burke on how her identity informs her view of “The Birth of a Nation” auteur’s 1999 rape case.
Nate Parker in beige hat and gray shirt and brown vest with tress in background
Sameer Rao  Jun 22, 2016 12:19PM EDT

WATCH: Electrifying New Trailer For 'The Birth Of A Nation'

Nate Parker’s directorial debut about Nat Turner’s slave rebellion arrives in theaters on October 7.
Kenrya Rankin  Apr 18, 2016 1:26PM EDT

ICYMI: The Haunting Trailer for 'The Birth of a Nation'

It’s easy to see why Nate Parker’s upcoming film secured the largest distribution deal in the Sundance Film Festival’s history.
Kenrya Rankin  Mar 22, 2016 9:40AM EDT

Nate Parker Creates Film and Drama School at HBCU

“The Birth of a Nation” director’s new program will launch this fall at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas.
Riley Wilson and Shantrelle P. Lewis  Feb 2, 2016 3:34PM EST

'The Birth of a Nation': The Biggest Clapback in Hollywood History or Yet Another Slave Movie?

In this point/counterpoint about Nate Parker’s buzzy directorial debut, two Black independent filmmakers wrestle with the notion of seeing more chains, whips and nooses on the big screen. 
Kenrya Rankin  Feb 1, 2016 11:00AM EST

Does Your Favorite Movie Pass the 'DuVernay Test'?

NYT critic Manohla Dargis created a new test to see if movies are truly inclusive of people of color, and she named it after your fave, Ava DuVernay.
Sameer Rao  Jan 27, 2016 12:37PM EST

Gabrielle Union Asks #WhoIsStaceyDash, Internet Goes In

The hashtag arose after Union expertly addressed Dash’s criticism of Black History Month and BET. 
Sameer Rao  Jan 26, 2016 2:54PM EST

'The Birth of a Nation' Just Landed the Biggest Distribution Deal in Sundance History

Fox Searchlight successfully bid $17.5 million for Nate Parker’s highly anticipated film about Nat Turner’s slave rebellion. 
Sameer Rao  Jan 22, 2016 3:41PM EST

Nate Parker: 'Resistance Lives in the Air in This Current Moment'

The director, producer, writer and lead actor for ”The Birth of a Nation” describes contemporary activism and his quest to release Sundance’s most-anticipated film in a story from The Hollywood Reporter. 
Sameer Rao  Jan 15, 2016 11:30AM EST

What's On Our Radar for 2016

Peep the music, TV, films and other treats we’re excited about this year so far.