The winner of Sundance 2019’s U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize Award has found a home. Neon snagged U.S. rights to Alfre Woodard-starrer “Clemency,” a press release announced.
Written and directed by Chinonye Chukwu, the critically acclaimed drama tells the story of a morally conflicted prison warden struggling with her responsibility to carry out death penalty executions.
“Making ‘Clemency’ has been a life-changing soul journey,” said Chukwu, “and I am thrilled to partner with the team at NEON to share the film with audiences across the country.”
When we asked Chukwu’s advice for other female directors, she urged, “Be intentional and intersectional in your support of other female directors. Don’t define your joy by your external successes or perceived failures or shortcomings. Our joy is the light inside of us that has nothing to do with anyone else or any accolade. This is our true source of power,” she emphasized.
Currently boasting a 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, “Clemency” is already attracting Oscar buzz for Woodard, who received a nod in 1984 for “Cross Creek.” “Luke Cage,” “Empire,” and “Captain America: Civil War” are among her more recent credits. She’ll be seen next in immigration drama “Saint Judy,” and Netflix’s “Juanita,” a portrait of a woman who starts anew in Paper Moon, Montana. The former bows March 1 and the latter begins streaming on Netflix March 8.
Chukwu made her feature debut with 2012’s “alaskaLand.” “Clemency” is her second feature. The film will open this year’s edition of New Directors/New Films Festival in New York.
