Black Lives Matter is timely yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

As more and more police shootings are reported in the news, the outrage seemingly is endless in divisive America.

In American Skin, a presentation from Spike Lee and director Nate Parker, the film takes the narrative of seeking justice against a police officer in a violent trial effort.

The film stars Omari Hardwick (Kick-Ass, Starz’s Power), Theo Rossi (Netflix’s Luke Cage, FX’s Sons of Anarchy), and Beau Knapp (Seven Seconds, Death Wish).

Here’s the official synopsis:

American Skin weaves a layered story in the tradition of Sidney Lumet’s 12 Angry Men and Dog Day Afternoon, that follows a Black Iraqi Vet, who after being denied of a fair trial following the shooting death of his teenage son (his only child) by a white police officer, desperately seeks justice and accountability for his son’s death.

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Parker’s inspiration for American Skin came after the death of Michael Brown in 2014.

“I traveled to Ferguson, Missouri, to gain a better understanding of the tensions between law enforcement and young men and women of color. The most tragic moment of this trip arrived when I stood downtown between two infuriated groups of citizens,” Parker explained in a statement. “From one side came yells of ‘Justice for Mike Brown’ and on the other ‘Support Our Police.’ It became clear to me, instantly, the disconnect in our understanding of citizenship, law enforcement, and our responsibility to preserve American life.”

Many would debate the timing of the American Skin release to the public. Park insists its timing is perfect in the light of today’s events.

“Truth, healing, and reconciliation. America, as a nation, may appear to be down, but we are not out,” said Parker. By tackling difficult issues such as race, fear, and cultural division, we can set a course toward genuine racial healing.”

Nate Parker’s directorial debut of Birth of a Nation won the 2016 Sundance Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award. American Skin is his anticipated sophomore feature film. Also, he is an actor playing the lead role in George Lucas’ Red Tails, starring in Spike Lee’s Red Hook Summer, and appeared in Arbitrage and Beyond the Lights.

American Skin releases on VOD on January 15.

Check out the trailer and poster for American Skin. Let us know what you think.

Source: Vertical Entertainment