‘Queen & Slim’ Gives AFI Fest 2019 A Highly Anticipated Opener

Universal Pictures’ “Queen & Slim” now has a high profile opening for a potential awards season run. The Melina Matsoukas directed feature will kick off the 2019 AFI Fest on Thursday, Nov. 14 before opening nationwide on Wednesday, Nov. 27. Matsoukas is an American Film Institute graduate.

In a release fAFI President and CEO Bob Gazzale said, “Melina’s powerful voice is the embodiment of the AFI ideal, for we believe in the revolutionary power of visual storytelling to share perspectives, inspire empathy and drive culture forward. We are honored to shine a proper light upon her and ‘Queen & Slim.”

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Matsoukas added, “I feel privileged to present my first feature film, ‘Queen & Slim’ at the opening night of AFI Fest a place that is integral to my story as a filmmaker. The tools I learned while receiving my Master of Fine Arts from AFI informs my artistry every day, and to have this moment come full circle is deeply moving. My mission as an artist is to create change in the world. My time at AFI further instilled the power of film as a tool for change, and I hope that’Queen & Slim’ sparks dialogue, leaving viewers thinking about themselves and the world long after leaving their seats.”

Written by Lena Waithe from a story by Waith and James Grey (yes, that James Grey), “Queen & Slim” is a modern day “Bonnie & Clyde” which finds Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith tha takes a deadly turn during a routine traffic violation with an over-zealous policeman (perhaps that should be racist policeman?). Acting in self defense, the recorded incident goes viral while the couple – who didn’t necessarily have a great first date to begin with – are forced to hit the road. As they travel across the country they become folk heroes while interacting with characters played by Bokeem Woodbine, Chloë Sevigny, Flea, Sturgill Simpson and Indya Moore.

This is Matsoukas directorial debut after acclaimed work in the music video field including Beyonce’s “Formation” (from her landmark “Lemonade” film), Rihanna and Calvin Harris’ “We Found Love,” Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance” and Beyonce’s “Pretty Hurts,” among many others. Waithe is an Emmy winner for her script for “Master of None” and created the Showtime series “The Chi.” She also appeared on screen in Steven Spielberg’s “Ready Player One” last year.

Universal Pictures has an impressive awards slate this season including Jordan Peele’s “Us,” Sam Mendes’ “1917,” Tom Hooper’s “Cats” and “Queen & Slim.”

The 2019 AFI Fest runs from Nov. 14-21 in Hollywood.