The long-delayed film based on the life of celebrated singer, Nina Simone, Nina has released a poster and announced a release date which starring Zoe Saldana in the title role.
One of the century’s most extraordinary talents, she was a 15-time Grammy nominee and Grammy Hall of Fame Recipient whose mesmerizing songs and passionate politics combined to make her the unforgettable Nina Simone (Saldana). But fame and fortune came with a price, and her later years were riddled with depression, alcohol abuse and isolation.
Rediscovering the meaning of her life and work took courage, strength, and one true friend: Clifton Henderson (David Oyelowo), the man who started out as her assistant and eventually became her loyal manager. With Clifton’s encouragement, the “high priestess of soul” began a courageous journey back to her music … and, eventually, herself.
Also featured in the film are Mike Epps as Richard Pryor in a supporting role and Broadway actor Kevin Mambo as Gille, a French guitarist and a member of Simone’s band. Pryor opened for the singer when they two were starting out in the early 1960s. Pryor had terrible stage fright and Simone, in her autobiography, recalled how she regularly rocked him into calmness.
Written and directed by Cynthia Mort, Nina based on the incomparable singer, songwriter, pianist, civil rights activist Simone, will be released in theaters, VOD and Digital HD on April 22, 2016.
