If you’re not too familiar with the 1967 12th Street riot in Detroit but a new film starring John Boyega and directed by Kathryn Bigelow aims to change that.
The film’s focus will be on the events of Algiers Motel incident with Boyega portraying Melvin Dismukes, a security guard who got caught up in the events that left three civilians dead and nine others beaten by the Detroit Police Department.
The subject matter of the film is obviously a sensitive one that deals with police brutality, institutional racism, and civil unrest–subjects that are all incredibly relevant to this day. With Bigelow directing, there’s no doubt that the story will be told in an earnest way that shows audiences how the events played out.
A defining characteristic of Bigelow’s work (Zero Dark Thirty, The Hurt Locker) is her drive to get the real story from those involved, and it’s no different with Detroit. Check out the video below for a bit of insight from the actual people involved, including the real Melvin Dismukes, former Detroit police chief Ike Mckinnon, and Julie Hysell (a survivor of the Algiers Motel incident).
Detroit will be released August 4, 2017 and in–addition to Boyega–will star Will Poulter (The Maze Runner), Algee Smith (The New Edition Story), Jason Mitchell (Straight Outta Compton), Hannah Murray (Game of Thrones), Anthony Mackie, and John Krasinski.
What do you think of Detroit? Are you glad the story of the Algiers Motel incident is finally being told? Let’s discuss in the comments below!
Image:Â Annapurna Pictures