Writer/director/producer Titus Kaphar‘s semi-autobiographical feature debut is one step closer to opening in theaters.
The first trailer for Kaphar’s “Exhibiting Forgiveness” introduces André Holland as Kaphar’s onscreen surrogate Tarrell, who is a famous painter grappling with his estranged parents. Andra Day stars as his wife who encourages him to reunite with his family.
The official synopsis reads: “Tarrell (Holland) is an admired American painter who lives with his wife, singer Aisha (Andra Day), and their young son, Jermaine. Tarrell’s artwork excavates beauty from the anguish of his youth, keeping past wounds at bay. His path to success is derailed by an unexpected visit from his estranged father, La’Ron (John Earl Jelks), a conscience-stricken man desperate to reconcile.
Tarrell’s mother, Joyce (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor) a pious woman with a profound and joyful spirituality, hopes that Tarrell can open his heart to forgiveness, giving them all another chance at being a family. Tarrell and La’Ron learn that forgetting might be a greater challenge than forgiving in this raw and deeply moving film.”
Derek Cianfrance, Stephanie Allain, Sean Cotton, and Jamie Patricof produce along with Kaphar. A Hunting Lane, Homegrown, Shade Pictures, Revolution Ready Production, the film was executive produced by Claire Brooks, Stephanie Blackwood, and Kim Coleman, with Rachel Halilej, Natalie Renee, and Michael VQ serving as co-producers.
“Exhibiting Forgiveness” premiered at Sundance 2024 and was picked up by distribution company Roadside Attractions. “Exhibiting Forgiveness” went on to screen at the New Directors/New Films festival.
Kaphar wrote the script for “Exhibiting Forgiveness” after completing a series of paintings and a short documentary — “The Jerome Project” (2016) — inspired by his relationship with his father. Kaphar’s most recent short documentary, “Shut up and Paint,” was shortlisted for an Academy Award in 2022.
Kaphar told IndieWire that “Exhibiting Forgiveness” is an “intense film” about how artists “deal with trauma.”
“An artist uses his craft to save himself and his family,” Kaphar said. “It’s obviously about forgiveness, but redefining forgiveness in a way that works for you so that you don’t have to carry burdens and give those burdens onto your family.”
“Exhibiting Forgiveness” premieres October 18 in theaters. Check out the trailer below.
