Zola (film)
| Zola | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Janicza Bravo |
| Written by |
|
| Story by | A'Ziah King |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Ari Wegner |
| Edited by | Joi McMillon |
| Music by | Mica Levi |
| Distributed by | A24 |
Release date |
|
Running time | 90 minutes[1] |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Zola is an upcoming American drama film directed by Janicza Bravo, from a screenplay by Bravo and Jeremy O. Harris. It stars Taylour Paige, Riley Keough, Nicholas Braun and Colman Domingo.
It will have its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2020.
Premise
Zola partakes in a wild 2-day Florida trip with a sex worker named Jessica, her boyfriend Derrek, and Jessica’s violent pimp, who went by X.
Cast
- Taylour Paige as Zola
- Riley Keough as Jessica
- Nicholas Braun as Derrek
- Colman Domingo as X
- Jason Mitchell as Mitch
- Ari'el Stachel as Sean
Production
On 2015, Detroit waitress Aziah "Zola" Wells posted a 148-tweet thread about a trip she took to Florida with a stripper named Jessica; the story, containing details of prostitution, murder and an attempted suicide, quickly went viral, garnering the recognition of people such as Missy Elliott, Solange Knowles and Ava DuVernay.[2] About a month later, Rolling Stone's David Kushner published an article interviewing people involved in the story; while the article noted several inconsistencies in the stories, and Zola has admitted to embellishing some of the more sensational detail, most of the involved have admitted to general gist of the story.[2]
In February 2016, it was announced James Franco would direct the film, from a screenplay by Andrew Neel and Mike Roberts. Franco, Vince Jolivette, Christine Vachon, David Hinojosa, and Kara Baker would serve as producers on the film, under their Rabbit Bandini Productions, Killer Films and Gigi Films banners, respectively.[3] In January 2018, it was announced the film was initially set to begin production in February 2018, but was shelved following sexual misconduct allegations against Franco.[4][5] In June 2018, it was announced Janicza Bravo would direct the film, replacing Franco.[6] In October 2018, Taylour Paige was cast in the film to play the lead role.[7] That same month, Riley Keough, Nicholas Braun, Colman Domingo and Jason Mitchell joined the cast of the film.[8][9] In November 2018, Ari'el Stachel joined the cast of the film.[10]
Filming
Principal photography began on October 29, 2018.[11] Production concluded on December 7, 2018.[12]
Release
It will have its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2020.[13]
References
- ^ "Zola". Sundance Film Festival. Retrieved December 11, 2019.
- ^ a b Kushner, David; Kushner, David (November 17, 2015). "The Story Behind the Greatest Stripper Saga Ever Tweeted".
- ^ McNary, Dave (February 4, 2016). "James Franco to Direct 'Zola' Stripper Movie Based on Twitter Saga". Variety. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
- ^ Harris, Hunter (January 10, 2018). "I Wonder Why James Franco's Stripper Saga Movie Is Maybe Not Happening". New York. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
- ^ Siegel, Tatiana (January 10, 2018). "How the #MeToo Movement Could Kill Some Sexy Hollywood Movies". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
- ^ Sneider, Jeff (June 14, 2018). "Exclusive: A24 and James Franco's Stripper Movie 'Zola' Lands 'Lemon' Director Janicza Bravo". Collider. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
- ^ Galuppo, Mia (October 9, 2018). "Taylour Paige Cast as Lead in A24's 'Zola' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
- ^ Sneider, Jeff (October 9, 2018). "Exclusive: Riley Keough, Colman Domingo Join Taylour Paige in A24's Stripper Saga 'Zola'". Collider. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
- ^ N'Duka, Amanda (October 30, 2018). "Jason Mitchell Joins A24's 'Zola' Movie". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
- ^ N'Duka, Amanda (November 19, 2018). "Ari'el Stachel Joins 'Zola';' Dirk Gently's Fiona Dourif Cast In 'Unsinkable'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
- ^ Byron, Katie (October 29, 2018). "Day 1 on Zola, here's a picture of @janicza in pre prep. She totally has Royal energy and I am stoked to be in her court of creative ladies 💜". Instagram. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
- ^ Bravo, Janicza (December 7, 2018). "Goodbye for now. Us by @kingofbingo". Instagram. Retrieved December 9, 2018.
- ^ Siegel, Tatiana (December 4, 2019). "Sundance Unveils Female-Powered Lineup Featuring Taylor Swift, Gloria Steinem, Abortion Road Trip Drama". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 4, 2019.