Nina 2016 is an American biographical film written and directed by Cynthia Mort. The film focuses on American musician and civil rights activist Nina Simone, portrayed by Zoe Saldana. The film also stars David Oyelowo, Ella Thomas, and Mike Epps. The film is scheduled to be released on April 22, 2016, in a limited release and through video on demand by RLJ Entertainment. The film has met with heavy criticism from a number of people and Simone’s estate has declined to endorse the film.
In May 2010, it was announced Mary J. Blige and David Oyelowo had been cast in the film as Nina Simone, and Clifton Henderson respectively, In August 2012, it was announced that Zoe Saldana had been cast in the film, replacing Blige as Simone, Blige having exited due to financial issues with the project. The casting of Saldana has caused controversy, with Simone Kelly, Simone’s daughter, saying “My mother was raised at a time when she was told her nose was too wide, her skin was too dark. Appearance-wise this is not the best choice. In 2014, Mort had begun taking legal action after being cut of the decision-making process making her unhappy with the project she spent several years developing. In September 2015, RLJ Entertainment acquired U.S distribution rights to the film with a planned December 2015 release. The film is scheduled to be released on April 22, 2016, in a limited release and through video on demand. Robert L. Johnson the chairman and founder of RLJ gave a statement saying: Zoe Saldana delivers an exceptional and mesmerizing tribute to Nina Simone, She gave her heart and soul to the role and displayed her extraordinary talent, the most important thing is that creativity or quality of performance should never be judged on the basis of color, or ethnicity, or physical likeness. Quality entertainment should be measured by the sheer force of creativity and the commitment that an actor or actress brings to the performance.
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