By Canadian Press

Barry Jenkins to direct film about choreographer Alvin Ailey

Jun 4, 2019 | 6:31 AM

NEW YORK — Barry Jenkins will direct a film based on the life of choreographer Alvin Ailey.

A spokesperson for Fox Searchlight on Monday confirmed that the studio is developing the project, with the “Moonlight” filmmaker directing. Jenkins last helmed the Oscar-nominated James Baldwin adaptation “If Beale Street Could Talk.”

Raised in segregated rural Texas, Ailey became a pioneering choreographer, dancer and director who helped popularize modern dance. He died in 1989 at the age of 58 from AIDS-related complications. In 2014, President Barack Obama awarded him a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The film will be partly based on Jennifer Dunning’s biography “Alvin Ailey: A Life in Dance.” Searchlight last year began developing the film after securing the rights to Ailey’s choreography from the Ailey Organization.

New Awards Program

Prince George City Council to discuss Citizen Recognition Medal Program Monday

9h ago

Missing Trio

Fort St. John RCMP looking for missing father and two children

13h ago

Caledonia Nordic Ski Club

Caledonia Nordic Ski Club prepare for another big national biathlon competition

Nov 16, 2024

The Associated Press