By Tamlyn Canham
A new biopic about Aretha Franklin will be making its debut in America soon and it has an interesting connection to South Africa.
The film, titled ‘Respect’, is helmed by SA-born director Liesl Tommy.
Liesl, who is from Cape Town, has worked on US TV shows such as ‘Queen Sugar’, ‘Insecure’, and ‘The Walking Dead’.
Liesl makes Tony history
The critically-acclaimed playwright has also made a name for herself on Broadway.
Liesl received a Tony Award nomination for her Broadway play, ‘Eclipsed’.
The play starred Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Liesl became the first woman of colour to be nominated for a Tony in the ‘Best Direction of a Play’ category in 2016.
Her Aretha Franklin biopic stars singer and actress Jennifer Hudson.
Jennifer portrays Aretha in the film. Aretha handpicked her for the role.
“When I was on Broadway, she called me and said, “I’ve made my decision, and it’s you, young lady, who I want to play me. But don’t you tell a soul now.” I said, “Yes, ma’am, I won’t.” I just sit back and think about how much of a blueprint that she’s been in my life and in my career,” Jennifer told Collider.
‘Respect’ also stars Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Mary J. Blige and Audra McDonald.
The film will premiere in August.
Watch the new trailer below.
Born a Crime
Liesl will also be directing Trevor Noah‘s biopic, ‘Born a Crime’.
Lupita Nyong’o will play the South African comedian’s mother.
“My mom is a powerful woman who could easily be one of the beautiful soldiers in Wakanda. So it’s beyond a perfect fit that she would be portrayed on the big screen by the radiant and regal Lupita Nyong’o. I’m beyond excited,” Trevor wrote on Instagram in 2018.



