After several delays, the announcement has come that NINA, a biopic based on the life of incomparable singer, songwriter, pianist, civil rights activist, Nina Simone, will be released in theaters, VOD and Digital HD on April 22, 2016. The film is written and directed by Cynthia Mort, and stars Zoe Saldana as Nina Simone, a choice that angered many Nina Simone fans, because Zoe simply does not fit the part. The Nina biopic also stars David Oyelowo.
Nina Synopsis: She was one of the century’s most extraordinary talents, a 15-time Grammy nominee and Grammy Hall of Fame Recipient; her mesmerizing songs and passionate politics combined to make her the unforgettable Nina Simone. But fame and fortune came with a price, and her later years were riddled with depression, alcohol abuse and isolation. Rediscovering the meaning of her life and work took courage, strength and one true friend: Clifton Henderson (David Oyelowo), the man who started out as her assistant and eventually became her loyal manager. With Clifton’s encouragement, the “high priestess of soul” began a courageous journey back to her music … and, eventually, herself.
Along with news of the film’s release, RLJ also released the film’s official poster, which is above.
Watch the Nina trailer below:
Last year a documentary about Nina Simone was released, titled, What Happened, Miss Simone? The film received an academy award nomination. NINA REVISITED: A Tribute to Nina Simone, an album dedicated to the singer was also released last year featuring Lauryn HIll and Jazmin Sullivan among others.
Part of the controversy surrounding this Nina biopic is that Nina Simone was a proud, dark skinned woman with clear features. Zoe Saldana clearly is not dark skin and the make-up team had to work hard to try to make her look much darker than she naturally is.
What are your thoughts on casting Zoe Saldana as Nina Simone? Will you support this film? Tell us in the comments below.