The highly anticipated film “WE GROWN NOW,” which won the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival and was nominated for the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards, promises to be a poignant exploration of friendship, resilience, and the challenges faced by two young protagonists in 1992 Chicago.
“WE GROWN NOW” was directed by the outstanding Minhal Baig and has an ensemble cast led by Blake Cameron James and Gian Knight Ramirez. With a compelling teaser that teases a story set around Michael Jordan’s championship heyday, the film is intended to take spectators on a nostalgic yet dramatic trip.
The story revolves around Malik and Eric, played by James and Ramirez, two best friends navigating the intricacies of life in Chicago public housing in the early 1990s. As the two seek respite from the boring routines of school, their aspirations take flight amid Michael Jordan’s legendary championship run. However, the strength of their unshakable friendship is tested when tragedy strikes their neighborhood, forcing them to face hard realities.
The film has an impressive cast, including S. Epatha Merkerson, Lil Rel Howery, and Jurnee Smollett. Their performances, together with Baig’s directing, promise to present a captivating story that transcends time and speaks to spectators on a global level.
“WE GROWN NOW” has been recognized for both its remarkable storyline and technical prowess. The film has been nominated for Best Feature, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing at the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards, and it is expected to have a long-lasting impact on the world of cinema.
“WE GROWN NOW” is produced by Joe Pirro and Minhal Baig, with executive producers Jeff Skoll, Anikah McLaren, James Schamus, and Carrie Holt de Lama. The presence of Participant, Symbolic Exchange, and the outstanding Jurnee Smollett in the production adds to the film’s relevance.
With a running period of 1 hour and 33 minutes, “WE GROWN NOW” promises to be a compelling experience that transports spectators to a watershed moment in Chicago history.
The film will premiere exclusively in theaters in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago on April 19, 2024, before expanding nationwide on May 10, 2024. As the expectation grows, cinephiles and fans alike eagerly await the opportunity to see the captivating story unfold on the big screen.
