TIFF Presents Regina King's Feature Film Directorial Debut, "One Night in Miami"

Imagine being in a room, on one of the most memorable nights of Muhammed Ali's boxing career, and engaging in conversation and celebration with the champ, with Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown. In 1964--when these powerful Black men were breaking barriers and pushing boundaries--being able to hear their thoughts and personal declarations about life, race, and purpose. Last week at the Venice Film Festival, and this week at the Toronto International Film Festival, the play "One Night in Miami" was brought to the big screen in Regina King's feature film directorial debut.

We can trust Regina King to authentically tell Black stories. We can trust her, because she has been doing it effortlessly for decades now. In the 80's as Brenda Jenkins on 227, in the 90's in all of our favourite Black films from "Boyz in The Hood" to "Friday," "Higher Learning," and "Poetic Justice," and in so many other influential movies ("Jerry Maguire," and "Ray," and "Enemy of the State," to name a few) that we know that not only is Regina King a powerhouse on screen, but she is also at the top of her game (consistently) when it comes to selecting, performing, and embracing a character.

She's also been directing for years, from music videos for Jaheim and Kelly Price, to television shows like Scandal, Greeleaf, and This is Us. Last year's award season featured Ms. King receiving the highest recognition from her peers and the Academy for her performance in "If Beale Street Could Talk," and now here we are watching what is sure to be yet another significant stop along her already phenomenal career path. She is at the top of her game. In fact, she has always been.

Not many people can claim a journey through Hollywood like Regina King can. As a child actress, to a highly-respected artist, she has gracefully travelled through mediums, genres, and the public eye with class and excellence. She is to be admired.

The product presented this month, during TIFF is nothing short of excellent as well. Particularly during a time of Black cultural empowerment, heightened reflection, and historical significance, this film is not only timely, but necessary.

"One Night in Miami" is focused on the interactions between real-life these friends, after Mohammed Ali receives his heavyweight champion boxing title after defeating Sonny Listen. Gathered in a hotel room, ready to celebrate, the four brothers end up engaging in vulnerable, difficult, and challenging conversations with one another.

Needless to say, it was a time of unrest in America when this movie took place. Clearly, not much has changed as many of the same observations and commentaries that the men have in the film are quite relevant still today. In the film's press conference, the actors acknowledged that the project allowed them to each bring their lived experiences into their performances and the characters. Despite the different decades and circumstances, many of the sentiments and concerns were all too familiar.

The film developed in early 2020 and was completed amidst the pandemic, the horrific murders of Ahmad, Floyd, and Breonna, and during a time when the country--and world--was in unprecedented transition and instability. Determined to complete their work, and share the messages of Kemp's fictional creation, the story was finalized and presented in Venice and the TIFF stage.

Actor Aldis Hodge, who plays football star Jim Brown in the film, said that as a Black man, existing in a state of normalcy was nothing new, and that there was "static chaos" embedded in their environments. In the film's press conference, he said that appearing in "One Night in Miami" during this particular moment in history gave them all an opportunity to not only tell an important interpretation of said history, but also to "execute effective art."

The night depicted didn't actually happen the way it was told, but it very well could have. The gentlemen were friends, and the circumstances that they existed in were very real.

Regina, who was present at last year's Film Festival with "If Beale Street Could Talk" noted that TIFF was her favourite film festival, and although she couldn't be there in person to experience the audience response and live feedback, she was still grateful for the platform to share Kemp's words and vision.

Moderated by Kathleen Newman, the conversation highlighted the individual actors as well as the characters they played, how they prepared to take on such powerful and influential roles, and what the gravity of the film and the history meant to them as Black men.

Actor Kingsley Ben-Adir, who played Malcolm X, said it was easy for the cast to lean into their roles, and trust that Regina would accurately construct the best of their work and intentions. As a professional, they praised her with the highest of respect, and as peers they knew that her vision would in turn produce a powerful final product.

Eli Goree, a Canadian actor who played Muhammed Ali in the film, spoke about his process of studying the deep south roots of Cassius Clay, his language, and his character, to ensure that his performance wasn't like an "SNL" interpretation, but instead a personable look at the man himself.

Aldis Hodge, who played Jim Brown, was also very much aware of the story of the man, and ensured he honoured his character and nuances in his performance as well. Leslie Odom Jr. provided musical perfection throughout the movie, singing on various stages from Johnny Carson to intimate romantic moments, with a voice that was clear and close enough to the original Sam Cooke that you had to really loook twice.

Playwright Kemp said that he was intrigued to show these iconic Black male characters in a state of vulnerability, because history does not often allow us to explore those sides of their personas. While we are familiar with the controversy, the antics, the political messaging, and the events surrounding the four men, he thought it important to also open up a space for sensitive dialogue, personal exchanges between friends, and even doubts and fears from the otherwise prolific and powerful brothers.

They each had a transition in their lives that they were navigating in the same moment, in the same space. Cassius Clay was at the height of his career, and ready to enter the Nation of Islam officially, changing his name. Jim Brown was about retire from the NFL and commence his own acting career. Malcolm X was ready to start his own organization, and Sam Cooke was breaking out of his songwriting shell, ready to release "A Change Is Gonna Come" and impact music forever with his lyrics.

Regina said she was drawn to the original play by Kemp, because she had never seen a conversation like this on screen where Black men were able to freely speak about the Black male experience. Particularly, men like these, that history rarely granted space for vulnerability. 

It made me think about the other Black male characters that we are used to seeing in larger-than-life positions, with invincible demeanours on screen. From actors, to politicians, musicians, and other influencers...the caricature often overrides the true soul of the individuals, and it was a unique concept to take these particular Black men and bring us so closely into their fears and insecurities. It felt like seeing them for the first time...even after knowing about their actions and legacies for so long.

I imagine this film is going to have an impact on most who watch it. It is a quiet, simple, and reflective glimpse at dynamic lives we have known for so long, and an understanding about their perspectives that can't help but make you think about your own.

Would love to see a story like this told about Tupac, or Biggie. About Whitney, or Michael. It's really a cool thing to think about so many of our icons, and who we imagined them to be...and then be able to have a realistic look at another side of them that makes our admiration and understanding only increase. This film has heightened my impressions of Malcolm, of Muhammed, of Sam Cooke, and of Jim Brown. It has made me appreciate their contributions and personal/internal sacrifices now, even more.

Expecting nothing less than great reviews from this movie. Well done, Ms. King and crew!

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Written by Stacey Marie Robinson for Kya Publishing's Blog.