"I have been across the big river..."
The mini-series based on Lawrence Hill's award-winning novel, "The Book of Negroes" debuts in Canada on CBC TV on January 7 and plays on BET (USA) during Black History Month just weeks later.
CBC has started putting preview snippets of the film on their web site at: http://www.cbc.ca/bookofnegroes/
The film follows Aminata Diallo, who is kidnapped from West Africa at the dawn of the 19th century, survives a harrowing Atlantic crossing, is separated from her love and must navigate the American Revolution before returning to Sierra Leone, and ultimately securing her freedom in England.
The film also finds her in New York City (portrayed by Louisbourg) and Port Roseway (portrayed by Shelburne).
The mini-series version of the novel, directed by Toronto director Clement Virgo and is produced by his Conquering Lion Productions.
The show stars Aunjanue Ellis as Aminata, Lyriq Bent as Chekura, Cuba Gooding Jr, Louis Gossett Jr., Ben Chaplin, Allan Hawco, and Jane Alexander.
Also starring in the series are the towns of Shelburne, Lunenburg and Louisbourg, with initial footage being shot in South Africa.
Local background actors include members of the Shelburne Reenactment Association, New Jersey Volunteers, Kings Orange Rangers, 84th Regiment of Foot and History Re-enactors of Nova Scotia.
See photos from the previews below. See photos from Shelburne set. See several links for Book of Negroes
SOME LINKS FOR BOOK OF NEGROES:
Cuba Gooding interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M09sB4-Idqk
Cast & crew interviews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=By_RZjBtDWM
Lawrence Hill interview: http://bit.ly/1yDqkk8
Podcast of Jane Finch interview with Lawrence Hill: http://bit.ly/1yc6slk
The Hour interview with Hill: http://bit.ly/15NPeUF
Book Trailer: http://bit.ly/15NPeUF
Director Clement Virgo on Book of Negroes : http://bit.ly/1yDrIDw
See all interviews with Lawrence Hill: http://bit.ly/1zMe5kF
