New York Film Academy Los Angeles Instructor Bill Duke’s film “Created Equal” will have its world premiere at the American Black Film Festival at the Miami Beach Cinematheque (1130 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL).
Six years ago, the famed actor/director Bill Duke stunned audiences with his shocking documentary “Dark Girls.” Now, his newest independently produced legal thriller “Created Equal” delivers the same impact and controversy.
In a world where gender equality remains a critical issue, this controversial film doesn’t set out to challenge the Catholic Church doctrine, but asks a very modern question: Should women be allowed into seminaries to study for the priesthood?
“‘Created Equal’ is a film that gives you a voyeur experience into the stained glass ceiling that exists in the Catholic Church and asks the question about women being allowed into seminaries without actually taking sides,” said Bill Duke. “We are so excited that the American Black Film Festival has officially selected our film as a world premiere, and look forward to the conversation that is created around this highly debated topic.”
Starring in the film are Broadway actor and singer Aaron Tveit (“Grease Live!”), Latina actress Edy Ganem (“Devious Maids”), Yohance Myles (“Shots Fired”), and veteran actors Lou Diamond Phillips (“Longmire”) and Greg Alan Williams (“Greenleaf”).
Desperate to become a priest in the Catholic Church, Alejandra “Allie” Batista (Edy Ganem) turns to Thomas Reilly (Aaron Tveit), a successful lawyer who files suit against the Archdiocese of New Orleans for sex discrimination without justifiable cause. As Allie’s case starts to make national headlines, both she and Tommy face serious backlash from the people in their lives. The trial unfolds and an extremist concocts a plot to stop the heresy against the church by attacking Alejandra and attempting to kill her if she doesn’t back off.
The script was written by Ned Bowman, Michael Ricigliano Jr., and Joyce Renee Lewis. The film was produced by Thada Catalon of T-Cat Films.
“‘Created Equal’ became a huge priority for me when I saw that the United States of America was nearly on the brink of having Hillary Clinton as its first female president,” shares the producer, Thada Catalon. “I was inspired when she said in her concession speech, ‘Now, I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but someday someone will, and hopefully sooner than we might think.’ It was important for me to use this platform to be a part of a progressive movement that seeks equal rights for all — not just in religion, but on the world stage.”
Double Emmy Award-winning actor Greg Alan Williams adds, “It’s always a joy and an honor to be a part of meaningful work. This film, ‘Created Equal,’ is of major importance to us all.”
For more information on “Created Equal,” visit www.CreatedEqualMovie.com.