Birth of A Nation’s Colman Domingo moved to tears: ‘You ain’t ready’
By Susie Graham
Birth of a Nation received a standing ovation at Sundance film festival at its showing the other night along with glowing reviews popping up everywhere since then.
Colman Domingo, Victor Strand of Fear the Walking Dead, is part of the ensemble cast in this historical drama depicting the slave rebellion of 1831 led by Nat Turner.
The film is making a huge waves at the festival. According to the New York Times, the festival was “jolted awake” by the premiere of Birth of a Nation of Monday night after a pretty quiet start to things.
Matt Pais of Chicago’s Redeye had some very interesting, honest and favorable things to say about Birth of a Nation. He even predicts great things for its future.
“Unless you feel you are personally unable to handle the material, that it’s difficult to watch shouldn’t be a reason not to see it. This movie exists because Parker needed to tell this story (he helped finance it himself and took a break from acting until he could get this made), and turning our back on the important events of the past just isn’t an option. For what it’s worth, and normally I hate making predictions like this but sometimes it’s necessary, I’d be surprised if the film isn’t up for Best Picture in 2017.”
The most interesting thing that Matt said that coincides with Colman Domingo’s tweets and something I love about movies, books and, obviously The Walking Dead is how it affected him in a way that he wanted to sit with it.
“A movie with this much historical relevance and modern significance is not easily digested. Were I not at the content revolving door that is Sundance, I’d take a few days (something I really never do) and let this settle.”
On Monday night when the film premiered, Colman Domingo tweeted some messages about his pride in the film and his emotions.
Never in my entire Sundance experience have I been so moved. Thank you Nate Parker. #TheBirthofaNation #beyondstunning #Sundance2016
— Colman Domingo (@colmandomingo) January 26, 2016
Half hour after the credits rolled and I am still brought to tears. You ain't ready!#TheBirthofaNation #Sundance2016
— Colman Domingo (@colmandomingo) January 26, 2016
Looking to the sky! Ancestors come through for @NatTurnerFilm @sundancefest pic.twitter.com/OiErcqAU7v
— Colman Domingo (@colmandomingo) January 25, 2016
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As The Walking Dead family, we are proud of you and happy for you, Mr. Domingo. The Walking Dead is all about survival and maintaining your humanity. As humans, we need to be ready.