There has been much controversy surrounding Nina Simone’s biopic film “Nina” since news spread that latina actress Zoe Saldana was chosen for the lead role. “Nina” debut at Canned Film’s Festival this past weekend along with a picture of Saldana appearing in blackface as Nina Simone, and it stirred a huge uproar [AGAIN] on social media.
Majority of the consensus feel as though Saldana should have declined the role as she bares no resemblance to a dark-skinned, broad nose Nina Simone.
“ Let’s Face It People – We don’t see black actors/actresses playing the roles of other races in television and film other than when the Wayan’s brothers played in the comedic film ‘White Chick’s [years ago] but we have often seen the contrary [for years] . If the rule applies to one, it should apply to all, however, Hollywood continues to perpetuate a false sense of reality to the mass, and its time for a change. – Kaye Plum ”
Brett Stevens did a write -up back in 2011 regarding author, Paul Kersey who points out this problem in his book entitled “Hollywood in Blackface“ where he talks about the inability of white America to discuss race using two arguments of what he calls SBPL [Stuff Black People Like] and SWPL [ Stuff White People Like] .
The film director, Cynthia Mort is now filing a lawsuit against the production company citing that she was excluding from the casting ‘selection process’. Singer Mary J. Blige was the first runner up for the lead role but there was conflict with the scheduling and she dropped out of the race. Allegedly, the company took matters in their own hands without Mort’s consent and chose Saldana.
In the lawsuit Mort lawyers say:
” Mort worked tirelessly to prepare the Film for a wide and successful commercial release. Yet throughout the course of the Film’s production and post-production, Defendants consistently acted to frustrate Mort’s involvement in the Film, thereby breaching the Director Agreement.
These breaches by the Defendants include, but are not limited to: taking complete control of editing the Film in June 2013 and failing to consult Mort about subsequent cuts and changes; abandoning Mort’s previous cuts of the Film; failing to disclose the Film’s financials, finishing budget, and financing deals; and failing to keep Mort informed of other crucial creative and budgetary developments and decisions throughout production and post-production of the Film”
I admire Zoe Saldana and appreciate all that she has contributed to the movie industry but I must agree with the people on this one. Saldana at minimum should have declined the ‘role’ out of respect for Nina’s family [who too were upset].
Stay Tuned PLUM’s!