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Chinonye Chukwu has become the first Black woman to win the Sundance Film Festival’s Grand Jury Prize for her U.S. Dramatic entry, “Clemency.’’
The Sundance Film Festival is the largest independent film festival in the United States. The festival is a showcase for new work from American and international independent filmmakers.
Chukwu, is a Nigerian-born, US-raised screenwriter, producer and director, whose works had received several recognition, grants and awards.
Her film, follows the story of a prison warden, (played by Alfre Woodard), struggling with the emotional demands of her job.
According to IndieWire’s review of her film, Eric Kohn said, “Alfre Woodard embodies the extraordinary challenges of a woman tasked with sending men to their death, while bottling up her emotions so tight she looks as if she might blow.”
Congratulations to Chinonye!
We are totally amazed by the reviews we read about her work
CLEMENCY triumphs because of the years of research, service, and heart @ChinonyeC put in to this film. Chukwu captured reality because she actively sought and witnessed reality. @clemencythefilm
— Lisa Gullickson (@sidewalksiren) February 2, 2019
I had the honor of seeing @clemencythefilm today @sundancefest! Poignant, powerful and masterfully told by writer/director @ChinonyeC!
— Kristina Omari (@kkomari) February 1, 2019
An audience member next to me wailed loudly throughout the film this morning. @clemencythefilm grabbed me by the throat and didn’t let go until Alfre Woodard exhaled. Well done, @ChinonyeC!!!
— Martine Jean (@MelangeMedia) February 2, 2019
You are one incredibly brave, amazing & beautiful person to make this critical film. Thank you @ChinonyeC for all the light & love you’ve brought to this critical subject. 👊🏾✨❤️ Let humanity continue 2 #wakeupwiseupriseup to what it is to be a living life as a whole human being.
— WUWURU (@WUWURUtshirts) February 1, 2019
🙏“Clemency is one of the toughest films playing in the Sundance’s U.S. Dramatic Competition this year, but with its tactful and rich world-building for its story about the death penalty, it’s also one of the best." https://t.co/1Vq3aaJwiO
— clemencythefilm (@clemencythefilm) February 2, 2019
I just finished watching @clemencythefilm and I just have to say that I am completely blown away. Alfre Woodard’s performance is one of the best I’ve seen in years and Chinonye Chukwu’s writing and direction was phenomenal.
— Kap 🌹 (@virgogonegirl) February 2, 2019
Holy good grief. @ChinonyeC ‘s #clemency (and her heart behind it) was profound & haunting. I hope it gets all the attention & all the awards. What a privilege to sit in the presence of her artistry.
— Nathan Scoggins (@NateScoggins) January 31, 2019
Clemency is the first movie I watched at #sundance where I went “yep, this is going to be nominated for several awards” This movie is going to open up some much needed dialog
— Carl Broughton @ Sundance (@Carlislegendary) January 29, 2019
CLEMENCY is a powerfully charged drama about the emotional cost death row takes, not just on the inmate but also those forced to carry out the sentence. Alfre Woodard & Aldis Hodge give unbelievable performances that brought the entire audience to tears. #Sundance #NBPSundance19
— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) January 29, 2019
Clemency is emotionally intense, and opens a well-needed dialogue about the American justice system.
Alfre Woodard deserves awards consideration. The final shot had tears streaming down my face, and left me stunned.#sundance
— Adriana Elena at 👉SUNDANCE👈 (@CinemaSoloist) January 29, 2019
CLEMENCY: A terrific ensemble of actors work in concert to deliver a low-key, deeply humane story about people who fear they’ve wasted their lives. Please let some smart distributor pick up this film and give it the platform it deserves. #Sundance
— Tim Grierson (@TimGrierson) January 29, 2019
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