Filmmaker Spike Lee continues to keep audiences on their toes. He’s seemingly always got one documentary in the works (the next is “Go Brazil Go”), he hasn’t strayed far from his indie roots (“Red Hook Summer”) and he won’t shy away from a big budget remake either (“Oldboy”). The 25th anniversary of “Do The Right Thing” is right around the corner (it’s screening at BAM as part of BAMCinemafest soon). And then of course there’s his upcoming crowdsourced Kickstarter film, “Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus.”
Not a lot is known about this one and there’s certainly an element of mystery to it. The only synopsis Lee will unveil is that it’s about “Human beings who are addicted to Blood. Funny, Sexy and Bloody. A new kind of love story (and not a remake of ‘Blacula’).” Though Lee also once said, “The reason I have not disclosed more info on the story is because: It’s a THRILLER.” Clearly he wants to maintain some of the surprise.
We still don’t know much more, but we’ve been given two new photos from the film. They are pictures of the movie’s two main stars: British actress Zaraah Abrahams (“Coronation Street,” “Waterloo Road”) and Stephen Tyrone Williams (“Children of God” and “Restless City“). “Boardwalk Empire” star Michael K. Williams is also apparently in it, easily the biggest name in the movie, but we still have yet to see any photos of him. Evidently those original reports were wrong and the actor was not cast. The picture also apparently stars Felicia Pearson and Elvis Nolasco, but details are otherwise scarce.
But they won’t be scarce for too much longer. “Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus” makes its world premiere tomorrow at the 18th Annual American Black Film Festival. No word on a regular theatrical release beyond that, but that’s sure to come.
