The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that the world premiere of Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story will take center stage as the Centerpiece Screening at AFI FEST 2023.
This selection highlights the film’s significance within the festival’s programming and underscores its importance in the cinematic landscape. Produced by Amazon Studios and Bekele Films, the documentary provides an intimate portrayal of Tyler Perry, the renowned writer, actor, filmmaker, studio head, and media mogul.
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The screening is scheduled for Friday, October 27, 2023, at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.
Bob Gazzale, President and CEO of AFI, praised Tyler Perry’s extraordinary impact on storytelling and his role as a modern creative force. He stated, “Maxine’s Baby is an epic celebration of a modern maverick, and it is AFI’s honor to shine a proper light upon Mr. Perry and the film at AFI FEST.”
Directors Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to premiere their film at AFI FEST. They described their decade-long journey of creating the documentary as life-changing and noted that it allowed them to intimately understand the man behind the icon, witness the transformative influence of Perry’s work in various communities, and ultimately inspire audiences.
“Maxine’s Baby delves into the inner world of Tyler Perry, a story that has never been fully told before. The film follows Perry’s journey as he becomes a father and a media mogul, all while forging his own path to success. It offers a profound lesson on the importance of remembering one’s roots while striving to reach new heights. The documentary is produced by Gelila Bekele under her Bekele Films banner, along with Jasmine K. White and Asante White.
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Tickets for AFI FEST are available for purchase on the festival’s website, offering festivalgoers a choice between a FEST Pass and a Premium Pass. The Premium Pass includes access to all screenings, including Red Carpet Premieres, priority screening selection and theater access, access to the Festival Lounge and Festival Mixer, and exclusive merchandise.
The FEST Pass provides access to all screenings (excluding Red Carpet Premieres), early screening selection and theater access, access to the AFI FEST Festival Lounge, and AFI FEST merchandise.
As previously announced, AFI FEST 2023 will open with the World Premiere of Leave the World Behind directed by Sam Esmail, and will close with Maestro directed by Bradley Cooper.
The festival will showcase a diverse lineup of Special Screenings, World Cinema, Documentaries, and Short Films over five days. AFI is a nonprofit organization, and support for AFI FEST can be provided through AFI’s Premiere Circle program.
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