Octavia Spencer and Gabrielle Union are teaming up for an adaptation of April Sinclair’s Coffee Will Make You Black.
Adapted by writer-director Deborah Riley Draper, who will also helm the project, Coffee Will Make You Black tells the story of a witty, but naive Black teenage girl navigating relationships with her mother, crushes, and friends in 1960s Chicago. The story explores themes of racism, colorism, and sexism.
Union will star in the new film and produce alongside Spencer, who’s producing through her production company Orit Entertainment.
“There are so many unheard stories and voices in the African American community that speak to universal themes and the humanity in all of us,” Spencer said in a statement. “I wanted to use my platform to create more opportunities for directors and writers of color to tell these stories. This project has women of color in lead roles in front of and behind the camera.”
Union added, “A smart, funny, poignant coming-of-age film with a young black female protagonist is important to see. And it is equally important to see the complicated relationship between a black mother and her daughter as they try to succeed and assimilate in a change-resistant America.”
We can’t wait to see this one.
