Viola Davis And Stephen Curry Honor Charleston Massacre Victims With 'Emanuel' Documentary

Viola Davis and Stephen Curry have co-produced a documentary honoring the victims of the devastating mass shooting on June 17, 2015 that took place inside Emanuel A.M.E Church in Charleston, South Carolina. “The documentary highlights how a horrible tragedy can bring a community together and spreads an important message about the power of forgiveness,” said Curry in a statement about the film. Coming to theaters on June 17 and 19 only, Emanuel will give audiences across the nation a limited opportunity to view interviews with survivors of the atrocities committed by white supremacist Dylan Roof and family members of his victims. Still, the documentary spends more time examining the uplifting events that occurred in the aftermath of the horrific tragedy than magnifying the culprit. It also explains the significance of Emanuel A.M.E. Church, lovingly referred to by locals as “mother Emanuel,” as an enduring symbol of hope and faith. Curry’s Unanimous Media and Davis’ Juvee Productions worked directly with the City of Charleston to bring the story of the loving people behind the shocking headlines to light. “We, along with the country, grieved each family’s loss,” said Davis and husband Julius Tennon in a joint statement. “Yet, miraculously, from this devastation we witnessed tremendous benchmarks of humanity. The survivors found courage to love in the face of hate.” The NBA superstar, the award-winning actress and their fellow producers have pledged that their share of the profits from Emanuel will go to survivors of the shooting and the 9 victims’ family members.