George Floyd biopic set to be made
A biopic about the life and tragic death of George Floyd titled Daddy Changed the World is on its way. The family-authorised project comes from Radar Pictures, 8 Queens Film & Media Productions and Night Fox Entertainment, and will tell his story, culminating with his murder at the hands of a police officer in 2020.
The news of the film emerges as the fourth anniversary of Floyd’s death, May 25th, approaches. On that day four years ago, Floyd was arrested after a store clerk suspected he had used a counterfeit $20 bill. One of the four Minneapolis police officers on the scene, Derek Chauvin, killed Floyd with a lack of oxygen by kneeling on his neck and back for nine minutes and 29 seconds.
Amid the lockdown period, the clip of the arrest went viral, showing Floyd – a Black man – handcuffed and lying face-down on the street, with Chauvin on top of him. The news of his death and such horrific treatment saw protests spread across the United States and the rest of the world against systemic racism and police brutality, with Floyd’s haunting dying words, “I can’t breathe”, becoming the slogan.
In April 2021, Chauvin went on trial and was convicted of two counts of murder and one count of manslaughter; he was later sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison. The other three officers present were sentenced for violating Floyd’s civil rights. Floyd’s name remains synonymous with the ongoing fight for racial justice.
Daddy Changed the World sees Floyd’s daughter, Gianna Floyd, and her mother, Roxie Washington, be directly involved in its making, serving as executive producers. The latter said in a statement: “We are excited the world will see the real, jovial, and loving George we know. This film will humanise him, embody the essence of his life, and hopefully reignite efforts to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. It’s time for justice and equality for all.”
Adding: “We need to make changes swiftly. No other child should lose their father like Gianna did. We thank everyone who stood with us and protested. George’s legacy will live on through this film.”
Gregory R. Anderson, who wrote 2007’s dance drama Stomp the Yard, will helm the screenplay. Ted Field will produce for Radar, Dr Kaeita Rankin for 8 Queens and Timothy Christian for Night Fox. The movie is still looking for a director.
Significantly, the biopic will be balanced in its portrayal of Floyd, a former high school and college sportsman with a history of crime who later reformed and became a mentor at his church and posted anti-violence videos on social media. The press release says it will be more of a “gritty drama of a man and his community thrust into the fiery light of history”.
“The killing of George Floyd was a tragic, shameful moment in our nation’s history,” Christian explained in a statement. “His story, while painful, deserves to be told and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”
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