Kemba is a 2024 American biographical legal drama film written by Christine Swanson and directed by Kelley Kali. The film stars Nesta Cooper, Sean Patrick Thomas and Michelle Hurd. The film based on the true story of Kemba Smith, a college student charged as a co-conspirator to her college boyfriend's drug-trafficking crimes and in 1994 was sentenced to 24.5 years in federal prison. Her case drew national attention and support from various organizations including the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund which ultimately prompted President Bill Clinton to grant her executive clemency after serving 6.5 years. She later become criminal justice advocate and public speaker.[1] Kemba Smith served as executive producer of the film.[2]
| Kemba | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Directed by | Kelley Kali |
| Written by | Christine Swanson |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Rasa Partin |
| Edited by | Kristina Kromer |
| Music by | Stanley A. Smith |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | BET+ |
Release date |
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Running time | 107 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Kemba premiered at the Pan African Film Festival on February 15, 2024.[3] The film was released by BET+ on February 22, 2024.[4][5]
Cast
edit- Nesta Cooper as Kemba Smith
- Sean Patrick Thomas as Gus Smith
- Michelle Hurd as Odessa Smith
- Cameron Dye as President Bill Clinton
- Kelsey Scott as Michelle
- Siddiq Saunderson as Khalif
- Stephen Ruffin as Jamal
- Ron Clinton Smith as Federal Marshall Smith
- Andrea Laing as Newscaster
- June Carryl as Elaine Jones
- Ethan McDowell as Matthew
- Pat Dortch as George Kendall
Reception
editFilm critic Josh Bell from Crooked Marquee gave it grade "C" writing: "Prison reform activist Kemba Smith is the kind of person whose life story gets adapted into prime Oscar bait, and this BET original production doesn’t have the resources to do her justice."[6] Amari Allah from Wherever I Look gave it mixed review writing: "I feel very torn about “Kemba.” On the one hand, it highlights a modern victory for the Legal Defense Fund and why the NAACP still matters beyond a talking head commenting on the latest news headline. But at the same time, it overstays its welcome, doesn't really have moving performances, and it overall feels like a story that deserves to be told, just better than this."[7]
References
edit- ^ Entertainment, TheGrio (February 21, 2024). "Watch: New film tells the story of criminal justice advocate Kemba Smith". TheGrio.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (September 16, 2022). "Nesta Cooper To Star In Drama 'Kemba' From MPI & BET; Kelley Kali Directing".
- ^ https://www.paff.org/files/2024_PAFF_Screening_Schedule.pdf
- ^ Mangum, Trey. "'Kemba' Trailer: Kelley Kali Directs BET+ Film Starring Nesta Cooper, Michelle Hurd, Sean Patrick Thomas And Siddiq Saunderson - Blavity". Blavity News & Entertainment.
- ^ Canada, Danielle (January 30, 2024). "'KEMBA': BET+ Film Follows The True Story Of An Innocent Student Sentenced To 24 1/2 Years Over Her Boyfriend's Drug Dealing".
- ^ Bell, Josh (February 20, 2024). "VODepths: What to See (and Avoid) on Demand This Week".
- ^ Allah, Amari (February 22, 2024). "Kemba – Movie Review And Summary". wherever-i-look.com.