Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee by their grandson Muta’Ali, will have its world premiere at Film Life 18th Annual American Black Film
Festival. The film—part tribute, part history lesson and part coming-of-age story for the filmmaker gives viewers an intimate look into
the remarkable lives of the couple many consider the all-time king and queen of Black Hollywood.
The film, produced by Jevon “NJ” Frank, follows Muta’Ali as he delves into chapters of their lives that span the 20th and 21st
centuries, posing probing questions to his grandmother as well as to celebrity friends, costars and fellow activists of the star couple in
his search for his own life’s path. Alan Alda, Angela Bassett, Harry Belafonte, Danny Glover, Hill Harper, Samuel Jackson, Spike
Lee, Sonia Sanchez and Dr. Cornel West are among the notables who offer insights into and memories of the couple’s love, art and
activism. Davis weighs in, too, speaking to his grandson through never-before-seen footage and memorabilia from the Davis-Dee
family archives.
He had these emotional words to share:
The outpouring of love and condolences to the family has truly bolstered our spirits during this difficult time. Though it is painful, I
believe she has transitioned to a better place. In one of our conversations, Gram Ruby said, ‘I’ve come to the conclusion we really
don’t know death. I don’t know anything that really dies. I’ve thought about it since Ossie’s gone…and I feel his presence.’”
“I cannot stress enough the importance of deliberately speaking with loved ones about life while we still can. After losing Grandpa, I
sat down with Gram Ruby to learn as much as I could about how to be a better person. The story within the documentary unfolds
through her conversations with me, archival footage and interviews with family and friends. What I realize is that their lives have not
only an historical impact but also a contemporary significance to anyone struggling with love, art and activism today. The story
presents my personal perspective on the power of Gram Ruby and Grandpa’s lives as I struggle to hold on to my grandmother and
make the most of what she imparts. I thank her so much for taking the time to do that.”
—Muta’Ali
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