Cheadle also co-wrote the script and stars in his directorial debut film.
In the film, Cheadle stars as legendary musician Miles Davis and plays opposite Emayatzy Corinealdi and Ewan McGregor. The chair of the selection committee, Kent Jones, has said he admired the film and found it very moving because of the all right decisions Cheadle took. Cheadle got to know the man inside and out in order to tell his story in full. He also played a part in almost every part of the film, from directing, to writing, to acting.
The film follows Davis’ life in the 70s as he is holed up in his Manhattan apartment, waiting for his next check from the record company, avoiding record executives, and is haunted by his old glory days and the years with his love Frances Taylor.
The 17-day New York Film Festival will showcase the best in films in the world today, with films from newcomers as well as celebrated filmmakers. The film will make it’s premiere as the Closing Night selection of the upcoming 53rd New York Film Festival.