Last Friday, I had the opportunity to attend a special advanced screening of Sony’s The Woman King hosted by Black Girls Rock!. The Woman King directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love and Basketball) and starring Viola Davis, John Boyega, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Thuso Mbedu, and Hero Fiennes Tiffin, is “the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness, unlike anything the world has ever seen. Inspired by true events, The Woman King follows the emotionally epic journey of General Nanisca (Oscar®-winner Viola Davis) as she trains the next generation of recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life.”
When guests arrived at the screening, which took place at the AMC Theatres on 34th Street, they were checked in and given special wristbands brandishing the hashtag #IAmAWomanKing. We were then guided upstairs to a lounge area. The lounge area had a photo booth station, operated by two photographers, that helped guests show off their best warrior poses. Once the cameras flashed, the photos were printed, and we were sent on our way to enjoy the rest of the lounge area. Around the photo booth, were some stills of the screen. One of General Nanisca (Davis) and King Ghezo (Boyega) overlooking their village, one of Izogie (Lynch) staring off into the distance, and another of the Agojie walking into battle, led by General Nanisca.
Guests of the Black Girls Rock! screening were also treated to an array of delicious appetizers, free popcorn and soda, and free drinks. You could enjoy all of these while mingling with the lovely and friendly cater waiters and other guests of the screening. On our way into the theatre, we were treated to a red-carpet experience where photographers were at the ready to take pictures of us posing with the backdrop of the film’s poster. There was a short introduction from Black Girls Rock! Founder Beverly Bond and a guest speaker helped set the tone for what I found to be an enjoyable film.
The Woman King premieres in theatres September 16th.