Will Smith and Antoine Fuqua Pull Out of Filming ‘Emancipation’ in Georgia Following New Voter Suppression Law
Will Smith and director Antoine Fuqua have announced that they’re moving their film Emancipation out of Georgia following the passage of a new voter suppression law. Emancipation is the first major film to pull out of filming in the state since Governor Brian Kemp passed the controversial voting law last month. The news comes after much criticism of Hollywood following their silence on the issue, with Atlanta being one of the top cities for film production.
Emancipation was bought by Apple after a bidding war with Warner Bros. It’s now set to film in Louisiana, the home state of the true story behind the movie. Many production companies choose to shoot in Georgia because of its large tax breaks. The film is now projected to lose $15 million because of the move. Just last week, MLB also announced its plan to move their All-Star game from Atlanta to Denver because of the law.
MY man Will Smith. Great Job standing up against Georgia republicans trying to squash the vote.
— barney (@barney31912373) April 13, 2021
U DA Man Will Smith.
Will Smith movie ‘Emancipation’ abandons Georgia over voting restrictions https://t.co/yS6JJa6phi via @nbcnews
The new voter law includes major voting restrictions that will mostly impact minority voters. The American Civil Liberties Union, or ACLU, called the law unconstitutional and announced its plan to sue the state. CEOs of major corporations have also condemned the bill including Ed Bastain, CEO of Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines.
Will Smith movie ‘Emancipation’ pulls out of Georgia over new voting law. Thank you Will
— Diane Jarrett (@wwinddbjchaser) April 13, 2021
(Via AJC News) https://t.co/HEmkwHAwtA
Emancipation is a thriller that follows a runaway slave, played by Smith, on his journey from a plantation in Lousiana. The trek is turbulent as he flees north and eventually joins the Union Army. The film is directed by Fuqua and based on the true story of the photo “The Scourged Back.” The infamous photo shows the welted back of a former slave who had been beaten repeatedly.
Will Smith is moving production of his movie Emancipation from Georgia to New Orleans. Smart move. The city has been at the forefront of renaming markers with links to the Confederacy.
— Michael Board (@MikeBoard1200) April 13, 2021
Smith and Fuqua recently released a statement on their decision, saying that they refuse to contribute to Georgia’s economy. They called the law “regressive” and “reminiscent of voting impediments that were passed at the end of Reconstruction to prevent many Americans from voting.”
The Republican attempt to disenfranchise minority voters will cost Georgia taxpayers many millions of dollars. Let’s see how voters react in 2022.
— Steve Silver (@stevesilver72) April 13, 2021
Will Smith, Antoine Fuqua will no longer film ‘Emancipation’ in Georgia due to voting laws https://t.co/OrHeUmY1ca via @usatoday
Fans are applauding Smith and Fuqua for deciding to take the film out of Georgia, and they hope others in Hollywood will follow suit. Many hope that the impact on Georgia’s economy will help Governor Kemp have a change of heart, but he’s still sticking by his decision to sign the bill into law. Visit the ACLU’s site to learn ways to combat voting restrictions that impact minority communities.
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