Precious director’s The United States vs. Billie Holiday was scooped up by Paramount Pictures in an eight-figure deal via Cannes Virtual Market, Deadline reports.The film, penned by Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks, stars Grammy-nominee Andra Day as the incomparable jazz great.
While Lady Day was loved by many at home and overseas, the Feds, specifically Harry J. Anslinger, the head of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics were determined to silence the singer.Holiday was ordered stop singing her anti-lynching song “Strange Fruit,” which served as a call to action for the Civil Rights movement.
The singer refused to oblige the authorities and a sting operation ensued. Trevante Rhodes (Moonlight, Bird Box) plays Federal Agent Jimmy Fletcher,.
Read more on essence.com