Unbound Studios Subsidiary, JM Films, co-produces “Black Is King” film by Beyoncé
JM Films, a production company and subsidiary of Unbound Studios, was tapped by Parkwood Entertainment to co-produce “Black Is King”. The film by 24-time GRAMMY®️ Award-winner Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, premiered globally on July 31, 2020 via Disney+ streaming platform, as well as across Africa on August 1, 2020 through MultiChoice Group’s M-Net and Canal+ Afrique.
Based on the music of “The Lion King: The Gift,” the film was in production for one year and features an impressive list of diverse creatives on its team, including directors Emmanuel Adjei, Blitz Bazawuli, Pierre Debusschere, Jenn Nkiru, Meji Alabi, Ibra Ake, Dikayl Rimmasch, Jake Nava, Joshua Kissi, Dafe Oboro, Julian Klincewicz and co-director and long-time collaborator of Beyoncé, Kwasi Fordjour.
The film’s cinematography was stunningly captured across continents, starting in New York, then Los Angeles, South Africa, Lagos, Accra, London and Belgium. The experience also includes full length visuals for “Already”, “Mood 4 Eva”, “My Power” and “Brown-Skin Girl” which was co-directed by Meji Alabi, Ibra Ake, Jenn Nkiru among others.
Some of the African artists who made appearances include Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Shatta Wale, Yemi Alade, Mr Eazi, Salatiel, Busiswa Gqulu, Nija, as well as models Aweng Ade-Chuol and Adut Akech, supermodel Naomi Campbell, Tina Knowles-Lawson, author and Academy Award®️ -winning actor Lupita Nyong’o, singer Kelly Rowland, Pharrell Williams and JAY-Z, plus more.
“I only hope that from watching, you leave feeling inspired to continue building a legacy that impacts the world in an immeasurable way. I pray that everyone sees the beauty and resilience of our people.” - Beyoncé said in an Instagram post in June.
Unbound Studios subsidiary, JM Films, proudly produced the Nigerian chapter of this celebratory memoir for the world on the black experience which reimagines the lessons for today’s young kings and queens in search of their own crowns.
“Black Is King” is available now to stream on Disney+.