After much delay, Apple TV finally released “The Banker”, which in 2019 was reviewed as a possible hit for Apple TV’s first film distribution. Unfortunately the controversy surrounding Bernard Garrett Jr, co-producer of the film, who’s father, Bernard Garrett, is the star character in the film, played by Anthony Mackie, delayed the films release.
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Bernard Garrett Jr was recently accused by his half sister, Cynthia Garrett, of sexual assault in the 70s. Bernard denied the allegations, but that didn’t stop Apple TV from postponing the release, and removing Bernard from making any money from the film.
After reviewing the documents Apple TV felt the public needed to know the story of Joe Morris and Bernard Garrett Sr. Apple released the film in theaters on a limited release March 6th, and is scheduled to stream the film March 20th 2020.
Thanks to JMP Start Development Partners, Epiq Collective, Kimbrough Law Group, Ameris Bank, Cutting Edge Realty, The Majic Group, Sotheby’s Realty, Aaron Swain, and logistics coordinator Leonard McGee, almost 300 Atlanta residents were able to enjoy a private screening of “The Banker” at Atlanta’s historic Plaza Theater this past weekend.
The film was simply incredible! A must see! Historic films dealing with race in America can often be extremely off-putting, and a hard pill to swallow for Afrikan American viewers, and others. However, the screen writers for “The Banker” and the director, George Nolfi, did an amazing job of adding comedy, and soft direction to the very harsh racist reality of the time.
What made the screening even more poignant was the panel discussion before the film started. The honorable Andrew Young, Atlanta’s former Mayor, civil rights activist, and the first Afrikan American to serve as the ambassador to the United Nations in America, gave us a history lesson on what it meant to be Black in the 50s.
The positioning of Andrew Young sitting next to real estate entrepreneurs Jessica Myers, and Cristyl Kimbrough all discussing their journey’s in real estate and ownership was brilliant! It was a visual representation of the works our civil rights leaders, like Andrew Young, endured so that we could become business owners, and entrepreneurs.
Added with the lessons “The Banker” imparted on us viewers, the event was a perfect history lesson filled with laughter sparked by Andrew Young during the panel, and Samuel Jackson who delivered a hilarious performance in the film.
A theater filled with Black and Brown, Women and Men, watching current entrepreneurs speak to their plight while the Legend, Andrew Young imparted wisdom, ending the night with a perfectly crafted film of our history…It was simply a night to remember.
