Apple’s new movie “Emancipation” takes the spotlight this week.
Based on a true story, the movie sees Will Smith retell the story of Peter, a man who escapes from slavery, relying on his wits, unwavering faith and deep love for his family to evade cold-blooded hunters and the unforgiving swamps of Louisiana on his quest for freedom.
The film is inspired by the 1863 photos of “Whipped Peter,” taken during a Union Army medical examination, that first appeared in Harper’s Weekly. One image, known as “The Scourged Back,” which shows Peter’s bare back mutilated by a whipping delivered by his enslavers, ultimately contributed to growing public opposition to slavery.
Emancipation is directed by Antoine Fuqua and also stars Ben Foster, Charmaine Bingwa, Mustafa Shakir and Gilbert Owuor.
The movie is now streaming on Apple TV+.
Watch the trailer below to get started:
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