Films & Events

From Academy Award–winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins (Moonlight), If Beale Street Could Talk is a lyrical and deeply moving adaptation of James Baldwin’s 1974 novel. Set in 1970s Harlem, the film follows young lovers Tish (KiKi Layne) and Fonny (Stephan James), whose dreams of a shared future are threatened when Fonny is falsely accused of a crime. With the steadfast support of her family, Tish fights to prove his innocence before the birth of their child.

Jenkins’ adaptation honors Baldwin’s powerful exploration of love, injustice, and the resilience of Black families with stunning cinematography and a soul-stirring score. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival to critical acclaim, the film was named one of the Top 10 Films of 2018 by both the American Film Institute and the National Board of Review. It went on to earn multiple accolades, including Academy Award and Golden Globe wins for Regina King (Best Supporting Actress), along with nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score.

A tender and devastating portrayal of love tested by systemic oppression, If Beale Street Could Talk stands as both a faithful tribute to Baldwin’s enduring legacy and a timeless reflection on the struggle for justice and dignity.

2018. 120 min.

Rated R for language and some sexual content.