EXCLUSIVE: Aftershock: The Nicole P Bell Story, the movie about the events surrounding the shooting of Sean Bell, has set a theatrical release of November 28. Manny Halley Productions will release the film via Faith Media Distribution.
We hear from sources that the film will be going out on at least 500 screens, a strong number on the competitive Thanksgiving weekend. Digital release follows on December 15.
In a tragic 2006 incident that sparked national outrage, unarmed 23-year-old Sean Bell was fatally shot by undercover NYPD officers just hours before his wedding. The controversial killing, which involved a barrage of 50 bullets, led to further calls for police reform and accountability. Aftershock tells the story through the eyes of Sean’s then fiancée, Nicole Pautlre Bell, as she seeks justice and healing.
Script comes from Cas Sigers and Alesia “Z” Glidewell, with Glidewell also directing in her directorial debut.
Starring in the film are Rayven Ferrell as Nicole Paultre Bell; Bentley Green as Sean Bell; Richard Lawson as Al Sharpton; Kevin Jackson as Mr. Bell, Iyana Halley as Tila, and Richard T. Jones as Attorney Anthony Ricco.
Manny Halley and Roc Nation served as executive producers. Nicole Paultre Bell served as a producer. Manny Halley produced alongside Rodney Turner II and Yolanda Halley.
Said Manny Halley: “We believe there is strong commercial value in what is on screen and are excited to release this movie. Aftershock is a deeply moving film that captures the urgency and humanity of a story that still resonates today.”
Nicole Paultre Bell added: “With this movie, I am pleased to share my journey – a journey of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of justice. This movie retells my story of finding strength and fighting for accountability after the tragic loss of my husband-to-be and the father of my children. This is a collective experience shared by countless survivors – those who have lost loved ones to senseless violence and those who have fought tirelessly for accountability and civil reform. It’s a story of the strength that resides within each one of us, a strength that propels us forward even in the darkest of times. The support my family has received over the years has been a constant source of motivation. It is my hope that this project will honor Sean’s memory and serve as a testament to the power of community.”