Obama talks about the end of the actors’ strike, “Rustin” – The Hollywood Reporter

Barack Obama and Michelle Obama

Courtesy of Netflix

“It’s great to see more of you since the strikes ended,” former President Barack Obama told a full chamber during his surprise appearance with former First Lady Michelle Obama at a special screening of their Netflix biopic. Rustin.

Held at the Oprah Winfrey Theater at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., the screening was the highlight of the opening night of the inaugural HBCU First Look Film Festival, whose mission is to encourage Hollywood dreams for HBCU students and alumni. Attendees included students from Morgan State University, Bowie State University, and Howard University. High-profile political figures also attended, including former Obama national security adviser Susan Rice and current White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

The feature film, starring Colman Domingo and directed by multiple Tony Award winner George C. Wolfe, is the latest Obama family offering from Higher Ground Productions.

“As someone who cares deeply about the power of workers in this country, and as a father of someone who writes for films, I am thrilled that the actors and writers have reached an agreement that recognizes their value and their work,” Barack said. Obama said before also recognizing Veterans Day.

Before bringing her husband to the theater, Michelle greeted his surprise with great enthusiasm and another wave of cell phones capturing the moment, Michelle Obama addressed the current political landscape that she feels is making this film about Bayard Rustin, the anonymous gay civil rights leader who organized the crackdown. The historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom 60 years ago is particularly timely.

Acknowledging the civil rights leaders and organizers of the March on Washington in the room, and with D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, who stars in the film, Michelle Obama told them: “You are all giants on whose shoulders the rest of us stand.”

RustinMichelle Obama stressed that the goal is “to share the stories of the people who have moved us toward a better, more just world.” This is especially important when a story has been overlooked for too long.

“Now I wish we all knew about the March on Washington,” she quipped with humor. “I can’t be sure right now what they’re doing with history,” she said, offering a scathing comment on ongoing anti-inclusion efforts targeting the nation’s schools.

“(Rustin) paved the way for the March and all the progress that followed, yet his name is not as synonymous with that history as so many others. “It was not easy for an openly gay black man to fit in, even at the heart of a movement for civil rights and justice,” she added. As president, Barack Obama posthumously honored Rustin with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, “the highest civilian honor that can be given,” he shared during his remarks.

“Let his story remind you that no matter the complexities, no matter the difficulties, you can make history. Your story matters,” Michelle Obama, a well-known youth advocate, told the students.

“And as we look across the country and the world today, we need you to believe that now more than ever,” she continued.

Before bringing star Rustin Domingo — whose performance was praised by Barack Obama as “terrific” — and director Wolf to the stage, the former president listed several of the overlooked civil rights leader’s accomplishments before the March on Washington, including challenging interstate bus travel 20 years ago . Freedom ride.

“This is one of the iconic figures who changed the course of American history. Without him, I may not have been president. You may not be sitting where you are today. I guarantee you this museum would not be here,” he said, emphasizing the lasting legacy of Dr. King’s longtime advisor and friend. .

“These days, we’re so obsessed with 15 minutes of fame. Everyone wants to be an influencer. Everyone wants to be liked,” he added, drawing laughter. “But it turns out that’s not where change happens. We can honor the legacy of Rustin and others by taking our place on this long march toward true equality.

After the show, Jonathan Capehart, of both MSNBC and… Washington PostTalk to both Wolf and Domingo.