| Kemba | |
|---|---|
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| Directed by | Kelley Kali |
| Written by | Christine Swanson |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Rasa Partin |
| Edited by | Kristina Kromer |
| Music by | Stanley A. Smith |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | BET+ |
Release date |
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Running time | 107 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Kemba is a 2024 American biographical legal drama film written by Christine Swanson and directed by Kelley Kali. The film stars Nesta Cooper, Sean Patrick Thomas and Michelle Hurd. The film based on the true story of Kemba Smith, a college student charged as a co-conspirator to her college boyfriend's drug-trafficking crimes and in 1994 was sentenced to 24.5 years in federal prison. Her case drew national attention and support from various organizations including the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund which ultimately prompted President Bill Clinton to grant her executive clemency after serving 6.5 years. She later become criminal justice advocate and public speaker.[1] Kemba Smith served as executive producer of the film.[2]
Kemba premiered at the Pan African Film Festival on February 15, 2024.[3] The film was released by BET+ on February 22, 2024.[4][5]
- ^ Entertainment, TheGrio (February 21, 2024). "Watch: New film tells the story of criminal justice advocate Kemba Smith". TheGrio.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (September 16, 2022). "Nesta Cooper To Star In Drama 'Kemba' From MPI & BET; Kelley Kali Directing".
- ^ https://www.paff.org/files/2024_PAFF_Screening_Schedule.pdf
- ^ Mangum, Trey. "'Kemba' Trailer: Kelley Kali Directs BET+ Film Starring Nesta Cooper, Michelle Hurd, Sean Patrick Thomas And Siddiq Saunderson - Blavity". Blavity News & Entertainment.
- ^ Canada, Danielle (January 30, 2024). "'KEMBA': BET+ Film Follows The True Story Of An Innocent Student Sentenced To 24 1/2 Years Over Her Boyfriend's Drug Dealing".