Quendrith Johnson

by Quendrith Johnson, Los Angeles Correspondent

“I just could not believe my mere existence was such a problem for people,” is how actor Ruth Negga explains her personal POV that is infused in the movie LOVING, co-starring Joel Edgerton. LOVING is screening now for free as part of AFI Movie Club’s “Black Stories Matter” series. Negga expands on her views, and mentions that only “in 1967” did it become legal for parents like hers to be wed. Here’s more…

LOVING Ruth Negga for real right now…

WHAT:   On Monday, AFI and Universal Pictures announced the launch of a week-long AFI Movie Club event called “Black Stories Matter,” spotlighting diverse and unique narratives from celebrated Black films. Today's film – along with other films highlighted this week – will be available to rent for free on major streaming platforms through Aug. 30 as part of a week-long AFI Movie Club event.

Today’s story, LOVING, stars Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga as the couple at the center of Loving v. Virginia – a landmark case in which the Supreme Court ruled that laws banning interracial marriage are unconstitutional.

DID YOU KNOW? LOVING was the first feature film to screen at the National Museum of African American History in Washington, DC.  

In celebration of today’s story, film critic Shawn Edwards has an in-depth discussion with star Ruth Negga, and director Jeff Nichols talks about one of his favorite scenes in a “Behind the Scene” featurette. This AFI exclusive content can be viewed on AFI.com/MovieClub and YouTube.com/AFI.

WHERE:          AFI.com/MovieClub

Yes, AFI Movie Club

AFI Movie Club is a newly launched program to raise the nation’s spirits by bringing artists and audiences together – even while we are apart. AFI shines a spotlight on an iconic movie, with special guests announcing select AFI Movies of the Day in short videos posted on AFI.com and social media platforms. Audiences can “gather” at AFI.com/MovieClub to find out how to watch the featured movie with the use of their preexisting streaming service credentials. The film selections are supported by fun facts, family discussion points and exclusive material from the AFI Archive to enrich the viewing experience. Audiences can continue the conversation online using the hashtag #AFIMovieClub. Learn more at AFI.com and follow us on social media at Facebook.com/AmericanFilmInstitute, YouTube.com/AFI, Twitter.com/AmericanFilm  & Instagram.com/AmericanFilmInstitute.

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