Smith Global Sets Release Date for Star-Studded Social Injustice Film CANAL STREET

Smith Global Media announced today they have acquired the Worldwide rights to CANAL STREET, which screened to rave reviews at this year's American Black Film Festival (ABFF) among others. The film will open on January 18th, 2019, over Martin LUTHER King weekend, with a limited release playing in screens throughout the country.

The film is directed, co-written and produced by Rhyan LaMarr with producing partner Christopher Jennings under the Red Guerrilla banner and boasts a veteran multi-ethnic cast which includes Bryshere Gray ("Empire"), Mykelti Williamson ("Fences"), Mekhi Phifer ("Divergent"), Woody McClain ("The Bobby Brown Story"), Lance Reddick ("John Wick"), and Kevin Quinn ("Bunk'd").

"Our goal was to create a modern and relatable film that reinvigorates the discussion on how racial bias and economic class can place our youth in the system and cloud perceptions on guilt or innocence in a way that hasn't been done before," says LaMarr.

"CANAL STREET is a wonderful film with heartfelt performances from the entire cast," says HARRY Smith, President of Smith Global Media. "The subject matter is very timely and Smith Global is excited to bring this dynamic and inspirational film to audiences all over the world.

CANAL STREET is a faith-filled and timely portrayal of racial and class conflicts ripped from today's headlines, where young men of color are often guilty until proven innocent. After the murder of a white classmate, all eyes fall on Kholi Styles (Gray), and it is up to his father (Williamson), an up-and-coming lawyer from the south side of Chicago, to prove his son is not the monster the world has made him out to be. This inspirational film will be entertaining for audiences of all ages.

Watch the trailer here: