Janelle Monae Discusses the Significance of 'Antebellum' After the Film Gets Released

Janelle Monae is speaking out about the significance of her new movie Antebellum, which was just released on PVOD for audiences to watch at home amid the pandemic.

In Antebellum, successful author Veronica Henley (Monae) finds herself trapped in a horrifying reality that forces her to confront the past, present and future – before it’s too late.

The movie was written, directed, and produced by advocacy filmmakers Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz, who are best known for their pioneering advertising work engaged in the fight for social justice. This is their feature film debut!

Click inside to find out what Janelle had to say about the movie…

“ANTEBELLUM. IS. OUT. Shining light on what it’s like to be a black woman living in America (past and present) carrying the burden of dismantling white supremacy and systemic racism was my North Star. We are in a centuries long war with the same demons. The past is not dead,” she started a series of tweets.

“Thank you [Bush + Renz] for giving me an opportunity to play a fighter and the hero that is Veronica Henley. Although she is a fictitious character, she carries the essence of many real life heroes to our community, and the every day acts of bravery by so many oppressed people,” Janelle continued. “I am forever grateful to the black women who inspired my commitment to this character. Thank you for the activism you do daily to liberate, elevate, educate, and protect marginalized voices. It is important that globally the world understands the risks you take to fight for us.”

Janelle concluded, “You are owed so much. YOU DESERVE MORE. YOU DESERVE PEACE. WE DESERVE FREEDOM. Sending Radical love and radical self care to you. The. fight. must continue.”

See photos of Janelle and the cast attending the film’s premiere earlier this week.