Buffalo 8 acquires ‘I’ll Be There’ starring Jasmine Batchelor for November Release
The award-winning independent drama "I'LL BE THERE," stars Jasmine Batchelor (“The Surrogate,” “Emperor of Ocean Park,” “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit”) and Ryan Cooper (“Rough Night,” “And Just Like That…,” “Bull”). Also features Dorien Wilson (“The Parkers”), Victoria Kelleher (“Why Women Kill”) and Celestina Harris (“Special Ops: Lioness”).
Acquired and distributed by Buffalo 8, “I’LL BE THERE” will be available for pre-sale on Apple TV on November 1st and available on demand on Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play and more on November 15th.
Written by Cindy McCreery (“Haven,” “Honey Girls”) and directed by Andrew Shea (“Buzz,” “Portrait of Wally,” “The Corndog Man”), both esteemed professors at the University of Texas, the film offers a deeply moving exploration of family, memory, and reconciliation.
“What drew me to the story when I first read it was how raw and real it was,” Shea said. “Based on real events, “I’LL BE THERE” is a heartfelt story about a young woman finally finding peace with her blended family. I was also drawn to the deeply interior and dreamlike moments in the story, which become more frequent and surreal for Grace with each passing sleep-deprived day.”
McCreery added, “We are thrilled to have partnered with Nikki Stier Justice (who negotiated the deal for Buffalo 8 along with Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films on behalf of the filmmakers) and the team at Buffalo 8. When we first met with Nikki, she saw the potential in audiences connecting with this blended family and the theme of forgiveness.”
"I'LL BE THERE" tells the story of Grace (Jasmine Batchelor), the youngest of five in a blended family, who has distanced herself from her complex family dynamics. However, when her older brother AJ (Ryan Cooper) is diagnosed with cancer, Grace finds herself back in Los Angeles, facing the ghosts of her past. As the family gathers during the days following Michael Jackson's death, Grace must navigate her complicated relationships and find healing amidst the pain.
Michael Jackson’s death, a defining moment for the siblings in their youth, serves as a poignant backdrop to the film. As the King of Pop’s passing stirs up memories and emotions, Grace's journey becomes one of confronting the past and understanding the true meaning of family.
The film also stars Dorien Wilson as Clint, the father figure who struggles to hold the family together, and Victoria Kelleher as Felicia, the matriarch grappling with her own regrets.
“I'LL BE THERE" premiered at the Austin Film Festival, where it won an audience award. The film also won the Best Narrative Feature and Best Actress awards (for Jasmine Batchelor) at the Santa Clarita International Film Festival. It features an original score by Stephen Trask (“Hedwig and the Angry Inch”) and music by singer/songwriter Shameka Dwight.
