George Floyd's daughter to produce biopic “Daddy Changed the World”, about his life and legacy
"We are excited the world will see the real, jovial, and loving George we know," Roxie Washington, the mother of Floyd's daughter Gianna, said in a statement.
Four years after the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer set off a racial reckoning and a movement against police brutality, his family is set to produce a biopic about his life and legacy.
Radar Pictures, 8 Queens Film & Media Productions, and Night Fox Entertainment announced Wednesday that Floyd's daughter Gianna Floyd and her mother, Roxie Washington, will serve as executive producers on the film, titled George Floyd: Daddy Changed the World.
Gregory R. Anderson, who previously penned Stomp the Yard, will write the screenplay. The film is still in search of a director.
"We are excited the world will see the real, jovial, and loving George we know," Washington said in a statement. "This film will humanize him, embody the essence of his life, and hopefully reignite efforts to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. It's time for justice and equality for all."
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Joe Raedle/Getty A memorial and mural honoring the late George Floyd in Houston
She added: "We need to make changes swiftly. No other child should lose their father like Gianna did. We thank everyone who stood with us and protested. George's legacy will live on through this film."
News of the film arrives days before the fourth anniversary of Floyd's death at 46. The fatal encounter occurred when Floyd was detained for allegedly attempting to use a counterfeit $20 bill at a convenience store, and police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and forced to lie face-down on the street. Floyd repeatedly stated that he could not breath, and video of his death went viral, sparking an international movement against police violence under the Black Lives Matter banner.
Chauvin was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in April 2021 and sentenced to 22.5 years in prison. Three additional officers who were present at the scene were convicted of violating Floyd's civil rights.
"The killing of George Floyd was a tragic, shameful moment in our nation's history," Night Fox's Timothy Christian said in a statement. "His story, while painful, deserves to be told and I'm grateful to be a part of it."
8 Queen's Dr. Kaeita Rankin added, "I am committed to using my platform and talents to make a positive impact in the world. By telling George Floyd's story and shedding light on the injustices faced by marginalized communities, I hope to inspire change and create a better future for generations to come. George Floyd's legacy will not be forgotten, and I am honored to be a part of this important project."
[Editor's note: A previous version of this article misidentified Roxie Washington.]
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