Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival last night was Sanaa Lathan's latest film, 'Wonderful World,' in which she is romantically paired with Matthew Broderick.
Ben Singer (Broderick) is a failed children's folk singer, a career proofreader, a compulsive marijuana smoker and a less-than-extraordinary weekend dad. He's also the most negative man alive. Floundering in all aspects of his life, Ben's only comfort comes from regular chess games and friendly debates on game theory with his Senegalese roommate, Ibu ('The Wire's' Michael K. Williams).
When Ibu is suddenly struck ill, and an insensitive municipal employee exacerbates the emergency situation, Ben's pessimistic worldview seems unequivocally confirmed. His only recourse is to pour his energies into a frivolous lawsuit against the city for depraved indifference. He is also forced to host Ibu's sister, Khadi (Lathan). What starts as an awkward living arrangement soon turns into something more, and Ben's usual self-destructive nature gives way as he begins to find inspiration in the most unlikely of places.
Written and directed by Josh Goldin, the film also stars Phillip Baker Hall, Jodelle Ferland and Ally Walker.
Lathan also made an appearance at the TFI Awards Ceremony during the Tribeca Film Festival at City Winery last week.
Check the Tribeca Film Festival's Web site for screening times for 'Wonderful World.'
Comments: (32)
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By: Daniel on 4/28/2009 10:18PM
I just discovered this Sanaa Lathan/Matthew Broderick collaboration "Wonderful World" via a Twitter post. After watching this film clip, I can't wait to see the entire movie. Some black women as well as black men may still be hesitant about dating outside their race. Hopefully we have evolved more by now without calling people "sell outs." Anyway, I am a product of a multi-racial union between a white woman and a black man. I love movies that blend different races and cultures as it tends to reinforce the idea of multicultural thinking within all aspects of the human experience...
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By: BrigitteAntoinette on 4/29/2009 10:01PM
Yes, I agree, because the Bible says,"God is not partial(not choosy as to races) but, he that does the Will of God will live forever"!
I have sometimes caught myself wondering why there are no more Black men doing school custodial work, but mostly Asian's, and why illegal Mexicans are able to get fruit picking, and bean picking jobs when Blacks have double the unemployment rates of whites. And why Affirmative Action worked mostly for White women, and not Blacks. I don't think that is being racist though, just asking myself the questions.
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By: Nadine on 4/29/2009 5:05PM
Sanaa is soo beautiful and talented! Whatever movie she plays in, she still acts and look good! She is my idol! she is a lot better than that ugly Rihanna!
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By: aaron on 4/29/2009 7:42PM
It to me is disappointing to see African American female stars who feel that they have to romantically star with white actors. I think it sends the wrong message to our youth. We need to be proud of our heritage and insure the survival of the black family. She appears AGAIN not to care about this.
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By: Tianna on 4/30/2009 9:48AM
I totally disagree with the comment that you made. Why is it that an actor/actress whom is simply playing a role is sending a wrong message? The message that we SHOULD be sending our youth that there is nothing wrong with dating outside of your race! In this society, we need to realize that there should be an acceptance of multi-cultural unions and it is nobody's business whom dates whom; it doesn't denounce the fact that the person is STILL African-American, Caucasion or whatevr ethnic background they are! I tell my daughter I don't care what nationality you date,as long as you are treated well and that's the example we Should be sending our youth!
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By: demillicent on 4/30/2009 8:54PM
Every actress and actor needs to work. She didn't simply choose to play a romantic part with matthew Broderick; she auditioned for a role and got it. It really doesn't matter whether the love interest is white or black. This is just a movie, not a documentary.
You're so negative regarding race. Leave that kind of attitude to the other side. They're much better at than you are because it has been bred into their psyche.
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By: Karla on 5/01/2009 4:48AM
Hi aaron, first this is a movie, fiction, entertainment. The black family has been dyeing for years. Seeing a fictional portal of on a movie screen couldn't even save it! People fall in love look around BW/non-black men, BM/non-black women. This is the future deal with it! love is love !
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By: bghee1 on 4/30/2009 10:36AM
I commented on interracial marriages on a previous article when someone commented that God condemned interracial marriages. That is not true. When Moses's brother Aaron & sister Miriam spoke against Moses because of Moses's Ethopian wife, God struck both Aaron & Miriam with leprosy. The Almighty God, our Creator, the Ruler of the universe doesn't condemn interracial marriages & punishes those who do. So who do we think we are to condemn it. We sound like satan did when he tried to exalt himself above God. God cast satan out of heaven for that. There are always consequences for going against what God says. We need to be careful what we think, say, do, & why. If we do Not want to be judged, we cannot judge.
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By: psments1 on 4/30/2009 2:06PM
I repeat; it's about time we get over that slave attitudes about interational relationshps. Put dirt on that attitude and get cracking.
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By: Jay on 5/01/2009 2:22AM
It is disgusting that some African descent women jump at the opportunity to play in movies involving romantic relationships with European American men. Movies such as these promote interracial relationships. In some parts of this country, it is believed that African American men will become extinct in the future. Also, I do not see movies showing European American actresses and stars being romantically involved with African American men in movies.
While living overseas in several countries, I was constantly asked the questions: Do Black women sleep with men from all races? Is it always about the money? Do they have any pride in themselves as Black women? Some of these women are doing what Lena Horne did to make it Hollywood. I believe later in her life and career, she regretted some of the roles she played in movies, specifically being romantically involved with White men.
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