Barry Jenkins and KiKi Layne Capture the Heart of James Baldwin in "If Beale Street Could Talk

'Since his death in 1987, writer James Baldwin has remained firmly in the American consciousness. His novels, essays, and television appearances continue to resonate with new generations. But despite his lasting relevance, no American filmmaker has attempted to adapt Baldwin’s novels for the screen, until now. On December 14, Academy Award-winning Moonlight director Barry Jenkins will release his follow up project, If Beale Street Could Talk, based on a Baldwin book published in 1974. It tells the story of Fonny, played by Stephan James and Tish, played by KiKi Layne. They’re a young black couple deeply in love but separated by a false rape accusation. Ahead of the release of If Beale Street Could Talk, The Takeaway sat down with Jenkins and Layne to discuss balancing the story's timeless romance, with broader issues of racism and mass incarceration.'