NYC 2013 Harlem Ocktober Music and Film Festival to show screening of The North Star Movie

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. joins Film Director Thomas K. Phillips at Opening Night of NYC Film Festival

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Oct 08, 2013, 06:05 ET

NEW YORK, Oct. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Legendary civil rights leader and film producer, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., will join film director, Thomas K. Phillips and cast members, at "Opening Night" of NYC 2013 Harlem Ocktober Music and Film Festival on Tuesday, October 15, 2013. At 7:30pm there will be a special screening of film, The North Star. Activities begin at 4pm at Mist in Harlem located at 46 West 116th Street, New York, NY.

Dr. Chavis emphasized, "We are grateful to Emelyn [Emelyn Stuart, Stuart Films LLC] and officials of the festival for the opportunity to screen this important independent film. The true history of slavery in America needs to be better understood by all who today want to help improve the quality of life for all people. The genius and moral of this movie is long overdue. The North Star will definitely have a positive impact on the conscience of the nation and the global community."

Thomas K. Phillips affirmed, "My wish is that The North Star will resonate positively with its audience; show the good of humanity in such a dark time in American history and shed light on thousands of courageous individuals that took the perilous journey to freedom. I hope the film will create a dialogue with audiences about how people came together for the cause of abolishing slavery."

The North Star is the true story of Big Ben Jones, a slave in the 1840's who makes a courageous escape from a Virginia plantation to Buckingham, PA, where he receives help from local Quakers. Big Ben Jones, played by former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter in his feature film debut. Clifton Powell (Ray, Rush Hour) producer and cast member with Thomas C. Bartley, Jr. Additional cast members: John Diehl (Pearl Harbor, Jurassic Park III) Lynn Whitfield (HBO's Josephine Baker Story), April Woodall (Broadway actress /vocalist), Keith David (Platoon, Crash), blues musician/actor Guy Davis, son of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee (Beat Street, Finian's Rainbow on Broadway), Christopher Mann (The Bourne Legacy, Duplicity) and Alana Lee. Film scored by father and son collaboration of jazz legend Ramsey Lewis and acclaimed producer/musician Frayne Lewis.