LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill Entertainment is set to join forces with CNN Films for a new documentary about the Tulsa Race Massacre. Produced by both companies, Dreamland: The Rise and Fall of Black Wall Street will focus on the horrific events of the 1921 riot that led to the destruction of Greenwood District’s thriving Black-owned businesses — known as Black Wall Street — and the slaughtering of hundreds of Black residents.
According to Variety, Salima Koroma will direct the new film, which is now in production. In a statement, SpringHill Chief Content Officer Jamal Henderson said Dreamland will further the company’s goal to give a platform to stories that show the “the fabric” of American history.
“We cannot move forward until we acknowledge our past and this is about honoring a prosperous, booming Black community, one of many, that was brought to an end because of hate,” Henderson said.
“With the lack of historic journalism around ‘Black Wall Street’ and the Tulsa Massacre of 1921, we are honored to be partnered with CNN, which has a long-standing record of credible and groundbreaking journalism,” he added. “We are bringing this documentary together with a diverse crew, including local Tulsans, and making it our mission to uplift voices and people while creating impactful content.”
Variety reports that Dreamland will feature a blend of archival footage, new interviews and “narrated elements,” ranging from diary entires to personal letters from the time period. According to the outlet, SpringHill and CNN are aiming to wrap up production on the new film by early 2021.
“CNN Films could not be more proud to partner with The SpringHill Company for this long-overdue recognition of the tragedy of what happened in Greenwood, and to contribute to the reconciliation that comes with the acknowledgement of history,” CNN Worldwide Executive Vice President for Talent and Content Development Amy Entelis added. “Salima Koroma’s vision will yield a truly thoughtful film.”