It’s set in South Carolina in 1964, and tells the story of Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning), a 14 year-old girl who’s haunted by the memory of her late mother.

To escape her lonely life and troubled relationship with her father, Lily flees with Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson), her caregiver and only friend, to a South Carolina town that holds the secret to her mother’s past. There, she’s taken in by the intelligent and independent Boatwright sisters, and finds solace in their mesmerizing world of beekeeping, honey, and the Black Madonna.

More after the jump, including a trailer…

Sounds fantastic, especially given that the cast also includes Queen Latifah, Paul Bettany, Alicia Keys, and Sophie Okonedo. Written and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, this film opens in theaters Oct. 17, 2008. If you’re in New York City Sept. 10 – 14, you can catch it at the Urbanworld Film Festival. It’s rated PG-13 for thematic material and some violence.

Check out the trailer. Dakota Fanning looks so grown up, doesn’t she?

Image: The Secret Life of Bees, Fox Searchlight Pictures, 2008

Post from: Film Gecko

I haven’t heard that much about the Urbanworld Film Festival, but it’s been around since 1997, celebrating films by and about people of color.

This year, Queen Latifah will serve as honorary chair of 2008 Urbanworld Film Festival, which runs from Sept. 10-14 in New York City. Love Queen Latifah. And have you seen her Jenny Craig ads? She’s shrinking! (Not that she wasn’t beautiful before.)

More after the jump…

She stars in The Secret Life of Bees, which will play as the closing night film, followed by a Q&A with writer/director Gina Prince-Bythewood, Latifah and co-star Sophie Okonedo.

The fest will screen 85 films at the AMC Loews 34th Street Theaters. For a full list, check out the film’s official site.

Image: Queen Latifah, Mad Money, Overture Films, 2008; Source: Hollywood Reporter

Post from: Film Gecko