Next month’s AFI Fest will honor Tyler Perry with a world premiere of the documentary “Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story”. The festival announced on Monday that this film will be showcased as a centerpiece screening at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre on October 27. Directed by Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz, this Amazon Studios and Bekele Films project provides an intimate look at the life of Tyler Perry, granting the audience exclusive access to his inner world. The documentary aims to reveal the story behind the multi-hyphenate as he becomes a father and a media mogul, paving his own road to success. The title, “Maxine’s Baby”, pays tribute to his late mother, Willie Maxine Perry, who passed away in 2009. After its debut at the festival, the documentary will be available for streaming on Prime Video beginning November 17.
Tyler Perry is known for his work as a creative force of nature. He has forged his own path to seismic impact in the world of storytelling, while also inspiring the next generation of creators. AFI president and CEO Bob Gazzale expressed his admiration for Perry, stating, “Maxine’s Baby is an epic celebration of a modern maverick, and it is AFI’s honor to shine a proper light upon Mr. Perry and the film at AFI Fest.”
The film was produced by Gelila Bekele under her Bekele Films banner, along with Jasmine K. White and Asante White. Bekele and Ortiz released a joint statement, describing their experience working on the film for the past decade as a life-changing journey. They shared their gratitude for getting to know the man behind the icon and witnessing the transformative impact of Perry’s work within various communities. They hope that “Maxine’s Baby” goes beyond being just a road to success story and instead serves as a meditation on healing, unconditional love, and an inspiration to audiences.
AFI Fest had previously announced that it will open on October 25 with the world premiere of Sam Esmail’s apocalyptic thriller “Leave the World Behind”, featuring a star-studded cast including Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, Farrah Mackenzie, and Kevin Bacon. The festival will come to a close on October 29, with a screening of Bradley Cooper’s film “Maestro”. Cooper himself stars in the movie alongside Carey Mulligan, Matt Bomer, Maya Hawke, Sarah Silverman, and others.
Taking place from October 25-29, AFI Fest will be held at the TCL Chinese Theatre. Along with the opening night premieres, the festival will showcase a selection of red carpet premieres, special screenings, films from around the world, documentaries, and shorts. Film passes for AFI Fest are currently on sale.
Tyler Perry’s presence at AFI Fest is anticipated to captivate audiences and provide a deeper understanding of his journey as a filmmaker and entertainer. The documentary “Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story” promises to offer a unique perspective on his personal and professional life, showcasing the determination and resilience that has made him a prominent figure in the industry. As one of the most influential and successful individuals in Hollywood, Tyler Perry continues to inspire and pave the way for others to follow in his footsteps.