The trailer for Netflix’s upcoming film, “Rustin,” has been released, shining a spotlight on the life and work of Bayard Rustin, an openly gay Black civil rights leader and the architect of the 1963 March on Washington. This film aims to put an end to the erasure of Rustin’s legacy and give him the recognition he deserves.
Directed by George C. Wolfe, a DGA award and five-time Tony winner, “Rustin” captures the passionate and profound journey of one of the country’s most significant civil rights activists. In his first leading feature film role, Domingo fully embodies the radical voice and fixture of the 20th-century fight for equality and justice. Rustin was not only a civil rights activist but also a socialist, pacifist, labor unionist, and gay rights advocate.
The trailer highlights Rustin’s role as an organizer who advised Martin Luther King Jr. on the historic march. Rustin’s refusal to apologize for who he was, what he believed, and who he loved is depicted in the powerful two-minute teaser. He consistently challenged authority, even within the communities he served, making him a strong advocate for change.
The film showcases Rustin’s ability to galvanize a generation within America’s oppressive and racially discriminatory society. Despite the reluctance of others to see Black queer people as equal fighters and benefactors in the civil rights cause, Rustin’s character and will helped set in motion one of history’s most monumental displays of resistance and calls for freedom. The trailer raises the question of how a man who played such a pivotal role in reshaping the country for the better could have been forgotten by the very nation he impacted.
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Domingo’s portrayal of Rustin includes powerful lines, such as when he tells a group of young activists, “We are committed to the cause of altering the trajectory of this country towards freedom. They either believe in freedom and justice for all, or they do not.” Rustin’s commitment to democracy, freedom, and possibility serves as a role model for what it means to be an American, according to Wolfe.
In addition to Domingo, the film features a star-studded cast including Chris Rock, Jeffrey Wright, Audra McDonald, Glynn Turman, Aml Ameen, Gus Halper, CCH Pounder, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and many others. The production is led by Bruce Cohen and Higher Ground’s Tonia Davis, with executive producers such as Barack and Michelle Obama.
Fans of Rustin’s story can catch “Rustin” in select theaters on November 3rd and stream it on Netflix starting November 17th. This film aims to bring Rustin’s legacy to the forefront and ensure that his contributions to the civil rights movement are not overlooked. Through powerful storytelling and exceptional performances, “Rustin” aims to inspire audiences and educate them about the fight for equality and justice in American democracy.
