The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that AFI Fest 2021 will include the world premieres of Academy Award® winner Halle Berry’s directorial debut Bruised from Netflix and Academy Award® winner Benjamin Cleary’s feature directorial debut Swan Song from Apple Original Films.
Both world premieres will screen in-person at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre–Swan Song on November 12, and Bruised on November 13.
Bruised stars Berry as a washed-up MMA fighter who struggles for redemption as both an athlete and a mother.
Swab Song stars two-time Oscar® winner Mahershala Ali as a man diagnosed with a terminal illness who is presented with an alternative solution by his doctor, portrayed by eight-time Oscar® nominee Glenn Close, to shield his family from grief. The film also stars Oscar® nominee Naomie Harris, BAFTA Award nominee Awkwafina and Adam Beach.
“Now more than ever it is important to lift up and shine a light on new voices and new stories that inspire empathy,” said Sarah Harris, director of programming at AFI Festivals. “Halle Berry and Benjamin Cleary are vital artists whose visions we are proud to celebrate at AFI Fest.”
The films join the previously announced titles which include Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Lin-Manuel Miranda’s tick, tick…BOOM! and Reinaldo Marcus Green’s King Richard starring Will Smith. AFI Fest 2021 takes place from November 10–14 in Los Angeles.
