Photography begins on historical drama…
It has been announced that principal photography is underway on ‘The Free State of Jones,’ Garry Ross’ epic action-drama starring Matthew McConaughey (‘Dallas Buyers Club’), Gugu Mbatha-Raw (‘Beyond the Lights’), Keri Russell (‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’) and Mahershala Ali (‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1’).
Set during the Civil War, ‘The Free State of Jones’ tells the story of defiant Southern farmer, Newt Knight (McConaughey), and his extraordinary armed rebellion against the Confederacy. Banding together with other small farmers and with the assistance of local slaves, Knight launched an uprising that led Jones County, Mississippi to secede from the Confederacy, creating a Free State of Jones.
His marriage to a former slave, Rachel (Mbatha-Raw), and his subsequent establishment of a mixed race community was unique in the post-war South. Knight continued his struggle into Reconstruction, which distinguished him as a compelling, if controversial, figure of defiance long beyond the War.
Scott Stuber of Blue Grass Films is producing, alongside Jon Kilik, and Ross, who is producing through his Larger Than Life Productions shingle.
Images courtesy of STX Entertainment.