Barry Jenkins' Next Film Will Be An Adaptation of James Baldwin's 'If Beale Street Could Talk'

DIASPORA—Barry Jenkins will follow up his Oscar-winning film Moonlight, with an upcoming film adaptation of James Baldwin's 1974 novel If Beale Street Could Talk. 

The love story—set in 1970s Harlem—centers on a young couple, Tish and Fonny who are engaged and about to have their first child. Their lives are upended when Fonny is accused of rape. The story follows Tish as she tries to prove his innocence.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jenkins wrote the screenplay in the summer of 2013, the same summer he wrote Moonlight.

Jenkins is also set to direct another novel-based adaptation of Colson Whitehead's The Underground Railroad for Amazon.

“We are delighted to entrust Barry Jenkins with this adaptation," said Baldwin's sister, Gloria Karefa-Smart in a statement. "Barry is a sublimely conscious and gifted filmmaker, whose Medicine for Melancholy impressed us so greatly that we had to work with him.”

Jenkins has expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming project. “James Baldwin is a man of and ahead of his time; his interrogations of the American consciousness have remained relevant to this day," said Jenkins in a statement.

“To translate the power of Tish and Fonny’s love to the screen in Baldwin’s image is a dream I’ve long held dear. Working alongside the Baldwin Estate, I’m excited to finally make that dream come true.”

Production for the film is set to begin in October.

A dream come true! Much love to the Baldwin Estate for having faith in me and @meganeellison for building us a home 🙌🏿 https://t.co/LD84pC6bc2

— Barry Jenkins (@BandryBarry) July 10, 2017