John Boyega in Malik Vitthal's Imperial Dreams
In 2014, a pre-Star WarsJohn Boyega drew Sundance acclaim for his anti-hero turn in the Los Angeles-set drama Imperial Dreams. The Malik Vitthal-directed, Flying Lotus-scored movie, which won the Best of NEXT Audience Award that year at Sundance, sees Boyega star as Bambi, a 21-year-old young dad determined to break free from his life of crime and violence after he’s released from prison and returns to the Imperial Courts housing projects of Watts, L.A.
In a Shadow & Act review, Jai Tiggett had the following to say about Boyega’s performance:
This is a world where violence and corruption are prevalent, but also where black men, even presumed villains and thugs, actively demonstrate love, fear, and affection. It's in this complex emotional territory that Boyega shines brightest, showing equal parts toughness and vulnerability. The "Attack The Block" star plays the role of Bambi with a maturity that reaches far beyond his 21 years, reflecting both his talent and the harsh realities of the character, who isn't afforded the luxury of an easy childhood.
Yesterday, Shadow & Act shared an update on the film. It’s currently being shopped for distributors (Shortly after it premiered two years ago, Boyega was cast in Star Wars–hence the delay getting Dreams to theaters). The good news is that two years since its Sundance debut, the film’s star has gone on to star in, well, the biggest movie in the world.
Watch Boyega in the Imperial Dreams trailer below.
From the looks of it, Boyega is just as excited about the possibility of Imperial Dreams headed to theaters as we are.
My next movie! This is an important story, I'm glad it's being told and I'm really excited for you guys to see this https://t.co/iFYnIksS2Y
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) January 19, 2016
Aspire to Inspire #ImperialDreamspic.twitter.com/m42xWWoI1E
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) January 20, 2016
This is the epitome of dreams coming true, you know what I mean.... Finally and thanks John. ?? https://t.co/w9nexpLlRf
— King Cas (@IamKingCas) January 20, 2016