I Will Follow (film)

I Will Follow is a 2010 American independent drama film written and directed by Ava DuVernay, who also produced the film with Molly Mayeux. It stars Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Omari Hardwick, Blair Underwood and Beverly Todd.

Plot

Maye is a successful artist who has taken a leave from work to care for her ill aunt, Amanda. As the film begins, Maye is moving out of the home she once shared with Amanda after her death and contemplating her relationships, her career, her past and her future.

Cast

Production

I Will Follow was shot in 11 days on location in Topanga Canyon, California, on a $50,000 budget. Its title was taken from the U2 song of the same name.

Release

I Will Follow made its world premiere in New York City at the 2010 Urbanworld Film Festival, where it won audience honors. It also played at the 2010 Chicago International Film Festival and the 2010 AFI Film Festival. The film had a limited release on March 11, 2011.

Critical reception

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, I Will Follow has an approval rating of 82% based on 11 reviews, with an average rating of 7.5/10.

Film critic Roger Ebert gave the film three and a half out of four stars, describing it as "a universal story about universal emotions".

Accolades

African-American Film Critics Association
- 2011, Best Screenplay: Ava DuVernay (Winner)
Black Reel Awards
- 2012, Best Screenplay: Ava DuVernay (Nominated)
- 2012, Best Director: Ava DuVernay (Nominated)
Image Awards
- 2012, Outstanding Independent Motion Picture (Nominated)