Black Nativity

20132013
PGPG
1h 33min

Black Nativity (2013)

A street-wise teen from Baltimore who has been raised by a single mother travels to New York City to spend the Christmas holiday with his estranged relatives, where he embarks on a surprising and inspirational journey.

Play trailer1:57

Drama Family Music

A street-wise teen from Baltimore who has been raised by a single mother travels to New York City to spend the Christmas holiday with his estranged relatives, where he embarks on a surprisin... Read allA street-wise teen from Baltimore who has been raised by a single mother travels to New York City to spend the Christmas holiday with his estranged relatives, where he embarks on a surprising and inspirational journey.A street-wise teen from Baltimore who has been raised by a single mother travels to New York City to spend the Christmas holiday with his estranged relatives, where he embarks on a surprising and inspirational journey.

Director
- Kasi Lemmons
Writers
- Langston Hughes(based on the play by)
- Kasi Lemmons(written for the screen by)
Stars

See production, box office & company info

See more at IMDbPro

Awards
- 2 wins & 5 nominations

Videos2

Trailer #2

Trailer #1

Black Nativity (2013)

Black Nativity (2013)

Black Nativity (2013)

Black Nativity (2013)

Tyrese Gibson and Jacob Latimore in Black Nativity (2013)

Angela Bassett and Jacob Latimore in Black Nativity (2013)

Jennifer Hudson in Black Nativity (2013)

Jacob Latimore in Black Nativity (2013)

Forest Whitaker and Jacob Latimore in Black Nativity (2013)

Angela Bassett and Forest Whitaker in Black Nativity (2013)

Jennifer Hudson and Jacob Latimore in Black Nativity (2013)

Luke James and Grace Gibson in Black Nativity (2013)

Director
- Kasi Lemmons
Writers
- Langston Hughes(based on the play by)
- Kasi Lemmons(written for the screen by)
All cast & crew
See more cast details at IMDbPro

In a contemporary adaptation of Langston Hughes' celebrated play, the holiday musical drama BLACK NATIVITY follows Langston (Jacob Latimore), a street-wise teen from Baltimore raised by a single mother, as he journeys to New York City to spend the Christmas holiday with his estranged relatives Reverend Cornell and Aretha Cobbs (Forest Whitaker and Angela Bassett). Unwilling to live by the imposing Reverend Cobbs' rules, a frustrated Langston is determined to return home to his mother, Naima (Jennifer Hudson). Langston embarks on a surprising and inspirational journey and along with his new friends, and a little divine intervention, he discovers the true meaning of faith, healing, and family. —Fox Searchlight

title directed by female christmas nativity f rated color in title 3 more

Genres
Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
- Rated PG for thematic material, language and a menacing situation.
Parents guide

Trivia
This film is one of the rare occasions when Forest Whitaker lends his tenor voice for a film.

Connections
Featured in Chelsea Lately: Episode #7.179 (2013)

Soundtracks
Coldest Town
Written by Raphael Saadiq, Taura Stinson and Kasi Lemmons
Performed by Jacob Latimore
Arranged by Raphael Saadiq, Taura Stinson and Dylan Wiggins
Additional Vocal Production Taura Stinson
Additional Programming Joseph "Bedrock" Epperson

Top review

5/10

Not a bad film, expect no wow.

A youngster is forced to spend Christmas with the grandparents he hardly knows with whom his mum had a massive fallout.

This particular youngster, is forced to grow prematurely and is not keen on leaving his mum when she is on the verge of homelessness. Upon arrival he is bewildered by the comfort in which his grandparents live, yet do not seem to help out his mother who is clearly in distress.

Between trying to figure things out, keen to help his mum even if it means stealing as well as adapting to life with grandparents, can brokenness be restored and will the Christmas spirit transcend human intentions?

Whilst it has plenty of emotion to convey, the musical aspect of it was not appreciated as well as the pander on stereotypes. Still, it suffices for a decent time on the big screen.

helpful•3

5

cinematic_aficionado
Dec 17, 2013

Release date
- November 27, 2013 (United States)
Country of origin
- United States
Official site
- Official site
Language
- English
Also known as
- 黑色誕生
Filming locations
- New York City, New York, USA
Production companies
- Bob Industries
- Maven Pictures
See more company credits at IMDbPro

Budget
- $17,500,000 (estimated)
Gross US & Canada
- $7,018,189
Opening weekend US & Canada
- $3,669,530
- Dec 1, 2013
Gross worldwide
- $7,454,185

See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

Runtime
- 1h 33min
Color
- Color
Sound mix
Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1

Kasi Lemmons To Direct TriStar’s Whitney Houston Biopic ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’

Kasi Lemmons To Direct TriStar’s Whitney Houston Biopic ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’

Sep 1Deadline Film + TV

Jennifer Hudson’s Aretha Franklin Isn’t Enough to Overcome Hollywood’s Lack of ‘Respect’ for Biopics and Musical Icons

Jennifer Hudson’s Aretha Franklin Isn’t Enough to Overcome Hollywood’s Lack of ‘Respect’ for Biopics and Musical Icons

Aug 12Variety Film + TV

Black Nativity (2013)

Top Gap

By what name was Black Nativity (2013) officially released in Canada in English?

More to explore

View list

25 Most Anticipated Netflix Releases

See the full list

Image caption not available

What to Watch in October

Watch the video

Recently viewed

You have no recently viewed pages