©Courtesy of George Floyd’s Wikipedia 

Daddy Changed the World, a biopic about George Floyd, is being produced. Floyd was choked to death by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020, setting into motion a worldwide demand for an end to racism and police brutality.

Gregory R. Anderson is writing the screenplay for the film, but a director has not yet been chosen. Floyd’s daughter Gianna and her mother, Roxie Washington, are serving as executive producers. Anderson’s screenwriting credits include Stomp the Yard and Rhythm and Juliet. He is also a producer for Netflix’s The Family Business and for The Black Hamptons at BET Networks/Paramount Global.

Floyd was 46 years old when he died on May 25, 2020 under the knee of police officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt on his neck for nine minutes as he lay handcuffed in the street. Floyd had been arrested after it was alleged he tried to pass a counterfeit $20 bill at a convenience store.

As he lay dying, Floyd called out “I can’t breathe” over and over, which became a mantra for the movement for racial justice. After his conviction on murder and manslaughter charges, Chauvin was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison. Three other Minneapolis police officers were also convicted for depriving Floyd of his constitutional rights.

According to a statement from the producers, the film is designed to be “a gritty drama of a man and his community thrust into the fiery light of history.” Roxie Washington added, “We are excited the world will see the real, jovial, and loving George we know. This film will humanize him, embody the essence of his life, and hopefully reignite efforts to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. It’s time for justice and equality for all.”

Washington continued, “We need to make changes swiftly. No other child should lose their father like Gianna did. We thank everyone who stood with us and protested. George’s legacy will live on through this film.”

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