The New Orleans documentary A King Like Me will be executive produced by Robin Roberts' Rock'n Robin Productions and Kevin Hart's Hartbeat, according to a Tuesday announcement from Highly Flammable Productions. The film made its New Orleans premiere last week when it was recognized as the 35th Annual New Orleans Film Festival's opening night film. A King Like Me tells the story of the Zulu Krewea, a cultural group of more than 800 Black men in Louisiana, which lost 16 members to COVID-19 after Mardi Gras in 2020. According to the press release, "the film explores the impact of the pandemic on this stalwart cultural organization and what that loss tells us about the United States health inequities, as tied to race."
Producer Fisher Stevens remarked, "We are really excited to have Hartbeat and Rock'n Robin Robin join us on this project." "We are incredibly appreciative of their assistance in shedding light on the significance and history of Black culture during Mardi Gras as well as the tales of tenacity, fortitude, and camaraderie within the Zulu Club."
According to the announcement, the documentary presents a contemporary portrayal of Black community, leadership, and brotherhood in the midst of Hurricane Ida, a worldwide pandemic, member losses, and gun violence. The documentary highlights how Black people and Black culture have influenced New Orleans and our country through its examination of the founding of The Zulu Club.The documentary "celebrates the intricacies and nuance of the Black experience in America," director Matthew Henderson stated, adding, "I cannot tell you how empowering it is to have the support of Hartbeat and Rock'n Robin on this film."
The documentary is being sold through WME. Bridge PR represents Rock'n Robin Productions, while WME represents Hartbeat. Gray Schwartz LLP and WME represent Highly Flammable. Danny Passman, Untitled, and WME represent Fisher.