UB Film Spotlight: Jennifer Hudson and Marlon Waynes Talk ‘RESPECT’

Gearing up for the release, we spotlight the Artist, Film and Cast.

Ms. Franklin’s story is one that profoundly resonates right now in the Black Lives Matter Movement when the world is going through a cathartic racial reckoning and a tipping point of a cultural revolution where diverse identities are unapologetically declaring their voices and visibility. People are tired of white supremacy, patriarchy, and hypermasculinity and finding freedom in their own authenticity at every intersection of their being — they want to be seen, heard, and respected.

“Be your own artist, and always be confident in what you’re doing. If you’re not going to be confident, you might as well not be doing it.”
— Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin created a road map through her own life experience from being a child music prodigy who grew up with great privilege in a household in Detroit that understood the importance of social protest, racial justice, and community organizing which was centered squarely in the foundation of the Black church — faith, service, and self-actualization. And while Ms. Franklin will always be remembered for having the best voice of all time, the finding of her voice is not widely known.

The challenge for Aretha Franklin is a masterclass in navigating and overcoming grief that would become the artistic inspiration that created musical masterpieces that have saved lives, moved culture, and shifted the soundtrack to Black America. Ms. Franklin’s gifts quite frankly made room for her and in turn, anyone who listened to her music.

Jennifer Hudson will play Aretha in the highly anticipated film “Respect.” Alongside Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess and Mary J. Blige.

Check Out the UB Film Spotlight: Jennifer Hudson and Marlon Waynes tell Why You should See RESPECT In Theaters and the Impact of Aretha Franklin.

Also Jennifer Hudson, Marlon Waynes and Mary J. Blige talk about the film and cast mates, plus B-roll footage.