Majestic and Empire Cineplex screens ‘Southside With You’ from 17 September

Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyers, a terrific combo, cast as younger versions of Michelle and Barack Obama in Richard Tanne’s disarmingly romantic film. 

“We have to let go of judgment,” a young Barack Obama tells a group of frustrated community activists, encouraging them to place themselves in the shoes of those they’re up against. While most of the intended viewers for ‘Southside With You’ are probably already inclined to listen to their president, it’s nice to think at least a few non-supporters in the audience might be moved by the spirit of empathy that suffuses this soulful and disarmingly romantic snapshot of Obama’s fateful first date with Michelle Robinson on a summer day in 1989 Chicago, long before either guessed they’d someday be president and First Lady of the United States. 

Richard Tanne‘s writing-directing debut deepens into a pointed, flowing conversation about the many challenges (and varieties) of African-American identity, the need for both idealism and compromise, and the importance of making peace with past disappointments in order to effect meaningful change in the future.

‘Southside with you’ will be screened from 17 September at Majestic Cineplex 10:15, 1:15, 4:15, 7:15 Fri/Sat 10:15 p.m. and Empire Cineplex 10:15, 1:15, 4:15, 7:15 Fri/Sat 10:15.