The 2016 Sundance Film Festival kicks off later this month. And as it usually does leading up to the festival each year, Sundance has begun releasing its "Meet the Artist" series of videos which feature the filmmakers whose films will be premiering in competition at the festival. Below, watch Nate Parker talk about the inspiration for his film "The Birth of a Nation" as well as his struggles in trying to get the film financed, which premieres in the U.S. Dramatic Competition section.

The actor wrote, directed and also stars in the film, playing Nat Turner. 

The official synopsis reads: Set against the antebellum South, this story follows Nat Turner, a literate slave and preacher, whose financially strained owner, Samuel Turner, accepts an offer to use Nat’s preaching to subdue unruly slaves. After witnessing countless atrocities against fellow slaves, Nat devises a plan to lead his people to freedom. 

Joining Parker in front of the camera are Armie Hammer, Aja Naomi King, Jackie Earle Haley, Gabrielle Union, and Mark Boone Jr.

It’s certainly a film that’s high on my list of 2016 films to see!

Still no trailer yet, but these stills (above and below) as well as Parker’s 3-minute Sundance "Meet the Artist" video below, should hold you over until then.