We’ve been privileged to a rich set of Black coming-of-age narratives in recent years, from Nijla Mu’min’s acclaimed directorial debut Jinn to Tayarisha Poe’s Sundance darling Selah and the Spades. Poised to join the rank is Premature, the coming-of-age drama directed by Rashaad Ernesto Green.

It was announced Tuesday that IFC Films has acquired the U.S. distribution rights to Green’s directorial effort. Based on a short film, Premature premiered to positive reviews at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and was the subject of a glowing review by Shadow And Act writer Aramide A. Tinubu. In her Sundance review, Tinubu proclaims that Premature “flows beautifully as a sexual awakening of a young Black woman.”

The script for Premature was written by Green and Zora Howard, who also stars in the film.

Howard stars as Ayanna, a teenager relishing in the final summer in Harlem before heading out-of-state for college. During this intermittent period, she embarks on a romance with Isiah (Joshua Boone), a handsome musician in his 20s. Premature also stars Michelle Wilson, Alexis Marie Wint, Imani Lewis and Tashiana Washington.

“Rashaad’s daring filmmaking coupled with a brilliant performance by Zora Howard is exactly the kind of film that we work to support,” said Arianna Bocco, IFC Films’ EVP Acquisitions and Productions. “Without a doubt, Premature marks Rashaad as a major new cinematic voice to contend with.”

Premature is set for theatrical release later this year and will screen at BAMCinemaFest in Brooklyn next month. A specific release date for the film has not been announced as of yet.

Photo: IFC Films

Michelle Wilson

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