‘The Last Black Man In San Francisco’ Sheds Light On Gentrification In Expressive First Trailer

Jimmie Fails and Jonathan Majors star in “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” | Peter Prato

A24 has released the first trailer for the Sundance award-winning film, The Last Black Man in San Francisco. Directed by Joe Talbot, the critically acclaimed drama tells the story of gentrification in the Bay Area, and one man’s fight to hold on to all that he loves in an ever-changing city.

The trailer reveals a first-look at the captivating cinematography, created through the vision of cinematographer Adam Newport-Berra. In addition to the trailer’s mesmerizing score, there are striking artistic similarities to Barry Jenkins’ If Beale Street Could Talk–which is a remarkable compliment.

There’s hope, charm, and authenticity in the two-minute preview alone. We catch a glimpse of the star-studded cast, including Jimmie Fails, Danny Glover, Tichina Arnold, Jonathan Majors, and Rob Morgan. We see the beautiful Victorian home that Jimmie Fails is attempting to save, and watch the heartfelt moments that he shares with family and friends. “I’m not leaving. I’m the last one left,” said Fails with an air of confidence and determination.

In January, the film made its world premiere and took home the directing and special jury awards at Sundance Film Festival.

“The movie has an offbeat, meandering rhythm and a marvelous sense of possibility,” said film critic Justin Chang. “It’s a movie about how our worlds shape our identity and what it means to really love a city, even when the city doesn’t necessarily love you back.”

The Last Black Man in San Francisco hits theaters this summer on June 14th. Watch the poetic trailer below.