Mahershala Ali’s first lead film role, postponed for nearly 20 years, has finally made its debut in a fascinating story of persistence. Daniel Klein’s mockumentary “Taste the Revolution” recently debuted at the New Orleans Film Festival and is now screening at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia.
The project was originally filmed in 2001 but was abandoned after the 9/11 attacks. Klein spoke on the film’s odd journey during a Q&A session at the festival. He recalls meeting Ali at a coffee cafe while she was a graduating acting student. Klein, a young filmmaker, offered his project to Ali, who was keen to participate.
“I have this movie I’m going to make with no money,” Klein recalls saying. Klein initially had a different role in mind for Ali, but the actor insisted on playing the lead. “He approached me and said, ‘I shouldn’t be this. “Why wouldn’t I lead this group?” Klein observed.
What began as a comedy changed abruptly because of Ali’s stunning performance. “He was so good, and it wasn’t a comedy anymore,” Klein explained. The film grew into something deeper and more powerful.
The project suffered a setback after the 9/11 attacks made it seem outdated. Klein chose to shelve the film, describing the experience of screening an “unbelievably embarrassing” version for the cast and crew as “one of the two worst nights of my life.”
Years later, after Ali had won two Academy Awards, Klein contacted him with a snippet from the film. Ali immediately reacted: “We need to finish this movie.” The COVID-19 epidemic offered the necessary time to review the 130 hours of material.
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Colin Trevorrow, who served as executive producer and played various roles, was instrumental in rejuvenating the project. Trevorrow had helped Klein at film school and provided suggestions on the script.
While others questioned the film’s relevance, one audience member pointed out that its ideas remain relevant. “I fear, sadly, this movie will always be relevant because it’s about a chapter of life that people go through,” Klein said.
Importantly, Ali’s gift was spiritual rather than material. “No, there is no money put into it,” Klein said. “It was more of a godsend. For want of a better word, it was extremely confirming for us.”
The cast includes Alexander Bilu, Jeremy Dubin, Jen Nails, Jeremy Beiler, and Ali’s wife, Amatus Sami-Karim. Phil Cohen, Maury Loeb, David Linke, and Kevin Linke produce the film, while Ali, Klein, Trevorrow, and Cohen serve as executive producers.
