Naomie Harris Andre Holland Mahershala Ali
REX SHUTTERSTOCK

Film Reporter@Variety_DMcNary
Naomie Harris, Andre Holland and Mahershala Ali are starring in coming-of-age drama “Moonlight,” with production starting in Miami.
A24, Plan B and Adele Romanski are producing with Barry Jenkins directing from his own script, based on the play “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue” by Tarell McCraney. A24 is fully financing and owns worldwide rights with a fall 2016 release planned.
“Moonlight” tells the story of Chiron, a young man who comes of age during “War on Drugs”-era Miami. It’s structured in three different time periods as Chiron battles a deteriorating home life and deals with his dawning sexuality.
Singer/songwriter Janelle Monae will also make her big screen debut in the film. The filmmakers did an extensive open casting call in local schools and colleges in the Miami area and cast Alex R. Hibbert and Jaden Piner as featured local performers. Ashton Sanders, Trevante Rhodes and Jharrel Jerome will round out the cast.
Jenkins directed and wrote 2008’s “Medicine for Melancholy.” Harris will be seen next in “Spectre.” Holland stars in “The Knick.” Ali will be seen in “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2.”