Oscar-nominated filmmaker Ryan Coogler says he still plans to shoot the “Black Panther” sequel in Georgia, even as he simultaneously has denounced the U.S. state’s new restrictive voting laws.
Penning an op-ed piece for Shadow and Act, Coogler spoke out against the legislation which reportedly includes voter restrictions like ID requirements for absentee voting, reduces the number of ballot drop boxes, and makes it illegal to give food and water to voters in line.
Coogler says in the piece for the site he’s “profoundly disappointed” about the passage of the controversial legislation:
“The fight for full enfranchisement is fundamental to the African-American struggle in this country and to this country’s claim to functioning democracy. As an African-American, and as a citizen, I oppose all attempts, explicit and otherwise, to shrink the electorate and reduce access to the ballot.
I have come to understand that many of the people employed by my film, including all the local vendors and businesses we engage, are the very same people who will bear the brunt of SB202.”
However, Coogler is not following in the footsteps of Will Smith and Antoine Fuqua’s slave drama “Emancipation” which pulled out of filming Georgia earlier this week. There are no plans to movie the Marvel production elsewhere however, instead Coogler is making a personal commitment to raise awareness:
“Our film is staying in Georgia. Additionally, I have made a personal commitment to raise awareness about ways to help overturn this harmful bill, and continue to get educated on this matter from people on the ground.
I will encourage everyone working with me to tap in with the local community directly affected by Senate Bill 202 and to leverage their influence and resources to aid in the fight for this particular and essential pillar of democracy.”
Coogler says he will also donate to Fair Fight Action, supporting their efforts to fight the bill.
