Central Virginia to provide backdrop for all-star cast biopic following the life and work of heroic abolitionist Harriet Tubman
Virginia’s Governor Ralph Northam has announced that the Focus Features production, Harriet, will begin filming in Central Virginia this autumn. Harriet will be the first feature-length film to tell the story of heroic abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman and is set to star Tony Award®-winner Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple) and Tony Award®-winner and Grammy Award®-winner Leslie Odom, Jr. (Hamilton).
The film chronicles the life of abolitionist Harriet Tubman, who was born into slavery and later helped hundreds of people escape captivity via the network of safe houses and secret routes known as the Underground Railroad. Tubman is one of the most recognised abolitionist figures in American history.
Visitors to the Capital Region can follow Tubman’s life and work by journeying along the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway in neighboring state Maryland where Tubman was born around 1822. Visitors can follow the byway from its source in Dorchester County and north into Caroline County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. In Spring 2017, a new Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park, State Park and new visitors centre opened to the public on Maryland’s Eastern Shore amid the landscapes where Tubman lived and toiled.
“We are delighted to welcome Harriet to Virginia and look forward to providing the backdrop for this groundbreaking project, which will play a key role in bringing the powerful story of an iconic American heroine to life,” said Governor Ralph Northam. “Harriet presents a tremendous economic opportunity for the Commonwealth both during filming and beyond, thanks to the impressive exposure a film of this scope and profile offers. We are confident this project will help pave the way for future industry growth and continue to point a powerful spotlight on all Virginia has to offer.”
For information about Virginia’s film production industry, please visit the Virginia Film Office website at www.filmvirginia.org
For more information on the Capital Region USA visit: www.capitalregionusa.co.uk