1920’s Chattanooga, Tennessee comes to life on Center Street and Commercial Street for the new HBO film “Bessie”. Filming has taken place in a few other places around Rockdale County including The Georgia International Horse Park.
The film follows the life of the 1920’s blues singer Bessie Smith, portrayed by Queen Latifah. Other stars include: Michael K. Williams, Mo’ Nique, Oliver Platt, Mike Epps, and Tika Sumpter.
The film is being directed by writer/director Dee Rees who is known for her short film “Pariah” (2007) and the 2011 feature length film by the same title. “Bessie” is being produced by HBO films, Queen Latifah and Shakim Compere’s Flavor Unit Entertainment, as well as Zanuck Co.