A Real Story

Films bring to life hard truths and “Rob Peace” is one of those. Directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rob Peace is based on the life of Robert DeShaun Peace, an intelligent young man who left Newark, New Jersey to attend Yale University. Unfortunately, Peace found himself back in the streets when he returned home where was murdered at the age of 30.

Ejiofor first heard of the story a few years back from the book about Peace’s life, “Man Down: ‘The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace'” written by Jeff Hobbs. Ejiofor adapted the book into a film which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival 2024.

Showing Respect to His Life

Although this is a film, it is about a real person who had real emotions and went through things. With that being said, actor Jay Will, who plays the older Peace, said it was important for him to ensure that he got the permission of Peace’s family before taking on the role.

“There’s just a lot of honor that comes with playing a character that is real that you just have to abide with,” said Will.

Will was given real pictures of Peace to help him better depict Peace’s life on screen. He found himself having to find a balance between Peace and what he wanted to bring to the character. He even found himself getting emotional the more he dove deeper into the role.

“I wasn’t focused on impact…I think the focus was just telling the truth…just the experience of it all…it’s a healing thing,” said Will.

Many people will watch this film and get emotional, but it’s important to take note that this is the reality of many Black men in America. The film brings up key points that we all can learn from.

The film is expected to be released later this year.

Check out our video interviews from Sundance Film Festival 2024 here.