Children of Blood and Bone Brings the World of Orïsha to Martha's Vineyard Before Its IMAX Debut

 

Before Children of Blood and Bone arrives exclusively in IMAX theaters on January 15, 2027, one of the year's most anticipated Black fantasy films will make an unforgettable stop at the 24th Annual Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival.

On August 7, festival goers will receive an exclusive first look at the epic adaptation, followed by a Color of Conversation featuring acclaimed director Gina Prince-Bythewood and star Thuso Mbedu. The conversation promises a behind-the-scenes look at the journey of bringing Tomi Adeyemi's beloved novel from page to screen—a moment that feels especially fitting at a festival known for celebrating Black stories in all their depth and imagination.

ina Prince-Bythewood, director of ‘Children of Blood and Bone.’ Photo Credit: Lephatse Motshana, Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Thuso Mbedu as Zélie and Damson Idris as Prince Inan in ‘Children of Blood and Bone.’ Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Gina Prince-Bythewood has expanded the visibility of Black storytelling throughout her career, creating films that center Black characters with depth, vulnerability, and purpose. From Love & Basketball and Beyond the Lights to the critically acclaimed historical epic The Woman King, her work has consistently challenged Hollywood's ideas of who gets to be the hero. With Children of Blood and Bone, she brings Tomi Adeyemi's richly imagined world of Orïsha to the screen, introducing audiences to an epic fantasy rooted in West African mythology, legacy, and resilience.

Leading the cast is South African actress Thuso Mbedu as Zélie Adebola, the courageous young maji determined to restore the magic stolen from her people. Mbedu captivated audiences in Barry Jenkins' The Underground Railroad before sharing the screen with Viola Davis in The Woman King, making her return alongside Prince-Bythewood a full-circle moment.

She is joined by an extraordinary ensemble that reads like a celebration of Black excellence across generations. Tosin Cole (Supacell, Doctor Who) stars as Zélie's steadfast brother, Tzain, while Amandla Stenberg (The Hate U Give, Bodies Bodies Bodies) portrays Princess Amari, whose loyalty is tested as she questions the kingdom she was born into. Damson Idris, fresh off high-profile performances in Snowfall and F1, takes on the role of Prince Inan, whose internal conflict becomes central to the story's emotional stakes.

The supporting cast is equally remarkable. Academy Award winner Viola Davis portrays the wise Mama Agba, with Idris Elba stepping into the role of Lekan. Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor plays the formidable King Saran, while Emmy and Grammy-winning performer Cynthia Erivo appears as Admiral Kaea. The film also features Regina King as Queen Nehanda and Lashana Lynch as Jumoke, creating one of the most celebrated Black ensembles assembled for a fantasy feature in recent memory.

Adapted from Tomi Adeyemi's bestselling novel, Children of Blood and Bone follows Zélie as she embarks on a dangerous mission to restore magic to Orïsha after it is violently stripped from her people. Alongside Tzain and Princess Amari, what begins as a personal quest transforms into a sweeping fight for freedom, ancestry, and the future of an entire kingdom. Drawing from West African mythology and traditions, the story has become a defining work of contemporary Black fantasy, proving that our folklore, history, and imagination belong at the center of epic storytelling.

For the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival, this first look is more than another premiere. It represents a continued investment in stories that expand the possibilities of Black cinemaThe 24th Annual Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival runs August 7–15, with Children of Blood and Bone making its festival debut on August 7, months before its nationwide IMAX release in January 2027.