H.E.R. and Oprah Are Teaming Up to Create a New HBCU-Inspired Film

H.E.R. is delving deeper into the Hollywood scene with a new film inspired by HBCUs, currently in production at 20th Century Studios. She’s teaming up with the producers of “The Color Purple,” Oprah Winfrey and Scott Sanders, for this major project.

The superstar, who made her acting debut as “Squeak” in “The Color Purple” last year, will be involved in developing, producing, and starring in this new film.

The story follows a ballet dancer from Los Angeles who puts her dance career on hold to attend college, defying her parents’ wishes. Joining her struggling HBCU majorette team, she faces culture shock and rivalry as she aims to bring the team back to success.

Inspired by the influence of majorettes on Black culture, H.E.R. pitched the idea to Winfrey and Sanders after they collaborated on “The Color Purple.”

Lauren Ashley Smith, known for her work on “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” will write the screenplay for this exciting dance film set at a fictional HBCU in Atlanta.

The project involves H.E.R., Winfrey’s Harpo Films, and Sanders’ Scott Sanders Productions. Carla Gardini and Mara Jacobs are also producing alongside H.E.R., Winfrey, and Sanders.

According to reports, the aim is to create a fun, celebratory portrayal of authentic HBCU life through the eyes of a majorette discovering herself. Majorette traditions, combining marching band, dance, and gymnastics, have become a significant part of college and Black culture.

H.E.R. has gained recognition as a singer-songwriter, earning Grammy nominations and wins. Her song “Fight for You” won an Oscar and a Grammy for its appearance in “Judas and the Black Messiah.”

The singer and songwriter role as Mary “Squeak” Agnes contributed to The Color Purple’s success and earned her multiple award nominations.