[WATCH] ‘The Water Man’ Trailer: David Oyelowo’s Directorial Debut Feature Film

Here is the first trailer for The Water Man, the directorial debut from David Oyelowo. The Golden Globe-nominated actor also stars in the film alongside Rosario Dawson, Lonnie Chavis, Amiah Miller, Alfred Molina and Maria Bello.

RLJE Films and Netflix acquired the film this year, with RLJE set to release the film in U.S. theaters on May 7, while Netflix will distribute internationally later in 2021.

Emma Needell penned the screenplay, which follows Gunner (Chavis), who shares a special bond with his mother (Dawson). But when his mom’s illness worsens, he disappears into stacks of books on both science and the supernatural in search of possible cures. After learning about the mythic Water Man, who may carry the secret to everlasting life, Gunner and his rebellious friend Jo (Miller) go on a quest into the Water Man’s mysterious forest. Facing challenges and dangers they never imagined, the friends’ hope for rescue lies with Gunner’s father (Oyelowo), who must immerse himself in his son’s world to follow the clues that will lead him to the kids and put his family back together.

“I grew up loving family films that have adventure, fantasy, and jeopardy whilst never patronizing their young protagonists,” Oyelowo said in a statement. “As a father to four children I want to share films with my kids that both entertain and equip them for the highs and lows that lie ahead. I relish watching films with them that both transport our family to a different world and then leave us having meaningful conversations. I love films that do that, so I set out to make one for them, other families, and hopefully, the whole world!”

The film, which had its world premiere at last year’s TIFF, hails from Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Films, ShivHans Pictures and Oyelowo’s Yoruba Saxon. Oyelowo produced with Carla Gardini, Shivani Rawat, and Monica Levinson, while Winfrey, Darren M. Demetre, Connor Flanagan, and Needell served as executive producers.

Check out the trailer above.