‘Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story’ is Centerpiece Film of 2023 AFI FEST

Today, the American Film Institute (AFI) announced that the World Premiere of Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story has been selected as the Centerpiece Screening for AFI FEST 2023. The Amazon Studios and Bekele Films documentary, an intimate portrait of the writer, actor, filmmaker, studio head and media mogul, will screen on Friday, October 27 at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.  

“Tyler Perry is a creative force of nature – a multi-hyphenate who forged his own path to seismic impact in the world of storytelling while also inspiring the next generation to follow in his footsteps,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “Maxine’s Baby is an epic celebration of a modern maverick, and it is AFI’s honor to shine a proper light upon Mr. Perry and the film at AFI FEST.”

Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story, directed by Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz, grants the audience unfettered access to the inner world of Tyler Perry, whose story has never fully been told, as he becomes a father and a media mogul with a mission to pave his own road to the top. The film is a profound lesson on remembering where you came from to know where you want to go. Bekele produced the film under her Bekele Films banner alongside Jasmine K. White and Asante White.

“We are honored to premiere Maxine’s Baby at AFI FEST. Working on this film for the past decade has been a life-changing journey for the both of us. Getting intimately acquainted with the man behind the icon while witnessing the transformative impact of Mr. Perry’s work within various communities has been truly awe-inspiring,” said directors Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz. “We hope this film is more than a road to success story, but rather, a meditation on healing, unconditional love and an inspiration to audiences.”

The film joins the previously announced World Premiere of Leave the World Behind, written and directed by Sam Esmail, which will open AFI FEST on October 25, and Bradley Cooper’s Maestro, which will close AFI FEST on October 29. Both films are Netflix releases.