May 21st 2024.
Multi-talented artist Common has taken on a new project as an executive producer, delving into the complex world of criminal justice reform and the legalization of marijuana. The rapper, who has won prestigious awards such as Grammys, Emmys, and an Oscar, is using his platform to bring attention to the issue through his social impact film division, Free to Dream.
According to a report from The Wrap, Common will be producing a social justice film titled "Grassland." The film is set in 2008, during a time of economic recession and the historic presidential run of Barack Obama. It follows the story of a single Latina mother who runs an illegal marijuana business with a young Black man. However, their business faces danger when her son befriends a young boy whose grandfather happens to be a police officer.
"Grassland" is set to make its world premiere as the Closing Night Film at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival on June 2nd. The film marks the directorial debuts of William Bermudez and Sam Friedman, and is produced by David Goldblum and Adam Edery. Common is joined by a stellar team of executive producers, including Paul Blavin, Amy Blavin, Mara Burros Sandler, Marie Cisco, and Exit 14's Sam Silverstein and Jeremy Paczos.
But "Grassland" is more than just a film. It also serves as a powerful advocacy campaign, shedding light on federal and state-level criminal justice reform and the thousands of Americans still behind bars for low-level marijuana possession charges. All this while the legal cannabis industry is projected to reach a staggering $34 billion by 2024.
Partnering with Common's Free to Dream is The Last Prisoner Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing justice to those affected by the unjust criminal justice system. Together, they have provided paid opportunities for individuals who have been directly impacted by the flawed system. This includes hiring crew members who were formerly incarcerated and consulting producers with personal experience in the criminal legal system.
In order to continue the conversation and raise awareness, Free to Dream is teaming up with lifestyle brand Shinola to host a multi-city screening tour in colleges and underrepresented communities. The tour will feature panel discussions with activists in the cannabis equity space, aiming to educate and inspire change.
Common's involvement in "Grassland" is just one of the many ways he has used his platform to bring awareness to important social issues. Recently, he has been pulled into actress Tiffany Haddish's defamation lawsuit against her former friend. But his focus remains on using his talents and influence to make a positive impact on the world and bring about change.
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