Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor Set To Star In Indie Drama ‘Liz Here Now’

Academy Award nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor has completed filming Liz Here Now, a new indie drama directed by Sterling Macer Jr. Set in 1967, the film follows Liz Baxter (Ellis-Taylor), a nanny for a white family in Oakland, California, during the rise of the Black Panther Party. When Liz discovers the children she cares for are being mistreated by their mother (played by Twilight's Rachelle Lefevre), her efforts to protect them lead to accusations of involvement in a Black Panther conspiracy.

The film, shot in Lexington, KY, is based on Todd Connor's novel and produced by The Humble Picture Company and Clandestine Entertainment. Ellis-Taylor not only stars in the film but also serves as an executive producer, alongside Todd Connor, Jeremy Mann, and Bob Smiley.

Ellis-Taylor, known for her Oscar-nominated roles in King Richard, continues to shine within her other notable projects like Origin, Nickel Boys, The Color Purple, and The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat. With her standout appearances in Lovecraft Country and 61st Street, she solidifies her standing as a versatile force in Hollywood.

Sterling Macer Jr., who previously directed indie films Double Down and Park Day, co-wrote Liz Here Now alongside Grant Nieporte (Seven Pounds) and Caleb G. Brown (Blue Ridge).