Stars of Oscar-nominated “TIME” (2020) unveil sequel with movement-building release strategy mobilizing 1M+ to watch, witness, and walk the path of freedom.
Justice advocates, Sibil “Fox” and Robert “Rob” Richardson (Fox and Rob), stars of the Oscar-nominated documentary TIME (2020), recently launched #TimeIIWatch: A Juneteenth Campaign for Freedom, a groundbreaking impact campaign designed to amplify their long-awaited sequel TIME II: Unfinished Business, while igniting a nationwide movement for systemic justice ahead of its Juneteenth release. Fueled by the declaration “To Be Free is to Free Others,” #TimeIIWatch transforms art into activism, serving as a participatory action tool rather than mere entertainment. The initiative calls upon 1M+ people to join a revolutionary watch party experience that transcends a typical movie premiere and mobilizes collective action to complete the unfinished work of freedom that Juneteenth began.
“TIME II” marks the directorial debut of Fox Rich, who captivated audiences as the indomitable matriarch in “TIME.” Reflecting on her visionary role and her personal journey has evolved into a fight for the freedom of others, she declares, “If ‘TIME’ was the cry, ‘TIME II’ is the call. This project is a purposed and intentional call-to-action that acts as a mirror reflecting the cracks in our justice system, a megaphone confronting excessive sentencing and other unjust acts that continue to enslave us through mass incarceration, and a whole movement that redefines what it truly means to be free in America.”
Rob Rich, who served 21 years in the Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola), adds, “We’re flipping the script on how films drive change. ‘TIME II’ isn’t about algorithms or streaming royalties, it’s about people power. Freedom isn’t free, and this campaign asks audiences to invest not just their time, but their voices.”
“TIME II: Unfinished Business”plunges headfirst into the aftermath of Rob’s release from Angola after 21 grueling years – a release that only marked the beginning of their continued fight for freedom. The battle now rages on for their nephew and “fall partner,” Ontario, who remains unjustly imprisoned. Fox and Rob confront the brutal realities that come with their unwavering commitment to free their nephew and honor the sacred promise they made to Rob’s sister – to bring her baby boy home.
The film offers audiences an unflinching view of the lengths these extraordinary individuals will go to alter their family’s fate and rewrite the course of history.
Releasing on Juneteenth, June 19, history is reimagined as Fox and Rob tie the celebration of emancipation to modern-day bondage, highlighting that the 13th Amendment loophole is not freedom. The #TimeIIWatch campaign repositions Juneteenth as a moment of national reckoning connecting our past to our present struggles, revealing the unjust systems that still cage our people.
This historic initiative features a first-ever national watch party that will live-stream a full screening of the film, as well as roundtable dialogues. 1M+ people across the country and abroad are invited to gather together to engage in the fight for justice.
The indomitable matriarch, Fox Rich, delivers a powerful call to action as five of her six successful sons and husband Rob stand in solidarity. “TIME II: Unfinished Business” is not just a documentary, it’s a declaration of generational resilience.
Take a look at the trailer: https://youtu.be/S4ZATj7Ymck?si=zoOnmUjR5aI7l4bR.
To participate and support the movement, those interested can register for watch party access by visiting www.TimeTwoMovie.com. Each registration is $24.99 per person. Options are available for groups, organizations, churches, and families, who are encouraged to leverage the “TIME II” Juneteenth premiere as their own synchronized watch party event for concerted and localized discussions.
To deepen their impact, Fox and Rob have pledged to contribute $1 from each watch party registration to the Amistad Research Center, the oldest, largest and most comprehensive independent-held Black archive. As one of our nation’s last historical bastions, Fox and Rob aim to raise $1M through the #TimeIIWatch campaign to benefit the Amistad and ultimately preserve the authentic Black narratives that powerful forces seek to silence.
Registration for the #TimeIIWatch national Juneteenth watch party is now available. To sign up, visit www.TimeTwoMovie.com.
For group ticket sales or to arrange your own synchronized watch party event, contact [email protected].
For partnership and sponsorship opportunities, also contact [email protected].
Sibil “Fox” and Robert “Rob” Richardson, affectionately known as Fox and Rob, captured the hearts of audiences worldwide in the Oscar-nominated TIME, named one of President Barack Obama’s favorites of 2020. The documentary also earned a spot in Time Magazine’s “25 Most Defining Works of the Black Renaissance” and was listed among The Hollywood Reporter as one of the “Top 50 Films of the Century.” For more information, visit www.FoxandRob.com.
Elaine Hegwood Bowen, M.S.J., is the Entertainment Editor for the Chicago Crusader. She is a National Newspaper Publishers Association Entertainment Writing’ award winner, contributor to “Rust Belt Chicago” and the author of “Old School Adventures from Englewood: South Side of Chicago.” For info, Old School Adventures from Englewood-South Side of Chicago (lulu.com