Qasim Basir’s poetic ode to Detroit is finally making its way to theaters. To Live and Die and Live, which had its world premiere at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival to strong critical acclaim, is hitting select AMC theaters on May 16, courtesy of AuthentiQ Films and CinemaStreet Pictures.
The intimate drama, led by Amin Joseph, is a layered portrait of grief, addiction, and legacy, set against the backdrop of a reborn Detroit. The film follows Muhammad (Joseph), a once-rising Hollywood director who returns home to bury his stepfather, a beloved builder in the community. What starts as a quick return turns into a reckoning, as Muhammad spirals into late-night temptations and unresolved pain, all while trying to play the role of the strong one for everyone else.
Skye P. Marshall, Omari Hardwick, Cory Hardrict, Maryam Basir, and Dana Gourrier also star in the feature with Travina Springer, Ismail Abdul-Aziz, Jeryl Prescott, Roger Guenveur Smith round out the ensemble.
While the theatrical release gives the film its moment on the big screen, the story isn’t stopping there—Samuel Goldwyn Films has picked up digital rights, with a streaming release slated for later this year.
“Thrilled to be working with Samuel Goldwyn Films again,” said Basir in a statement. “They’re a wonderful group dedicated to film and, especially, filmmakers.”
To Live and Die and Live is backed by a powerhouse lineup of producers and executive producers including Nina Yang Bongiovi, Forest Whitaker, Omari Hardwick, Cory Hardrict, Samantha Basir, and more. It’s a collaboration between AuthentiQ Films, Significant Productions, CinemaStreet Pictures, and Confluential Films—fitting for a film that leans so heavily into themes of collective responsibility, generational burden, and community healing.
Catch it in theaters starting May 16. And when it lands digitally later this year, don’t miss it.