The story of Sean Bell, a name etched into the ongoing fight for police accountability, has finally found its way to the big screen.
Aftershock: The Nicole P. Bell Story is the poignant, powerful retelling of an American tragedy through the eyes of a woman who turned unimaginable loss into lasting impact.
Produced by Manny Halley Productions and released via Faith Media Distribution, the film hits theaters worldwide on November 28, followed by a digital streaming release on December 15.
In 2006, just hours before his wedding day, 23-year-old Sean Bell was fatally shot by undercover NYPD officers in a barrage of 50 bullets.
He was unarmed. The incident sparked international outrage and became a rallying cry for justice reform, forcing the nation to confront the deadly consequences of systemic failure.
Aftershock explores this heartbreaking story not through the headlines, but through the personal lens of Bell’s fiancée, Nicole Paultre Bell. Portrayed by Rayven Ferrell, Nicole’s character is not simply grieving; she’s navigating the public spotlight, the justice system, and motherhood, all while fighting to preserve her late fiancé’s legacy.
“With this movie, I am pleased to share my journey—a journey of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of justice,” said Nicole Paultre Bell in a statement. “It’s a story of the strength that resides within each one of us, a strength that propels us forward even in the darkest of times.”
The film is co-written by Cas Sigers and Alesia “Z” Glidewell, with Glidewell making her directorial debut. Rounding out the cast are Bentley Green as Sean Bell, Richard Lawson as Rev. Al Sharpton, Kevin Jackson as Sean’s father, and Richard T. Jones as civil rights attorney Anthony Ricco.
As a producer on the film, Nicole Paultre Bell worked closely with the team to ensure accuracy and emotional truth, especially in portraying her family’s lived experience.
“This is a collective experience shared by countless survivors,” she said. “Those who have lost loved ones to senseless violence and those who have fought tirelessly for accountability and civil reform.”
More than just a biopic, Aftershock is a timely reminder that the fight for justice doesn’t end when the cameras stop rolling.
Executive produced by Manny Halley and Roc Nation, the film was shaped with both cinematic quality and social consciousness in mind.
“Aftershock is a deeply moving film that captures the urgency and humanity of a story that still resonates today,” said Halley.
Aftershock: The Nicole P. Bell Story is in theaters November 28 and streaming December 15.
