Finally, a remarkable chapter in American history is coming to the big screen.

Based on the inspiring real-life story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the new movie Red Tails chronicles the struggles and triumphs of the first African-American squadron of aviators in the U.S. military.

During World War II, a time when the country was still in the grips of Jim Crow laws, the Tuskegee Airmen fought for the right to fight for their country. In their struggle for respect and equal opportunities in the military, they banded together and supported one another through prayer and their belief in each other.

At the time, military policy kept African-American pilots grounded, claiming they “lacked qualifications” to carry out important missions. When the military brass finally relented and allowed them to fly, it paved the way not only for integration within the Army, but eventually within the country at large.

Which is not to say that Red Tails is just about friendship or politics; it’s also an action-packed adventure, with breathtaking aerial dogfights and cutting-edge visuals (Red Tails’ executive producer is George Lucas, whose Lucasfilm creates some of the best special effects in the world).

Ultimately, Red Tails is a story of perseverance and hope, camaraderie and an inspiring group of men’s belief that anything is possible.

Watch as director Anthony Hemingway explains the importance of prayer in his life and actors David Oyelowo, Marcus T. Paulk and Elijah Kelley describe their experiences in making the film.

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