If I Had Known I Was a Genius

If I Had Known I Was a Genius is a film directed by Dominique Wirtschafter and written by Markus Redmond. The film premiered January 23, 2007 at the Sundance Film Festival.

Plot

Michael is an African-American boy with a genius I.Q. His family refuses to encourage him and tries to bring him down, and his mother nicknames him "Ugly". Michael enrolls in a high school drama class and finds encouragement from an eccentric teacher.

Cast

Markus Redmond as Michael Reed
Whoopi Goldberg as Mrs. Reed
Keith David as Mr. Reed
Debra Wilson as Teresa Reed
Sharon Stone as Gloria Fremont
Tara Reid as Stephanie
Della Reese as Nana
Andy Richter as Game Show Host
French Stewart as Public School Principal
David Denman as Baker
Nadia Bjorlin as Faith
Julie Hagerty as Teacher