We Grown Now


We Grown Now is a 2023 American drama film written, directed and co-produced by Minhal Baig. It stars Blake Cameron James, Gian Knight Ramirez, S. Epatha Merkerson, Avery Holliday, Ora Jones, Lil Rel Howery and Jurnee Smollett.
We Grown Now had its world premiere at the 2023 [Toronto International Film Festival] on September 8, 2023. The film was released in select cinemas in the United States on April 19, 2024, by Sony Pictures Classics and Stage 6 Films.

Premise

Best friends Malik and Eric come of age in the Cabrini-Green housing complex in the early 1990s.

Cast

Production

In May 2022, it was announced Minhal Baig would write and direct the film, with principal photography commencing in and around Chicago.

Release

We Grown Now had its world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2023.
On October 4, 2023, Sony Pictures Classics acquired distribution rights to the film. It had a limited theatrical release in the United States on April 19, 2024.

Reception

Box office

We Grown Now grossed $35,344 from 9 theatres during its opening weekend in the United States.

Accolades

At the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, the film was the winner of the Toronto [International Film Festival Changemaker Award|Changemaker Award]. The film also won the Audience Choice Award for Best U.S. Feature at the 2023 Chicago International Film Festival. In 2025 received a nomination at the NAACP [Image Award for Outstanding Independent Motion Picture].