Story perspectives

Josephine Premieres at Sundance, Tatum Moved to Tears

1/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Beth de Araújo, filmmaker of Josephine, premiered the film at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, drawing a standing ovation.
Channing Tatum, who stars as Damien, cried multiple times during the screening.
Eight-year-old Josephine, played by Mason Reeves, witnesses trauma after a sexual assault in Golden Gate Park.
Tatum emphasized creating a safe environment for Mason Reeves during filming.

History

Historical Context

The 1972 release of "Deep Throat" sparked intense debates about censorship and the portrayal of sexual themes in cinema, influencing filmmakers like Beth de Araújo. Her 2026 film "Josephine" addresses trauma related to sexual assault, reflecting ongoing societal issues. This evolution highlights the film industry's responsibility to tackle sensitive topics while ensuring the safety of young actors, a concern raised by Channing Tatum during production.

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Story summary

Beth de Araújo, filmmaker of Josephine, premiered the film at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, drawing a standing ovation.
Channing Tatum, who stars as Damien, cried multiple times during the screening.
Eight-year-old Josephine, played by Mason Reeves, witnesses trauma after a sexual assault in Golden Gate Park.
Tatum emphasized creating a safe environment for Mason Reeves during filming.

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