The true story of a Chicago mother and son who reunited after decades apart is now being made into a Netflix movie starring big names.
The new movie, “Tis So Sweet,” will tell a story of family and forgiveness that may sound familiar to NBC Chicago viewers.
NBC Chicago’s Regina Waldroup reported the story that inspired the movie in November, detailing how a bakery owner on Chicago’s South Shore reconnected with her biological son in an unbelievable way.
Vamarr Hunter fell in love with a bakery called Give Me Some Sugah, coming back routinely for its sweets and heartfelt talks with the shop’s owner, Lenore Lindsey.
Hunter then set out to find his biological mother with assistance from a DNA test and a special genealogist.
Then one day, he gets a call from his birth mother, who happens to be the owner of his favorite bakery.
“It is still a big wow,” Lindsey said. “This is my son. This is my son.”
Lindsey and Hunter say they began getting calls about turning their reunion story into a movie days after NBC Chicago’s coverage aired but they were holding out for a call from Tyler Perry.
The award-winning director, producer and actor came through with an offer: turning their story into a Netflix original drama.
“To me, it is like wow this is really happening,” said Hunter.
Oscar winner Taraji P. Henson will star in the movie as Lindsey and rapper and actor Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott (Joey Bada$$) as Hunter. Angela Davis, Russel Hornsby and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor are also among the stacked cast.
“They just finished shooting in Chicago, which was exciting. We were on the movie set,” Lindsey said. “When I saw her (Tarji) onset, I thought she really a phenomenal actress. Joey B captured V (Vamarr) perfectly. It sounds like it is going to be a great movie,” Lindsey said.
The movie is still in production, continuing at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.
“We have decided that we are superstars,” Lindsey said.
The hope is to have the movie out by Thanksgiving next year or Christmas. Plus, the family says a book inspired by their story is also in the works.
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