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Apple TV+ hosted an exclusive “Clips & Conversation” event (produced by ONE/35 Agency) at The Gathering Spot DC to celebrate its new limited series, Lady in the Lake. Directed by Alma Har’el and starring Academy Award winner Natalie Portman and Emmy nominee Moses Ingram, the riveting seven-part series also co-stars Y’lan Noel, Brett Gelman, Byron Bowers, Noah Jupe, Josiah Cross, Mikey Madison, and Pruitt Taylor Vince.

Moderated by Baltimore WERQ 92QFM radio personality, Persia Nicole, the panel featured a compelling discussion with Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO and Publisher of AFRO American Newspaper, and Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew, CEO/founder of Root Branch Media Group. Together, they explored the series’ themes including media representation, the evolution of Black businesses in Baltimore, and racial and gender tensions of the era.

Founded in 1892 by Draper’s great-grandfather, John H. Murphy, Sr., the AFRO American Newspaper has been a vital source of news and information for the African-American community in Baltimore and the Washington DC Metro area. Draper shared powerful insights, original articles, and artifacts from AFRO’s extensive coverage of Baltimore’s real Lady In The Lake, Shirley Lee Wigeon Parker whose disappearance and tragic death in 1969 inspired the series. AFRO’s role in documenting Parker’s story highlights the critical importance of Black Media in amplifying community voices.

The second panelist, Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew, a trailblazer in media production and the first Black woman to own a property on Baltimore’s Harbor Waterfront offered valuable perspectives on the ongoing pursuit of authentic representation and the remarkable growth of Black and women-owned businesses in Baltimore and beyond.

Beyond the panel discussion, the “Clips & Conversation” event immersed guests in the world of “Lady in the Lake” through interactive elements like a branded photo booth, and themed refreshments. The event celebrated The Afro’s rich history and culture, fostering meaningful dialogue about the challenges and triumphs of the past and present.

About Lady in the Lake

From visionary director Alma Har’el, Lady In The Lake tells an unexpected tale about two women from different sides of Baltimore and the price they paid for their dreams. Maddie Schwartz (Natalie Portman) is a Jewish housewife seeking to shed a secret past and reinvent herself as an investigative journalist. Cleo Johnson (Moses Ingram) is a mother navigating the political underbelly of Black Baltimore while struggling to provide for her family. When the disappearance of a young girl grips the City of Baltimore on Thanksgiving 1966, the lives of two women converge on a fatal collision course. Their disparate lives seem parallel initially, but when Maddie becomes fixated on Cleo’s mystifying death, a chasm opens that puts everyone around them in danger.

Production Credits

Hailing from Fifth Season, Lady in the Lake is produced by Crazyrose and Bad Wolf America, the series was created, executive produced, written, and directed by Har’el alongside producing partner Christopher Leggett. In addition to starring, Portman serves as executive producer alongside producing partner Sophie Mas. Nathan Ross. The late Jean-Marc Vallée served as executive producer for Crazyrose, and Julie Gardner executive produced for Bad Wolf America. Layne Eskridge, Amy Kaufman, Boaz Yakin, and author Laura Lippman are also executive producers.

“Lady in the Lake” is streaming now on Apple TV+, with new episodes released every Friday through August 23, 2024. Visit Apple TV+ Lady In The Lake for more information.

Photo Credit: Apple TV/ONE35 Agency