one thousand and one

In 2000s New York City, a fiercely protective mother, Inez, kidnaps her seven-year-old son, Terry, from the foster care system. To keep him, she must build a new life for them, posing as a social worker. As Terry grows and his curiosity about his past intensifies, Inez is forced to confront the sacrifices she’s made and the fragile reality she’s constructed.

Critically acclaimed, 'One Thousand and One' was praised for its powerful performances, intimate direction, and poignant exploration of motherhood and systemic challenges. It resonated with audiences for its raw emotional honesty and its portrayal of a complex mother-son relationship against the backdrop of a changing New York City.

• A deeply moving and authentic portrayal of motherhood and sacrifice.
• Teyana Taylor delivers a career-defining performance.
• A beautifully crafted and socially relevant drama.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly praised the film's emotional depth and Teyana Taylor's incredible performance, finding it to be a compelling and important story about family and resilience. The film's gritty depiction of New York and its thematic richness were also frequently highlighted as strengths.

Won the Grand Jury Prize: U.S. Dramatic at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.

Director A.V. Rockwell drew inspiration from her own experiences growing up in New York City and the stories of mothers she knew to shape the narrative and characters of 'One Thousand and One'.