40 Acres is a 2024 Canadian post-apocalypticthriller film directed and written by R. T. Thorne (in his feature directorial debut). The film stars Danielle Deadwyler as a matriarch of descendants of African American farmers who settled in 1875 in rural Canada after the first Civil War. Two hundred years later, they are trying to survive in a decimated future. It is set to be released by Mongrel Media in Canada.[1]
The first news of project developing by R.T. Thorne was released during the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival.[3] On October 17, 2023, it was reported that Danielle Deadwyler would star in the independent post-apocalyptic film directed and written by R.T. Thorne.[1] Also was cast Kataem O'Connor, Michael Greyeyes, Milcania Diaz-Rojas and Leenah Robinson. The film was produced by Jennifer Holness with Hungry Eyes Film & Television.[1]
Principal photography began in September, 2023 in Sudbury, Ontario and wrapped on October 26.[4]
The film has faced allegations of unpaid invoices to crew, employees, and local vendors in the Sudbury area.[5] As of October 2024, IATSE confirmed that all outstanding money owed to the film's crew had been paid, while producer Jennifer Holness was still working to pay the vendors.[6]