Liz Here Now at TIFF 2026

In 1960s Oakland, a Black housekeeper risks everything to shield two white children from domestic abuse, only to be swept up into the rising firestorm of the Black Panther era. Based on true events, Liz Here Now is a raw, emotionally charged story of survival, the cost of silence, and the courage to fight for justice.

Synopsis

Liz Here Now is a period drama set in 1967 Oakland, California. To the outside world, the Connor family is the picture of the American dream: a prominent doctor, his elegant wife, two young children, and a home in the hills. But Elizabeth “Liz” Baxter, the family’s Black housekeeper, knows what happens behind closed doors. When Liz’s actions threaten to expose the family’s dark secret, she is pulled into the social upheaval and racial strife of late 1960s Oakland, and makes a choice that will test everything she believes about justice. Inspired by true events.

Credits

Directed by Sterling Macer Jr. Screenplay by Grant Nieporte & Caleb G. Brown and Sterling Macer Jr. Based on the book by Todd Connor. Produced by Sterling Macer Jr. p.g.a., Grant Nieporte p.g.a., Zachary Weil p.g.a., Todd Connor, Jeremy Mann. Starring Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. Rachelle Lefevre.

A Journey Media Productions film, with The Humble Picture Company and Clandestine Entertainment. Period Drama · 127 minutes · Super 16mm · 1.85:1. Sales inquiries: Shaun Redick, Impossible Dream Entertainment.