Filmmaker Mickalene Thomas (L) and HBO Documentary Films SVP Nancy Abraham attend the HBO screening of 'Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman.' (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Filmmaker Mickalene Thomas (L) and HBO Documentary Films SVP Nancy Abraham attend the HBO screening of ‘Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman.’ (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Filmmaker Mickalene Thomas was among celebrities and cast who attended last night’s (Feb. 20) HBO special screening of “Happy Birthday To A Beautiful Woman” in New York City.

The film focuses on runway model Sandra Bush, who dreamed of becoming the first African-American supermodel, only to struggle with addiction and despair.

But she later achieved celebrity as Mama Bush, the model for some of the best-known and widely admired paintings by her daughter, acclaimed artist Mickalene Thomas, according to an HBO synopsis.

Thomas, in her film directing debut, paints a poignant portrait of her mother and artistic muse, presenting a tender look back at a lifetime’s worth of hopes, regrets and redemption.

Drawing on personal and archival photos, as well as intimate interviews, Mickalene Thomas’ vivid, loving portrait chronicles her mother’s personal and professional struggles, including a turbulent marriage, drug abuse and chronic illness.

Check out the photos below and be sure to follow TheImproper on Twitter for the latest film news.


Mickalene Thomas Feted at Special NYC Screening
(Click Photos to Enlarge!)