GLENDALE, CA – Nearly a century after the birth of the “Godfather of Rap,” the spirit of comedy legend Rudy Ray Moore is returning to the silver screen. In honor of what would have been Moore’s 99th birthday, Dolemite Films has officially announced its relaunch with the premiere of the new feature film, The Daughters of Dolemite.
Audiences can catch special advance preview screenings on March 17 and 18 at the LOOK Dine-In Cinemas in Glendale. This cinematic revival is led by veteran producer-director and Vietnam-era veteran Foster Corder, a longtime collaborator who was personally entrusted by Moore to protect and expand the Dolemite brand.
A New Chapter for an Underground Legend Moore’s original rise was defined by “four-walling”—a grassroots strategy where he and Corder rented out theaters to bring films like Dolemite (1975) and The Human Tornado (1976) directly to the people. The Daughters of Dolemite honors that legacy of self-determination. Eighteen years in the making, the film serves as a bridge between the blaxploitation era and modern independent cinema.
The story follows three young women of different backgrounds—Latina, Asian, and African American—who discover they are all daughters of the legendary Dolemite. The film navigates their journey of sisterhood and identity with the signature blend of humor and grit that defined the original franchise.
An Ensemble of Urban Cinema Icons The film features a powerhouse cast of familiar faces, including:
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Gary Anthony Sturgis as the new Dolemite.
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Hawthorne James (The Five Heartbeats, Speed).
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Kathleen Bradley (Friday’s Mrs. Parker).
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Torrie Hart, along with veteran comedians Michael Colyar and Joey Medina.
The Stewardship of Foster Corder With over 150 film credits, Foster Corder brings a wealth of history to this relaunch. As a co-founder of Blackbird Films (the first African American commercial production company in the U.S.) and the first Black Director of Film and Video at Capitol Records, Corder has mentored industry giants like Antoine Fuqua and F. Gary Gray.
“Rudy understood that ownership is power,” says Corder. “He didn’t wait for gatekeepers; he built his own stage. The Daughters of Dolemite is a continuation of that resilience, proving that Moore’s cultural strategy—which helped birth hip-hop—is just as relevant today.”
Event Information The production team is currently in talks with major studios and streaming platforms to expand the film’s reach following the Glendale previews.
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Dates: March 17 & 18, 2026
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Location: LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Glendale
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Schedule (March 17): Cast/Press arrivals at 6:00 PM; Special Presentation at 7:00 PM; General Public screenings at 7:30 PM.
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Tickets: Available at LOOK Cinemas Glendale
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Official Trailer: Watch on YouTube
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More Info: TheDaughtersOfDolemite.com
