Channing Tatum Moved to Tears at ‘Josephine’ Premiere, Sundance 2026’s First Hit
The world premiere of “Josephine” at the Sundance Film Festival 2026 captivated audiences, evoking strong emotions. Among those affected was Channing Tatum, the film’s star, who admitted he cried several times while watching the drama.
About “Josephine”
This poignant film explores the aftermath of a brutal sexual assault witnessed by a young girl in San Francisco. The story is brought to life by Tatum and Gemma Chan, who play the girl’s parents struggling to support her through this harrowing experience.
Director’s Insight
Directed and written by Beth de Araújo, “Josephine” draws from her own difficult childhood experiences. During the premiere at Park City’s Eccles Theater, de Araújo emotionally spoke about the film’s inspiration. She aims to portray female fear and its impact through the eyes of an eight-year-old girl.
A Star is Born
The film marks a significant milestone for newcomer Mason Reeves, who plays the lead role. Discovered at a farmer’s market in San Francisco, Reeves charmed the audience both on and off the screen. She expressed her enthusiasm for acting, mentioning she would prefer lighter genres in the future, such as:
- Action
- Fantasy
- Musical
- Animal-themed movies
- Films set in Paris
Emotional Reactions
Throughout “Josephine,” Tatum and Chan’s characters face the challenge of helping their daughter deal with her fear and anger. Tatum, a father himself, shared his concerns about Reeves distinguishing between acting and reality. He frequently reassured her during filming, which led to lighthearted moments.
Before concluding the premiere, de Araújo thanked the audience for engaging with such a challenging narrative. She hoped viewers left feeling inspired to envision a better world for themselves.
