Roland Emmerich calls Stonewall film “a huge challenge”, unveils movie poster

Stonewall director Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow) has unveiled the poster for his upcoming film on the historic Stonewall riots of 1969.

Emmerich also spoke to Vulture about the film, saying it was an “uphill battle” to make Stonewall after budget cuts. “It was a huge challenge to make this movie, and if I had not absolutely wanted it, it would not have happened,” he said.

The Vulture interview also touches on the difficulties of casting an ensemble film – Emmerich promises there’s sufficient LGBT representation in Stonewall – and why being gay was not a requirement for the actors.

“It was more about who was the best actor for the part,” says the director. “I always do it like that.”

Stonewall stars Jeremy Irvine, Ron Perlman, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers and Jonny Beauchamp. The movie will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, which will be held from September 10 to 20, before opening in theatres on September 25.