Watch: Roland Emmerich’s ‘Stonewall’ trailer released

The first trailer of Roland Emmerich’s forthcoming drama of Stonewall has been released online.

Starring Jonathan Rhys-Meyers (The Tudors), Jonny Beauchamp (How to Make It in America) and Ron Perlman (Hellboy), the production tells the story of a young fictional character Danny Winters (Jeremy Irvine), who flees family and friends to land in 1969 New York during the very real Stonewall riots, regarded as a pivotal moment in the modern gay rights movement.

Emmerich, who is known most notably for big action blockbusters including Independence Day, Godzilla and The Day After Tomorrow, told Vulture the production was an “uphill battle” but managed to get the film in the can by dropping the budget and abandoning his wish to film on location in New York.

“It was a huge challenge to make this movie, and if I had not absolutely wanted it, it would not have happened,” he said.

Written by Jon Robin Baitz, recognised for television credits including Brothers & Sisters, The Slap and Alias, Stonewall is produced by Emmerich, Michael Fossat, Marc Frydman and, Carsten Lorenz, and will be distributed by Roadside Attractions.

Stonewall opens in cinemas on September 25.

Words by TROY NANKERVIS.