Black Panther 2 director Ryan Coogler has explained why he's planning to shoot the Marvel Studios film in Georgia, rather than boycotting the state in response to its controversial new voting law, SB 202.

"The fight for full enfranchisement is fundamental to the African-American struggle in this country and to this country’s claim to functioning democracy," Coogler wrote for Deadline. "As an African-American, and as a citizen, I oppose all attempts, explicit and otherwise, to shrink the electorate and reduce access to the ballot. I say this as I return to Georgia, a state that holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Atlanta for eight months while filming my last movie. I have long looked forward to returning. But, when I was informed of the passage of SB202 in the state, and its ramifications for the state’s voters, I was profoundly disappointed."

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"While I wished to turn my concern into action, I could not do so without first being educated on the specifics of Georgia," he continued. "Having now spoken with voting rights activists in the state, I have come to understand that many of the people employed by my film, including all the local vendors and businesses we engage, are the very same people who will bear the brunt of SB202. For those reasons, I will not be engaging in a boycott of Georgia. What I will be doing is using my voice to emphasize the effects of SB202, it’s shameful roots in Jim Crow, and doing all I can to support organizations fighting voter suppression here in the state."

A 98-page omnibus bill, SB 202 was signed into law by Georgia governor Brian Kemp on March 25, 2020. It makes a number of major changes to the state's voting process, including stricter voter ID certification requirements and a shortened period in which citizens over 65, with a disability, in the military or who live overseas can request an absentee ballot. SB 202 also eliminates mobile polling sites, places limitations on early voting in Georgia's larger counties and prohibits individuals from passing out food and/or water to those waiting in line to vote.

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Georgia's Republican lawmakers have argued that SB 202 was necessary to ensure greater confidence in the voting process after the state flipped blue during the 2020 Presidential Election. However, those who oppose the bill see it as a discriminatory piece of legislation that targets Black and other POC voters while placing limitations on how and when people vote in Georgia. U.S. President Joe Biden has similarly denounced SB 202, calling it "Jim Crow in the 21st Century."

To close out his statement, Coogler advocated for The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, saying it "would bring back pre-clearance which is needed now more than ever." He went on to add, "I have made a personal commitment to raise awareness about ways to help overturn this harmful bill, and continue to get educated on this matter from people on the ground. I will encourage everyone working with me to tap in with the local community directly affected by Senate Bill 202 and to leverage their influence and resources to aid in the fight for this particular and essential pillar of democracy." He also said he will be making a donation to Fair Fight Action; those who wish to do the same can do so HERE.

Directed by Ryan Coogler, Black Panther 2 arrives in theaters July 8, 2022.

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Source: Deadline