If you were following the Sundance Film Festival this past January, then you know Nate Parker‘s film, The Birth of a Nation, was a big hit and FOX Searchlight set a record paying $17.5 million for the worldwide rights to the film.

A release date is set for October 7, 2016, making it a likely contender for next year’s Academy Awards.

READ: Get Ready for Nate Parker in this “The Birth of a Nation” Remix!

Contrary to some people’s belief, this is not just another “slave movie.” It tells the story of Nat Turner, a literate slave and preacher, whose owner accepts an offer to use Turner’s preaching to control fiery slaves. Turner witnesses the never-ending mistreatment of his fellow slaves, and comes up with a plan which place him in the history books.

Parker wrote and  directed the film and also stars as Turner.

His co-stars included Gabrielle Union, Aja Naomi King (How to Get Away With Murder) and Armie Hammer among others.

Watch the teaser trailer below.