Categories: Articles, Audrey Bernard,
“Aftershock: The Nicole P. Bell Story” is a poignant account of an incident which happened on the very morning Nicole Paultre-Bell was set to marry the love of her life, Sean Bell, who was killed in a senseless barrage of 50 police bullets. Plunged into sudden grief, the mother of two faced a second devastating blow when the officers involved were shockingly acquitted. “Aftershock” tells her story.
“Aftershock: The Nicole P. Bell Story” is about a tragic incident that ignited national outrage when unarmed 23-year-old Sean Bell was fatally shot by undercover NYPD officers just hours before his wedding. The barrage of 50 bullets that took his life became a defining flashpoint in the ongoing fight for police accountability and reform. “Aftershock: The Nicole P. Bell Story” tells this story through the eyes of his fiancée, Nicole Paultre Bell, offering a gripping and emotional portrait of love, loss, resilience, and a woman’s extraordinary determination to transform unimaginable pain into purpose and a lasting call for change. After police kill her fiancé on their wedding day, a heartbroken mother of two fights through the devastating aftershock of a shocking acquittal, launching a relentless, decade-long battle for justice.
“Aftershock: The Nicole P. Bell Story” stars Rayven Ferrell, Bentley Green, Richard Lawson, Kevin Jackson, and Richard T. Jones. It is directed by Alesia “Z” Glidewell, written by Cas Sigers and Glidewell, and produced by Manny Halley, Rodney Turner II, and Yolanda Halley, with executive producers Manny Halley and Nicole Paultre Bell.
“This film is deeply personal, not just for Nicole and the Bell family, but for every community that has been impacted by injustice,” said producer Manny Halley. “We wanted to honor Sean’s legacy by telling the truth with heart, humanity, and urgency. Making this was a responsibility, and we’re grateful that audiences across the country will now be able to experience Nicole’s powerful story at home.”
The film opened in theaters nationwide on Friday, November 28 — just two days after the 19th anniversary of Sean Bell’s murder, and premiered on PVOD December 15, 2025, and is currently available on digital platforms including Amazon, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV. For additional information go to https://aftershockmovie2025.com.
The red carpet was lit! Nicole P Bell was joined by cast and crew at the premiere screening — which ironically took place on Sean Bell’s 19th anniversary — at the AMC Empire 25 in New York City to celebrate Sean Bell’s life and honor his legacy. Nicole set the tone for the elegant evening in black leather and she sent a powerful message. “Talking about Sean is one of my favorite things. A lot of people know about the tragedy of how his life ended, but not too many know who he really was.” Also in attendance were producer Manny Halley, dapper in white, Rev. Al Sharpton, Dave East, Papoose, Claressa Shields, Richard and Bianca Lawson, Lil Mama, Cynthia Horner, and more who pulled up in support. (Photo credit: @walik1) (Photo credit: Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Imani Media Group)
