Doing it for the culture
ROSEBANK– International film Queen & Slim is out in cinemas now
From a dating app date to a tragic end is the story of Queen & Slim.
A consciousness-raising love story with a strong message.
It confronts the old age tale of racism and the life-altering price of the violence incurred.
In a private screening at the Universal Music Group in Rosebank, the Sandton Chronicle spoke to the director Melina Matsoukis, lead actor Daniel Kaluuya and general manager Marc Byers from the Universal Motown Records Group.
“I like the balance between protest art and entertainment and I always feel like you can do both. Controlling our narrative, enjoying the films and seeing our stories is what excites me.
What we had to fight the most about however was, the world having access to the film,” said Matsoukis.
She garnered the depth for this film from all the people who’ve included her and inspired her.
“I decided, let’s do something for culture let’s push it forward,” she said.
Having been very involved in every aspect of the movie, the soundtrack of the film was very important. It serves as an extra voice and showcases the range of talent across black artists with a captivating blend of genres.
“The soundtrack is an insane process because a lot of the artists are not actually signed by us. Not every label understood the value of their artist being on the film. It’s a purpose project it’s an art project,” said Byers.
He added that Motown was picked purposely by the director and any other label would not have done the film justice.
Speaking to Kaluuya, he is passionate about saying something that matters in the different roles he takes. This one, in particular, spoke volumes.
“I’m here to say stuff with people that I am passionate about. That I want to work with and collaborate with. To teach me stuff that I don’t know, it just makes sense to me I can’t imagine it any other way,” he said.
A modern-day take on the classic Bonnie & Clyde, the film was released in South African cinemas on 14 February.
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https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/245785/swing-into-the-year-with-these-films/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/247106/watch-top-10-anticipated-superhero-upcoming-movies/
