DGA members in New York and Los Angeles have had the opportunity to attend member screenings followed by Q&A sessions with the films’ directors.
Lee Daniels: Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
On November 8, the DGA Ethnic Diversity Steering Committee hosted a Q&A with Director Lee Daniels (Shadowboxer) following the New York membership screening of his new film Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire. The film tells the story of a horribly abused Harlem teenager who finds herself overweight, illiterate, angry and pregnant with her second child from being raped. Overlooked by the system, she finds a final chance for life when she enrolls in an alternative high school program where she learns self-esteem. Director Terry George (Reservation Road) served as moderator of the discussion that took place in New York. Daniels also discussed the film In Los Angeles on November 4, where Director John Singleton (Shaft) served as moderator.
Mira Nair: Amelia
Director Mira Nair (The Namesake; Vanity Fair; Monsoon Wedding) discussed the making of her new feature film Amelia, after the New York screening on October 24. The biopic stars Hilary Swank as the legendary pilot Amelia Earhart, whose disappearance during an attempted round-the-world flight in 1937 is a mystery that endures to this day. Director Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Brokeback Mountain) served as moderator of the discussion.
Kevin Tancharoen: Fame
Director Kevin Tancharoen (Dancelife; Twentyfourseven) explained how he how he staged and captured the dramatic pieces and music and dance routines for his new film Fame. An update of the 1980 musical, Fame follows a class of the New York Academy of Performing Arts, where students prepare for professional careers in dance, music or drama receive performance skills training in addition to their regular course work. Director John Singleton (Four Brothers; Shaft) served as moderator of the discussion that took place after the Los Angeles screening on October 13 that was hosted by the DGA Asian American Committee.
