CONVERSATION WITH GINA PRINCE-BYTHEWOOD

Gina Prince-Bythewood is one of the most versatile storytellers working in film and television. Known for her authentic character-driven work, Prince-Bythewood has directed and written such influential feature films as Love & Basketball, The Secret Life of Bees, and Beyond The Lights.  Prince-Bythewood’s most recent feature film epic, The Woman King opened in theaters at the top of the domestic box office. The film is the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the West African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen. Inspired by true events, “The Woman King” follows the emotionally epic journey of General Nanisca (Academy award-winner Viola Davis) as she trains the next generation of recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life. Prince-Bythewood directed the critically-acclaimed action drama blockbuster, The Old Guard, starring Charlize Theron and Kiki Layne and based on the popular comic book series created by author Greg Rucka and illustrator Leandro Fernández. It is among the Top 10 most popular Netflix films of all time with Prince-Bythewood becoming the first Black female director on the list. Prince-Bythewood is known for showing humanity on-screen and creating deep connections driven to build empathy between their characters and their viewers. As a longtime advocate for equal representation in film and television on-screen and behind-the-scenes, Prince-Bythewood has championed many emerging writers and directors as well as funding a scholarship for African American students in the film program at UCLA, her alma mater. 

Join Gina Prince-Bythewood, MFF’s 2022 Agnes Varda Trailblazing Artist Honoree, for a fascinating, in-depth conversation focusing on her groundbreaking films, artistic choices, and creative process beginning with her wildly popular, feature debut Love and Basketball to her superhero film, The Old Guard and her current hit, The Woman King. 

Moderated by Variety’s Senior Artisans Editor, Jazz Tangcay