(From left) Slim (Daniel Kaluuya, back to camera) and Queen (Jodie Turner-Smith) in Queen & Slim, directed by Melina Matsoukas. Photo by Andre D. Wagner/Universal Pictures.
“For a decade and a half, Melina Matsoukas has helmed moody, swoony, sexy music videos that subvert expectations by turning an idol’s image inside-out — whether it’s re-imagining Snoop Dogg as a keytar-wielding lounge act (“Sensual Seduction”) or transforming Katy Perry into a grieving World War II widow (“Thinking of You”). Her strongest work, however, usually stars black women like herself — Rihanna, Solange, Beyoncé — who see themselves as fellow political-rebel artists.” – Source: Rolling Stone
Director Melina Matsoukas talks about her powerful, politically charged work and how she both is influenced by and hopes to give back to black women in the industry. “I am who I am because of black women,” she says. “We’re beginning to redefine our community — and hopefully our version of Hollywood.”
