And Williams, a former Academy Governor representing the Doc Branch, says something may be done about it.
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We know its awards, its the Oscars its a game, it costs.
So, well figure it out and well lead the rest of the academy.
Roger Rose Williams attends the SAGindie Filmmakers Luncheon At Sundance on January 23, 2023 in Park City, Utah.Fred Hayes/Getty Images for SAGindie
Theyll follow us, as they do in everything.
The film will debut on HBO in May.
Asked what drew him to Summers story, Williams replied, My love of disco.
Director Roger Ross Williams (rt) and Thom Powers converse at CPH:DOX in Copenhagen, Wednesday, March 22, 2023Courtesy of Matthew Carey
And [I] kept advancing and advancing and I won it…
Among many elements of Summers life, the film explores the entertainers complicated relationship with the church.
Williams said he identified with Summers struggle.
I grew up in the Black church, the illegitimate son of the pastor, he noted.
I was thrown out of the church for being gay, ostracized from the church.
My mother was ostracized from the church for having an affair with the pastor.
Williams made a short documentary previously about Cassandro, whose real name is Saul Armendariz.
Williams revealed how Robert Redford played an instrumental role in the films artistic evolution.
They submitted the first draft to the Sundance Screenwriting Lab, but got rejected.
A proverbial long night of the soul ensued, but it ended well.
You shoot five scenes from your screenplay, Williams explained.
You bring actors that you cast that come with you for the five weeks.
Each of the eight writer-directors is paired with a mentor.
Really famous, important mentors, including the Sundance Institute founder and Oscar winner himself.
So, I had Redford on set with me in rehearsal, in the edit room with me.
And he was amazing.
The most memorable thing is theres a big sex scene inCassandro.
I was really nervous [about directing it].
I said, How do I do a sex scene?
And he said, Its all about storytelling and the choreography.
He drew it out.
Bob Redford storyboarded my sex scene.
And I have it framed in my office hanging on the wall.
Great to brainstorm with Oprah.
And they had to create white laws to protect white people, Williams said.
And it was so fun.
I like to challenge myself.
It was a huge challenge.
And Im in the middle of it right now, pulling my hair out.
