Donald Trump election made Moonlight a must-see film, says Barry Jenkins

Jenkins said the film is so moving because actors "invite the audience deeply in"
Moving: Director Barry Jenkins
Dave Benett
Jennifer Ruby15 February 2017
The Weekender

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Moonlight director Barry Jenkins thinks there is more of an “urgency” for people to see his film since the US presidential election.

The smash hit movie, nominated for eight Academy Awards, chronicles the life of a young black man growing up in Miami as he struggles with family life and his sexuality.

“The movie actually screened quite a bit before the election and I can’t deny that things have changed, the perception of the film, there’s more urgency for people who feel like they need to see these other representations, that has definitely changed post-election,” the American director told the Standard.

“But I always think that people are just genuinely finding a way to see themselves in the piece. I hope that’s not just a reflection or just a response to what’s happening in the world, but I also think that that’s how art should function, it should be there for people who are in need of solace.”

Jenkins, 37, thinks the film has touched people because it is a character-driven piece, led by a cast including Naomie Harris, Mahershala Ali and Trevante Rhodes.

“I think there’s something truly, fundamentally human about the movie, about the characters,” he said.

“And a part of that is, I think, the story and the characters that were gifted by Tarell Alvin McCraney, the playwright who wrote the source material, In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue.” He added: “I think in this movie, the actors just invite the audience deeply in. I think that’s what is moving people.”

British Academy Film Awards 2017

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Jenkins says the very fact that films like Moonlight are being nominated for awards is heartening following last year’s “#OscarsSoWhite” backlash.

“A lot of these films they began four, five and in the case of Fences 20 years ago, and we’ve arrived at this moment and we have all this work,” he said. “But the work to get us here started years and years ago, hopefully next year we’ll see another wave and another wave and another wave.”

“I’d like to think the diversity we’re thinking of is not just reflected in these awards shows because there are going to be years where films like this just aren’t nominated for anything, but as long as the films exist, that’s the most important part, you know.”

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