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Interviewed With Kwyn
Bader (KB). Conducted by Blair Smith (BS)
- BS
- There are a lot of incredibly beautiful and
exotic, but flawed women in this film. Are you making a statement or
is there some type of pattern here?
- KB
- Well, in fact, he (Theo) was a flawed character
as well as the women and most of the characters in the film. To me,
I find those characters quite interesting. The actresses also really
took it "there" in the film.
- BS
- There are a lot of familiar faces in the film.
- KB
- Yes, Hill Harper is Theo, who has done work
with Pierce Brosnan in a film oversees.
Phylicia Rashad came on board. At first I was a little scared because
after all, she's the mom on The Cosby Show, but she was great
and she told me how happy she was to be there. I felt like the energy
on the set was really good. Nicole Ari Parker was also great and was
the first person to come on board.
- BS
- Wasn't Ms. Parker also in Boogie Nights?
- KB
- That's right, and Two Girls in Love.
My cousin, Lisa Donovan, from Clueless, was also in the film.
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BS
What
a great cast. Kwyn, whenever people see a young African-American independent
film director, people can't help but make comparison to Spike Lee. How
does that make you feel?
KB
Part
of what made me feel like I could make films was Spike making them.
I love the fact that he puts together a very precise vision in his work
and that has definitely influenced me.
BS
There
are few films being made about brothers from the burbs vs. Boyz 'N The
Hood. Do you consider this a risk compared to Hollywood African-American
formula films? It seems like in every film with Blacks there is a brother
with a ski cap on his head and a gun in his hand.
KB
Well,
there are a lot of us that are not living that lifestyle and I wanted
to put forth a world that I knew was true
to me. I think there needs to be more films like this and there will
be. It's funny because this script was actually seen as a political
statement because of things like the multiracial cast. That happens
whenever we do something interesting and different. Hopefully someday
it will be seen as just making movies. We have to get to the point where
Spike can make films like Summer of Sam and no one gets on his case because he's not Italian.
BS
People,
both Black and White, are still uncomfortable with interracial relationships
(outside the village in NYC). Are you at all concerned with this? Or
maybe people will not give you a good reason for disliking the film?
KB
I'm
actually fine with that. I knew it would be a challenge because both
Black and White executives would ask, "What is your market?" They could
not figure out who was going to be watching this film. They thought
it might frighten people. I think that thinking is unrealistic.
We have to break down those doors. If it challenges an audience, that's
great.
BS
Well
Kwyn, we applaud your efforts. My next to last question is, how did
Hill Harper go from bald to dreadlocks in the film?
KB
Just
one word, "wigs!" No budget for special effects.
BS
Is
there a soundtrack for the film?
KB
Absolutely.
We worked with Grammy winner Tony Pendat and it includes Roy Ayers,
Jungle Brothers, Wendy and Lisa from Prince and the Revolution and Gangstarr.
The music is very cool and we are working on the soundtrack deal now.
BS
Well,
we will keep an eye out for it and the film.
Read Part I *
Loving Jezebel Review
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