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South by Southwest (SXSW) 2021 has been a feat, in the best way; from films, to episodic/s, to short films, to talks, to comedy and live music — there is a space for anyone. South by Southwest 2021 has had a multitude of conversations and talks regarding the industry, cinema, Hollywood, music, or overall production in filmmaking. They also feature talks about race, racial inequality, and various other topics regarding LGBTQIA+ in popular culture. Today, we will be talking about three that made an impact on us for various reasons, but here are a few that resonated with us.
“From Moonlight To The Underground Railroad (( Amazon Prime, May 14th )): Barry Jenkins & Composer Nicholas Britell”
Host: Hannah Giorgis — The Atlantic
When it comes to live conversations at virtual conventions, especially at South By Southwest 2021, it can be fascinating. You don’t, as a viewer, get the same response as you would in-person (asking questions, being in the space of another, etc.) In the light of COVID and the pandemic as a whole, South by Southwest is virtual for 2021. This is great for a multitude of reasons; it now allows more to come, meaning anyone can attend in the comfort of their own home, alongside pets, wine, and everything else. However, panels have been able to stay alive even through platforms like Zoom, Skype, etc. One that stood out that was also gratifying was the conversation between 2016’s Moonlight and the upcoming Underground Railroad on Amazon Prime, Barry Jenkins, and Nick Britell.
The conversation focuses on non-diegetic and diegetic sound, sound design as a whole, production, directing, and how that relates to one another. I love conversations about filmmaking and behind the scenes of any type of filmmaking. I think sound and music is an aspect that is so intriguing, but you never hear about them in-depth. You assume music and scores are chosen based on the likes and dislikes of the directing and composer.
Still, after the conversation between Jenkins and Britell, I found myself having a better understanding of music and how that intertwines with directing, the screenplay, and the style of the medium (television or film). It was gratifying to take knowledge away that I did not expect — really to be able to have a better understanding of music and overall sound as it connects with film and television is outstanding. Jenkins and Britell have such a fondness within their relationship that you see it throughout their conversation. It felt as though I was apart of their conversation instead of secluded, so it was a lot of fun to watch.
“A Conversation With Taraji P. Henson” + “ENCORE: A Conversation with Taraji P. Henson”
Host: Carolyn Kylstra — Editor-in-Chief of SELF magazine
Taraji talks about COVID at South By Southwest 2021, her product line for her hair company (TPH BY TARAJI), being an actress, and ending the series Empire in a short but oh-so-sweet conversation. I have always loved Taraji from previous work, and I love her attitude and who she is; I wanted to hear more about who she is as a creative, and I left her conversation feeling super satisfied. I got more information about her hair products (TPH BY TARAJI).
I did not know much as it is not popular so much where I am in CA so not many stores have it, and I always wanted to kind of look up more about it. I thought her explanation of what it was and how it works was fantastic. I also thought that she was motivational and positive throughout, and it was a lot of delight to see her in her element. I love that she required passion and love behind everything that she does and you can see that in everything she puts out.
“A Conversation With Icons Queen Latifah And LL COOL J”
Host: Dominic Patten — Senior Editor for Deadline Hollywood
In a short, but oh so sweet, conversation at South By Southwest 2021 with the biggest legends of our time, both Queen and LL talk about their respective series, being legends, being in the public eye, and understanding who they are and how they shape their roles and narratives.
Both having current television series on CBS (NCIS: Los Angeles and The Equalizer), this was a talk that felt more like a conversation; I thought it was motivational to listen to legends in the industry and understand who they are as people. You rarely see such an unmasked version, and this was a raw talk about where they are now and where they are going forward. They are passionate about their current projects, and that shined through.