Team Deakins BARRY JENKINS - Director
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Aug 27, 2025 In this engaging discussion, director Barry Jenkins, known for his acclaimed films like Moonlight and The Underground Railroad, shares his inspiring journey from South Florida to Hollywood. He reflects on his personal growth during a hiatus from filmmaking, the unique challenges of creating emotionally resonant visual stories, and the importance of introducing new voices in cinema through his production company, PASTEL. Barry also teases his unrealized time-travel script featuring Stevie Wonder, adding a touch of whimsy to the conversation.
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From South Florida To Film School
- Barry grew up where Moonlight is set and first noticed film credits after watching Die Hard on TV as a child.
- He later discovered filmmaking was possible only after finding Florida State's film school on campus and applying himself there.
Find Influences Outside The Popular Canon
- Barry learned distinct voice by watching films his classmates ignored, like Wong Kar-wai and Claire Denis.
- Those filmmakers taught him cinema could create pure feeling beyond intellectual thrills.
Take A Self-Guided Learning Year
- Do a focused, self-directed learning year if you lack technical skills.
- Use that time to read, subscribe to journals, and watch widely to discover your cinematic voice.
