Director RaMell Ross (‘Nickel Boys’) is Redefining Cinema
Feb 23, 2025
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RaMell Ross, an award-winning director known for his film ‘Nickel Boys’, shares his unique approach to storytelling shaped by his upbringing in Virginia and experiences as a Georgetown basketball player. He discusses the role of naivete in filmmaking, the complexities of race in photography, and aims to portray the American South in new and authentic ways. Ross emphasizes the need for deeper explorations of Black identity in cinema, asserting that ‘Nickel Boys’ is just the beginning of a transformative journey in Black cinematic history.
RaMell Ross emphasizes the importance of innovative storytelling techniques in film to foster deeper audience engagement and understanding.
His personal journey from basketball aspirations to filmmaking highlights the significant role of life experiences in shaping artistic expression.
Ross advocates for a nuanced representation of Black identity in cinema, aiming to challenge stereotypes and broaden the narrative scope.
Deep dives
The Journey from Sports to Film
Ramel Ross transitioned from aspiring NBA player to filmmaker following significant injuries and personal loss. After earning a scholarship to Georgetown University for basketball, the challenges of injuries sidelined his athletic dreams. The passing of his mother further propelled him into photography as a coping mechanism, where he found comfort and expression in the camera. This shift led him to explore storytelling through film, ultimately culminating in his debut feature, Nickel Boys.
Nickel Boys: A Cinematic Perspective
Nickel Boys, based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, tells the story of two teenagers at a brutal reform school in 1960s Florida. Ross utilizes a unique first-person perspective to immerse viewers in the lives of the protagonists, Elwood and Turner. This bold narrative technique blurs the line between spectator and character, encouraging audiences to experience the story from within their eyes. The film, celebrated for its storytelling and artistic achievements, was nominated for multiple Academy Awards.
Exploring Identity and Ownership in Photography
Ross delves into the complexities of identity and authorship in photography, particularly regarding representations of Black individuals. He emphasizes the need for a more nuanced approach to capturing images, moving beyond stereotypical narratives. Through strategic ambiguity, his work seeks to present subjects more openly, allowing for diverse interpretations. This approach aims to challenge the fixed identities often imposed by a historically Eurocentric perspective in visual media.
The Impact of Historical Context in Storytelling
The conversation touches on the historical roots of racial representation in America, particularly regarding the Dozier School for Boys. Ross reflects on how societal narratives and institutional structures have shaped public perception of Black life through a racist lens. By acknowledging the brutal realities faced by communities, he underscores the importance of sharing these stories to illuminate hidden truths. Ross's work acts as both a narrative of resistance and a catalyst for broader discussions around race and representation.
The Future of Black Cinematic Voice
Looking forward, Ross believes that his work sets the stage for a new chapter in Black cinematic history. He emphasizes the necessity for diverse narratives that transcend traditional representations, advocating for a multifaceted exploration of Black identity. Through cinema, he aims to challenge the prevailing visual narratives embedded in American culture and create space for underrepresented voices. Nickel Boys serves not only as a significant artistic endeavor but also as a foundational piece for future filmmakers to expand upon.
One week from Oscar Sunday, we’re joined by Nickel Boys director RaMell Ross.
At the top, RaMell describes the formal innovations of the new film (6:44), the naivete that allowed him to make this singular project (8:02), and how photography is shaped by race in ways we don’t consider (12:00). Then, we dive into RaMell’s Virginia upbringing (29:28), the hoop dreams that brought him to Georgetown (29:35), and the “question everything” mindset that took flight in his college years (30:30).
On the back-half, Ross explains the cinematic lineage of his Oscar-nominated documentary Hale County This Morning, This Evening (42:25), his aim to portray the American South in a new light (50:26), and why Nickel Boys is just the beginning of this next chapter in Black cinematic history (57:00).