The Breakfast Club INTERVIEW: R.T. Thorne & Danielle Deadwyler On Black Storytelling, Independence, '40 Acres' Film + More
Sep 9, 2025
In this engaging discussion, actress Danielle Deadwyler, known for her powerful roles in "Till" and "The Harder They Fall," joins director R.T. Thorne, acclaimed for his independent filmmaking. They delve into the creative process behind their film "40 Acres," exploring themes of Black storytelling and cultural identity. The conversation highlights the challenges of independence in filmmaking and the importance of diverse narratives. They advocate for resilience and community support, emphasizing the need for authentic representation in the industry.
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Roots Shaped Role Preparation
- Danielle Deadwyler prepared for the Emmett Till role through rigorous research and leaning on Atlanta's civil rights community roots.
- She says visceral roles leave lasting wounds and become part of her ongoing conversations and curation of work.
Culture As Survival Strategy
- R.T. Thorne emphasizes that survival in the film is cultural preservation, not just physical defense.
- He shows how language, agriculture and rituals bind identity and ensure resilience across generations.
Personal Life Became Film Blueprint
- Thorne based family dynamics in 40 Acres on his relationship with his Trinidadian mother and her insistence on teaching history at home.
- He gave those personal lessons to the film's Haley to show how self-knowledge preserves a community.