The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast

Director Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson discusses his new film, Summer of Soul (...Or When the Revolutioun Could Not Be Televised), with fellow director Amir Bar-Lev in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. The film shines a light on archival footage of The Harlem Cultural Festival, an epic event celebrating Black history, culture and fashion that took place in the summer of 1969. Standing as a testament to the healing power of music during times of unrest, the film includes concert performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, B.B. King and more. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/December2021/1021_DocSeries_SummerOfSoul.aspx

Director George Clooney discusses his new film, The Tender Bar, with fellow director Jason Reitman in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. Adapted from a memoir of the same name, the film tells the story of J.R., a fatherless boy who hangs out with his bartender Uncle in a bar that caters to an assortment of quirky characters. As his mother struggles to provide her son with opportunities and move out of her begrudgingly supportive father’s home, J.R. begins to pursue his romantic and professional dreams. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: www.dga.org/Events/2021/Novembe…Bar_QnA_102101.aspx

Director Denis Villeneuve discusses his new film, Dune, with fellow director Christopher Nolan in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. An adaptation of Frank Herbert’s groundbreaking science fiction novel, the film follows the son of a noble family, who is entrusted with the protection of the most valuable asset and vital element in the universe. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/November2021/Dune_QnA_1021.aspx

Director Alexandre Moratto discusses his new film, 7 Prisoners, with fellow director Victoria Hochberg in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The film tells the story of 18-year-old Mateus, who accepts a job in far-away São Paulo to provide a better life for his family. Once there, Mateus rebels after discovering that he and the other young men are held as prisoners to “work off” their “travel expenses.” He is ultimately forced to choose between helping the very man who imprisoned him or risk his and his family’s future. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/November2021/GCS_7-Prisoners_0921.aspx

Director Marilyn Agrelo discusses her new film, Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street, with fellow director Annetta Marion in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. Inspired by the book by Michael Davis, Street Gang takes us inside the minds and hearts of the artists, writers, producers, and educators who created Sesame Street, revealing not only how these visionary creators changed our world, but also what it was like to be at the center of a cultural and social phenomenon. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/November2021/0921DocSeries_StreetGang_NY.aspx

Director Siân Heder discusses her new film, Coda, with fellow director Suzi Yoonessi in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The film follows Ruby, a Child of Deaf Adults who is the only hearing person in her deaf family. After the family fishing business is threatened, Ruby must choose between staying with her parents and leaving to pursue her love of music. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/November2021/CODA_QnA_092126.aspx

Director Theodore Melfi discusses his new film, The Starling, with fellow director David E. Talbert in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the film, a feisty starling sets up a nest at the home of Lilly, who is grieving a recent loss. As she battles with and attempts to rid her home of the combative bird, Lilly rediscovers her capacity for growth and love. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/November2021/TheStarling_QnA_092125.aspx

Director Paul Schrader discusses his new film, The Card Counter, with fellow director John Patrick Shanley in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. The film weaves the story of an ex-military interrogator turned gambler, who is haunted by the ghosts of his past decisions. When he is approached by a vulnerable and angry young man seeking revenge against a mutual enemy from their past, he sees a chance for salvation, but risks a fall back into dark territory. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/October2021/CardCounter_QnA_092112.aspx

Director Stephen Chbosky discusses his new film, Dear Evan Hansen, with fellow director Paul Hedges in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. An adaptation of the award-winning Broadway musical, the film presents the story of a high school senior with a social anxiety disorder, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance after the suicide of a fellow classmate. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/November2021/DearEvanHansen_QnA_092112.aspx

Directors Aron Gaudet & Gita Pullapilly discuss their new film, Queenpins, with fellow director Cindy Chupack in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. Inspired by a true story, the film is about a bored and frustrated suburban homemaker, who hatches an illegal coupon club scheme with her best pal to scam millions from mega-corporations and deliver deals to fellow coupon clippers. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/October2021/Queenpins_QnA_092111.aspx