By Janell Lockett – Entertainment Reporter
The 2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards aired live on the IFC channel on February 8th and deftly hosted by Aubrey Plaza. Among the nominees for Best Director is Nigerian-American Filmmaker Julius Onah. Julius directed the film Luce which stars Octavia Spencer, Naomi Watts, and Tim Roth, and it is a story about a young, black, high school standout, the white parents who adopted him from Eritrea, and the teacher who made a discovery that could resurface some demons from his war-torn past.
As important as the script is to the story, so is the lighting and production design to the overall movie. Julius does not disappoint when it comes to the aesthetics of fantastic cinematography, strong acting performances, and expertly timed editing.
This is Julius’ second feature length film as a director, having previously directed The Cloverfield Paradox starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw, David Oyelowo, and Chris O’Dowd.
Also nominated for a Spirit Award in the Best Screenplay category is screenwriter/director Chinonye Chukwu for the film Clemency starring Alfre Woodard, Aldis Hodge, and Wendell Pierce. Chinonye serves as both director and screenwriter for this deeply moving film that dives headfirst into the criminal justice reform issue in the United States. Alfre Woodard is keenly superb as a prison warden who is set to complete her second execution of a prisoner, after the first one was botched.
The pressure and tension throughout the film are palpable, as Chinonye methodically navigates her camera around a poignant subject in America. Aldis Hodge gives a stunning and emotional performance in this Sundance Grand Jury prize winning film.
*Janell Lockett is The West Africa Pilot New’s Entertainment Reporter
