Filmmaking as a dream, it's a form of confession.

Ten different people would make ten different films with the same subject matter.

And it's an expression of what you're trying to say based upon who you are, where you come from,

and your politics and your aesthetics and it's your song.

Hello and welcome back to the Director's Cut, brought to you by the Directors Guild of America.

Today's episode features the recent event Spotlight on Director Julie Dash, which was co-hosted by the DGA's Focus on Women Committee and Eastern Diversity Steering Committee.

Ms. Dash's directorial credits include the feature films Daughters of the Dust,

praise house, and funny valentines, and episodes of the series Women's Stories of Passion and Queen Sugar.

She was nominated for the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television

for her 2002 film, The Rosa Parks Story.

Please enjoy Ms. Dash's conversation with fellow director Melina Matsukas in front of a virtual audience,

wherein they discuss her process when making Daughters of the Dust, her early work,

and pushing the boundaries of stereotypical images within cinema.

Thank you. You are incredible. So I'm just so honored to be here with you. And I feel so special,

because honestly, it's the first time we get to sit down and talk and I just need to know everything.

Okay, let's do it.

We get to stay here on this stage, also known as my couch, and discuss black womanhood and feminism.

So let's start from the beginning.

Where did this passion for film come from?

What influenced you?

Who influenced you?

You grew up in a time in New York where the city was on fire, where black activists were leading the charge.

...