The Talented Kasi Lemmons

Writer-directors in Hollywood are rare creatures. It is not easy to find a writer to whom studios will give creative control as a director. By the same token, most directors bring someone else's story to the screen and do not write the script themselves.

Qalil.com will profile 15 African American writer-directors who have made their mark in film and television over the past 30 years on May 30th. However, I would like to preview the work of a favorite of mine: Kasi Lemmons.

In 1997, a spectacular drama hit the theatres to critical acclaim. With a cast of notable actors such as Laurence Fishburne, Lynn Whitfield, Diahann Carroll, Debbi Morgan, and Jurnee Smollett among others, this film brought into exquisite life early 1960s Louisiana.

Lemmons' Eve's Bayou (my favorite film of all time) debuted to the following praise:

• "There has never been a film quite like Kasi Lemmons' shimmering Eve's Bayou." - Los Angeles Times

• ".......... a film of astonishing maturity and confidence; Eve's Bayou one of the very best films of the year, is the debut of its writer and director. (It) resonates in the memory. It called me back for a second and third viewing. If it is not nominated for Academy Awards, then the academy is not paying attention. For the viewer, it is a reminder that sometimes films can venture into the realms of poetry and dreams. " - Roger Ebert

Unfortunately, the academy did NOT pay attention and this national treasure of a film was not nominated for Academy Awards. It received a number of smaller awards, however.

If you haven't seen Eve's Bayou yet, make sure you catch it before the 30th. We will discuss Kasi Lemmons' film and her career at that time.

Let us know what you think of the film!