NOC Interview: ‘Small Axe’ Star Sheyi Cole Talks ‘Alex Wheatle’

With his bold and multifaceted Small Axe anthology, Steve McQueen has made the films of the moment. Three of the five films — Lovers Rock, Mangrove, and Red, White and Blue — have premiered to a great reception at the NYFF. The films capture vividly the lives of London’s West Indian community in the 1970s and ’80s and their force of will against systemic racism and discrimination. “I dedicate these films to George Floyd, and all the other black people that have been murdered, seen or unseen, because of who they are, in the U.S., U.K. and elsewhere,” the director said in May. 

Continue reading “NOC Interview: ‘Small Axe’ Star Sheyi Cole Talks ‘Alex Wheatle’”

‘The Walking Dead’ Star Lennie James Talks New Show ‘Save Me Too’

Peacock’s new gripping drama series, Save Me Too, premieres today and I had the opportunity to sit down with executive producer and star,  Lennie James (Fear the Walking DeadThe Walking Dead, and Colombiana). The show is the second season of the award-winning thriller Save Me, which is currently streaming on Peacock as well. Lennie created, wrote, and stars in the star-studded British series. The show won the Best Writer for a Drama series and Best Drama Series awards at the 2019 RTS Awards and was nominated for a BAFTA for the Outstanding Drama Series Award.

Continue reading “‘The Walking Dead’ Star Lennie James Talks New Show ‘Save Me Too’”

NOC Review: ‘Last Christmas’ Did Not Give Its Heart

Last Christmas really tried.

It really did.

It had the makings of a cute, cheesy Christmas romantic comedy. The film stars Emilia Clarke as a 20-something Londoner who lost her moral way after a life-changing surgery and Henry Golding as the man who helps her find her way back. It had the perfect cheesy formula and all perfectly wrapped during Christmas. The film even had a great supporting cast with Michelle Yeoh and Emma Thompson.

What many were hoping for a story similar to Love Actually (which Thompson also starred in) ended up with an awkward coming-of-age Brexit Christmas story.

Continue reading “NOC Review: ‘Last Christmas’ Did Not Give Its Heart”

Chasing Dreams and Springsteen with ‘Blinded by the Light’ Star Viveik Kalra and Author Sarfraz Manzoor

Recently, The Nerds of Color was honored to be able to interview some of the cast and filmmakers of Blinded by the Light, an excellent movie about how music can inspire us to chase our dreams and overcome the hardships of growing up. To countdown to the movie’s release on August 16, we are releasing a series of interviews chronicling what the dedicated filmmakers behind the film had to say about culture, music, racism, and dreams. To conclude this series, we had the privilege of sitting down with the film’s star, Viveik Kalra (Javed in the film) and real-life inspiration and journalist, Sarfraz Manzoor, to discuss all things about the film and culture. Here’s what they had to say:

Continue reading “Chasing Dreams and Springsteen with ‘Blinded by the Light’ Star Viveik Kalra and Author Sarfraz Manzoor”

Seeing the Light with ‘Blinded by the Light’ Director Gurinder Chadha

Recently, The Nerds of Color was honored to be able to interview some of the cast and the director of Blinded by the Light, an excellent movie about how music can inspire us to chase our dreams and overcome the hardships of growing up. To countdown to the movie’s release on August 16, we’ll be releasing a series of interviews throughout the week chronicling what the dedicated filmmakers behind the film had to say about culture, music, racism, and dreams. To continue this series, we had the privilege of sitting down with acclaimed director, Gurinder Chadha (Bend it Like Beckham) to discuss the film and the power of dreams. Here’s what she had to say:

Continue reading “Seeing the Light with ‘Blinded by the Light’ Director Gurinder Chadha”

Taking on the “Badlands” with ‘Blinded by the Light’ Star Aaron Phagura

In a summer of legendary musician-inspired stories (e.g. Rocketman and Yesterday) Blinded by the Light, the new film from Bend It Like Beckham director Gurinder Chadha, genuinely separates itself from the pack. This is a film that’s, not only about  legendary music (in this case Bruce Springsteen’s music), but also speaks directly about how the power of music can provide encouragement for chasing ones dreams and promote acceptance within conservative cultures. Recently, The Nerds of Color was honored to be able to interview some of the cast and the director of the film. Thus, to countdown to the movie’s release on August 16, we’ll be releasing a series of interviews throughout the week chronicling what the dedicated filmmakers behind the film had to say about culture, music, racism, and dreams.

Continue reading “Taking on the “Badlands” with ‘Blinded by the Light’ Star Aaron Phagura”

NOC Review: Oh, I Believe in ‘Yesterday’

The latest from the team that brought you Four Weddings and a FuneralBridget Jones’ Diary, and Love Actually hits theaters this Friday. Will audiences long for Yesterday the same way they swooned for those films? We’re here with the full review!

Continue reading “NOC Review: Oh, I Believe in ‘Yesterday’”

David Harewood on Being the Martian Manhunter

On a new Hard NOC Life, we’re joined by Supergirl star David Harewood! But first, Keith takes a minute to tell the origin story of the WICOMICON Pop-Up in Baltimore over the weekend.

Continue reading “David Harewood on Being the Martian Manhunter”

Art Imitates Life: The Powerful Message of V for Vendetta

This month makes nine years since the release of the V for Vendetta film directed by James McTeigue, and, 27 years since the graphic novel was released by DC Comics in 1988. This November will also mark the 410th anniversary of Guy Fawkes Night in Great Britain. I thought I would honor these anniversaries by discussing the reasons for the creation, and powerful message, of V for Vendetta, which has been a staple of freedom and justice in the comic community since its publication.

Continue reading “Art Imitates Life: The Powerful Message of V for Vendetta