‘Belle’ Director Amma Asante On Bridging History And RomancePosted by Wilson Morales
April 28, 2014
Coming out this week is the romantic period drama, ‘Belle,’ directed by Amma Asante and starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Tom Wilkinson, Sam Reid, Sarah Gadon, Miranda Richardson, Penelope Wilton, Tom Felton, James Norton, Matthew Goode, and Emily Watson.
The film is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle (Mbatha-Raw), the illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral.
Raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield (Wilkinson) and his wife (Watson), Belle’s lineage affords her certain privileges, yet the color of her skin prevents her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing.
Left to wonder if she will ever find love, Belle falls for an idealistic young vicar’s son bent on change who, with her help, shapes Lord Mansfield’s role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in England.
For Asante, it’s been a long journey bringing this project to fruition. Although she made her directorial debut ten years ago with the indie film, ‘A Way of Life,’ this is the film that will put her on a national spotlight. In speaking with Blackfilm.com, director Amma Asante talks about finally getting this film in theaters.
