I think both films are about four individuals who all feel like they're lacking something in their lives. They all embark on a journey to find what they think they are missing. You see, any good story can tap into us at the core of who we are. I'm in no way saying that my film is as good as this classic, but what I am saying is that everyone has hopes and goals, and that's why I feel these stories work. Independent filmmaking is not constrained in the same way projects are at the majors.
Many people think that Hollywood has run out of ideas.
I don't really believe Hollywood has lost it. I think there are many creative people in Hollywood, but because of the risk of losing so much money, Hollywood wants to stick to proven formula films. Independent films take risk, they're edgy, and they're not just driven by the bottom line. As a African American filmmaker I feel it's extremely difficult to get a studio film made without everyone getting killed in the movie, or without making a stupid, thoughtless physical comedy. It's very important for Black filmmakers to take on risk, making unique independent films that push the norm.