Starring Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith and written by Lena Waithe from a story by Waithe and James Frey, QUEEN & SLIM (2019) is a consciousness-raising love story that confronts the staggering human toll of racism and the life-shattering price of violence – one which also marked the feature debut from director Melina Matsoukas, a graduate of the AFI Conservatory (AFI Class of 2005) who was also awarded the American Film Institute’s Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal. The award recognizes the artistic achievements and creative talents of an alumnus of the AFI Conservatory or the Directing Workshop for Women, one whose work embodies the qualities of Schaffner: “talent, taste, dedication and commitment to quality filmmaking.” Matsoukas’ film premiered as the opening night gala presentation at AFI FEST 2019.
Visit the AFI Catalog to learn more about QUEEN & SLIM.
