Canadian filmmaker Stella Meghie’s 2016 directorial debut “Jean of the Joneses” opened at SXSW, landing her a Best First Screenplay nomination at the Spirit Awards.
As a follow-up, Meghie directed Everything, Everything, an adaption of the best-selling novel by Nicola Yoon.
On Friday evening, she premiered her third film The Weekend at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival. In the film, a comedian (Sasheer Zamata) goes away for the weekend with an ex-boyfriend (Tone Bell) and his new girlfriend (DeWanda Wise).
Actress DeWanda Wise talks @Tribeca film “The Weekend.” pic.twitter.com/xulfzuDqWs
— The Knockturnal (@_TheKnockturnal) May 4, 2019
The Knockturnal: How was working with the cast?
DeWanda Wise: It was a dream. I mean, honestly. As the only non-standup comic in the group, it was a little intimidating. But I think you know, I tried to hold my own. There was a little improvisation. And comedy overall is just about reacting and being present. So it was a blast, and very hard not to break character and laugh.
The Knockurnal: Speak about collaborating with Stella.
DeWanda Wise: She’s one of my favorite humans. You know, I was a huge fan of Jean of the Joneses. And I read the script, and I just thought it was brilliant and acerbic and sharp, and sarcastic and unapologetic. And Stella is that she embodies that, but with finesse and tact. So there’s like this interesting veneer of just class. You know? I think this film is a really good representation of who Stella is.
The Knockurnal: And the legendary Kym Whitley is in this. Can you speak about collaborating with her?
DeWanda Wise: I was probably the worst with her. Just like staring at her, gawking, being in her shot. She’s really gracious. You know, super nurturing, super supportive. And I mean, everyone was really remarkable to work with, but it was nice to see her in I feel like a role that is a little smaller and contained, and something that we haven’t had a chance to see her play before, as well.
We caught up with director Stella Meghie and star @thesheertruth @Tribeca premiere of “The Weekend.” pic.twitter.com/ZDMJ7oEgBp
— The Knockturnal (@_TheKnockturnal) May 4, 2019
Stella Meghie and Lena Waithe celebrated at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival After-Party for The Weekend, hosted by Diageo and Ciroc at Up & Down.
