Mayer Theater was recently packed for an exclusive screening of box office hit “The Woman King,” directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment. Inspired by true events, the epic film depicts the story of General Nanisca (Viola Davis) who trained recruits of the Agojie, an all-female unit of warriors who served to protect the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s.
This interdisciplinary event featured a conversation between the film’s editor Terilyn Shropshire and LMU faculty members with expertise in film, African American studies, and psychology. “SFTV was honored to host an event that provided students an opportunity to experience professors from across campus and across disciplines weave their respective areas of expertise into an integrative analysis of the power of film to provoke discussions around storytelling, history, psychology and culture,” said SFTV Dean Joanne Moore.
Film production student Kristian Crowther attended the event and marveled at the attention to detail in the film. “For the longest time, I had rarely seen Africa and African culture brought to film and television (outside of Black Panther), and in the rare instances I did see it, it was just an afterthought. So, seeing just how vibrant the world in Woman King is, and how culturally rich it is and authentic it is, demonstrates a level of attention to detail and research that I think should be introduced into any budding film’s pre-production, whether it’s a period piece or not.”
For panel moderator, screenwriting professor Stacy Spruill, “The Woman King” charts a new path forward for womanhood. “Our discussion was fascinating and focused on the intellectual and cultural value of Black sisterhood, Black trauma and resistance in film, women as leaders, and the history of the representation of Black women in film,” she said.
Shropshire reflected on her partnership with director Prince-Bythewood and the sisterhood that has created an emotionally safe workspace. The two have also collaborated on “The Old Guard,” “Beyond the Lights, “The Secret Life of Bees,” and “Love and Basketball.”
“It was wonderful to hear from Ms. Shropshire how her editor’s voice has been building to this moment, and how she added vibrancy to the film,” Spruill said, noting that Shropshire’s favorite scene to edit in “The Woman King” was the opening battle where General Nanisca is introduced as a fierce leader.
The panel also featured screenwriting professor, Michelle Amor Gillie, assistant professor of African American Studies, Magaela Bethune, and renowned clinical psychologist and professor, Dr. Cheryl Tawede Grills.
“Hearing the panel speak, a panel that looks like me and shares a similar background to me was inspiring. I think the creation of Woman King is a step in the right direction not only for emboldening Black filmmakers to keep pushing in this industry but also for Hollywood to start readily accepting African and Black stories,” Crowther said.
