It’s hard to believe that Kasi Lemmons’ Harriet is the first major feature film about legendary abolitionist, activist, suffragette, and spy Harriet Tubman. How is that possible? Why did it take so long for Tubman’s story to finally be told? And what roadblocks, if any, did Lemmons face in making this film a reality?
Harriet stars Tony Award-winner Cynthia Erivo as Tubman, but don’t go in expecting the usual tale of her time as a leader in the Underground Railroad. Designed almost like a superhero origin, it looks at her deep commitment to family, justice, and the faith that helped her lead so many to freedom.
I had a chance to talk with Kasi Lemmons about her work on Harriet and the responsibility she felt in bringing her story to the big screen. You can listen to that interview below, and check out my review of Harriet here!
Listen to “Interview: ‘Harriet’ Director Kasi Lemmons On Doing Harriet Tubman Justice” on Spreaker.
