We're the most violent nation on earth. There's no getting away from that. But you've got to look at it on a broader level.

Right now a lot of people are still choosing to go to Toronto instead of shooting in New York City, something I haven't done and something I hope I'll never have to do.

Music is, for me, a great tool of a filmmaker, the same way cinematography, the acting, editing, post-production, the costumes are. You know, to help you tell a story.

Our greatness, our talent has never been the question. It's been a matter of grappling for control over what we do.

My grandmother lived to be 100 years old. Her grandmother was a slave, yet she was a college graduate in the Spellman class of 1917. She taught art for 50 years and she saved her Social Security checks for her children's education.

'She's Gotta Have It' was shot in twelve days and two six-day weeks.

I'll be vilified if I shoot a film in Toronto for New York. And rightfully so!