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.

I think black people have to be in control of their own image because film is a powerful medium. We can't just sit back and let other people define our existence.

I don't get tripped up in technology. I use technology as a tool. 'Oldboy' we shot Two Pro 35mm. For 'Da Blood of Jesus,' we shot digitally. We shot the new Sony F55. It's a 4K camera.

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

Any time you talk about the look of the film, it's not just the director and the director of photography. You have to include the costume designer and the production designer.

I like people to look like they're floating.

You have to do the research. If you don't know about something, then you ask the right people who do.