"How Stella Got Her Groove Back: Angela Bassett Reflects on 25th Anniversary with Director Kevin Sullivan at Tribeca Festival"

 Angela Bassett and director Kevin Sullivan reunite for the 25th anniversary of "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" at Tribeca Festival. They discuss directing intimate scenes, the film's impact, and the importance of intimacy coordinators.

Angela Bassett and director Kevin Sullivan recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of their iconic film "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" at the prestigious Tribeca Festival. The event brought them together for a special screening and a panel discussion about the movie's production. Bassett and Sullivan delved into the challenges they faced, particularly with the intimate scenes, and shared their thoughts on the evolution of on-set practices.

During the Q&A session, director Kevin Rodney Sullivan openly admitted feeling nervous about directing the intimate scenes between Angela Bassett and her co-star Taye Diggs from a woman's perspective. Bassett, who portrayed the film's titular character, expressed her desire for Diggs to be the vulnerable one in those scenes, rather than herself. The actress commended the collaborative effort between her and Sullivan, emphasizing that their shared vision brought their fantasies to life on screen.

Reflecting on her previous experiences with love scenes directed from a male perspective, Bassett confessed to feeling uncomfortable in the past. She cited instances from other films, such as "What's Love Got to Do with It" and "City of Hope," where she found herself in situations where men directed the love scenes according to their own fantasies. In contrast, working on "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" provided a refreshing and comfortable experience for Bassett.

The movie tells the story of Stella, played by Bassett, who embarks on a vacation to Jamaica with her friend Delilah, portrayed by Whoopi Goldberg. While on the trip, Stella meets and falls in love with a younger man named Winston, portrayed by Taye Diggs. This heartwarming tale of love and self-discovery captivated audiences worldwide upon its release.

Bassett mentioned that "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" was filmed before the era of intimacy coordinators, professionals who ensure the comfort and consent of actors during intimate scenes. Reflecting on this absence, Bassett acknowledged the advancements in the industry and the positive impact of having intimacy coordinators on set. She highlighted the importance of clear communication and boundaries between actors and directors, which is now facilitated by these professionals.

Director Kevin Sullivan, known for his recent work on popular television series like "Riverdale," "This Is Us," and "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina," expressed his support for the inclusion of intimacy coordinators. Sullivan emphasized that his priority is to make actors feel comfortable, enhancing their performances rather than imposing his own will. He welcomed the assistance of intimacy coordinators and their role in fostering a supportive and secure environment on set.

Bassett and Sullivan also reminisced about the casting process for the movie, with Bassett mentioning that Taye Diggs was one of the three actors she screen-tested with. She emphasized the novelty of being involved in the casting decisions, a responsibility that came with newfound perspective as both an actor and an active participant in the filmmaking process.

Conclusion:

The 25th anniversary celebration of "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" at the Tribeca Festival brought together Angela Bassett and director Kevin Sullivan to reflect on the movie's production and its impact on their careers. Their honest and insightful discussion shed light on the challenges they faced during the filming, particularly in directing intimate scenes from a woman's perspective. They acknowledged the progress made in the industry with the introduction of intimacy coordinators, highlighting the positive impact on actors' comfort and performance. The event served as a testament to the enduring legacy of the film, which continues to inspire audiences with its heartfelt story of love and self-discovery.

Read the original article on People.

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