Erika Hardison chats with Justine director Stephanie Turner…
There are so many movies and series to watch now on Netflix and even though times are hard, we can always be inspired by films we watch. Sometimes a good cry and a burst or raw emotions are what is needed at times and Stephanie Turner is doing just with Justine that is now available on Netflix. Turner wrote and directed the film and is also the starring actress as well. Turner has previously won the Jury Award for Best Narrative Feature Performance Recognition and caught the attention of director Ava DuVernay who picked up Justine though her company Array. Flickering Myth had the opportunity to talk with Turner to learn more about her creative process and her new emotional film.
FM: How does it feel to be supported by Ava DuVernay and her company Array?
ST: It feels amazing to be supported by Ava DuVernay and Array, it’s really a dream come true. I learned about Ava while she was directing Selma and then went back and watched (and studied) her earlier films. For years I have admired her and her journey into filmmaking. It makes me incredibly happy to know she connected with the film we made and decided to include it among the other wonderful films released by Array.
FM: How and when did you get on DuVernay’s radar?
ST: The wonderful Glynn Turman who plays Papa Don in Justine is also an executive producer on the film. Shortly after the film was completed at the end of 2018 he and I were discussing festival submissions and ways to get our film seen. I knew he had worked with Ava and I asked if he would feel comfortable sharing the film with her. He said yes and the process started there.
FM: Currently, you’re on Netflix with Justine. How much knowledge did you have about spina bifida before writing and directing this? Was it inspired by someone in your life?
ST: I knew someone growing up who had spina bifida so I have been aware of the condition most of my life. I also used to teach a children’s choir in Hollywood and taught several children with genetic disorders. I wanted to explore the relationship between a child who had been sheltered because of her condition and the caretaker who refused to shelter her in the same way. When I decided Justine would have spina bifida I did a lot more research on that specifically.
FM: How difficult is it to write, star and direct your own project? Do you ever feel overwhelmed or maybe you need a set of new eyes to review and write with you?
ST: It was a lot to take on, writing, directing and acting in the project. I feel very fortunate that from the very beginning I had great collaborators on my side. Definitely, in the writing phase, I have a handful of trusted colleagues that I always ask for feedback and notes and with whom I can discuss the story. And once we went into production I definitely relied on the producers of the film (Angie Edgar and Louise Shore) and our director of photography (Davon Slininger). I do think that having the director also be a lead actor in the project puts an extra strain on the whole crew because the director is not as available, they are often preparing to act. I tried to be as available as a director as I possibly could be and I definitely learned a lot for next time.
FM: Which is your favorite role: acting, writing or directing?
ST: I don’t think I have a favorite. Acting was my first love, then I started writing and now I’m directing. I definitely fell in love with directing after going through the process with Justine and I’m looking forward to doing it again. But I’m also looking forward to my next acting role and I’m always writing…so I’d like to keep doing them all!
FM: Can you explain why the focus of the project is on you and of course, Justine?
ST: I don’t know if I would say the focus of the film is on my character and Justine, I think the film is about Lisa and her family and her inability to connect with them and that her relationship with Justine is the catalyst that opens her up to connect again. The character Justine represents hope and courage in my mind and I think she rubs off on Lisa throughout the story.
FM: When people watch your films, what do you want them to take away with them?
ST: I would like them to be open to the characters and the story. I would hope that they take something positive away from watching the film, whatever that may be.
FM: Do you approach acting, writing and directing the same way or are there different methods for each role?
ST: I have different methods for each role. I have a process of connecting with my character as an actor which can include research but is mostly emotional work. Writing, for me, is like working on a puzzle to get the story structure in good shape and then flesh out the script. For directing I think it requires a lot of organizational skills and a look at the bigger picture of what you envision for the film. Of course, there is overlap in all of the roles but I definitely think each role requires its own set of skills.
FM: Can you talk about some of your upcoming projects?
ST: Yes, I have another feature I’m in the process of putting together. I co-wrote this script with a good friend and collaborator from Justine, Karen Bethzabe. It’s another indie, character-driven film set in LA, a coming of age drama. I also have a half-hour tv dramedy I’m developing.
FM: Who are some ideal actors and directors you want to work with?
ST: There are many directors I would love to work with as an actor: Ava DuVernay, Kat Candler, Alma Har’el, Lulu Wang and Marielle Heller are just a few. As a director, there are numerous actors whose work I admire. All of the actors who were a part of Justine were such a joy to work with. I’m looking forward to my next project and the ability to collaborate with new faces and maybe even some of our Justine cast as well.
Many thanks to Stephanie Turner for taking the time for this interview.
Erika Hardison
