INTERVIEW: Barry Jenkins on being an active ally, who he’s influenced by and the ensemble of MOONLIGHT

I recently sat down for a conversation with writer/director Barry Jenkins to talk about his extraordinary new film Moonlight. The film tells the story of a largely underrepresented section of society – queer African-American males. In this interview, we discuss the film, what it means to be an active ally, his cinematic influences, and his incredible ensemble cast.
READ: Review: ‘Moonlight’ (★★★★)
Moonlight played the Telluride, Toronto, New York, BFI London and Mill Valley Film Festivals this fall, earning an Audience Award from MVFF this week. It currently sits at 99 on Metacritic and 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film stars Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Andre Holland, Trevante Rhodes, Ashton Sanders and Alex Hibbert and was based on a story by Tarell McCraney.
A24 will open Moonlight in New York and Los Angeles this Friday, October 21st, and then expands in the coming weeks. Check out where the Gold Rush Gang thinks Moonlight is in the Oscar race right here.
The interview:
Permalink
Direct Download
iTunes
YouTube
- The SAG Awards Change Name to The Actor Awards - November 14, 2025
- Emily Mortimer and Noah Baumbach on Crafting the Life of ‘Jay Kelly’ [VIDEO INTERVIEW] - November 13, 2025
- 19th Cinema Eye Honors Documentary Nominations: ‘Come See Me in the Good Light’ Leads with 6 - November 13, 2025

The SAG Awards Change Name to The Actor Awards
Emily Mortimer and Noah Baumbach on Crafting the Life of ‘Jay Kelly’ [VIDEO INTERVIEW]
19th Cinema Eye Honors Documentary Nominations: ‘Come See Me in the Good Light’ Leads with 6
Interview: How Miles Caton’s Spiritual, Musical Connection to Sammie Helped Bring Ryan Coogler’s Vision For ‘Sinners’ to Life