Categories: Interviews (Film)News

Interview: Director Jamila Wignot on ‘Ailey’ and the responsibility of taking on such an iconic figure

Published by
Share

Jamila Wignot is no stranger to the world of documentaries. She’s an award-winning filmmaker best known for her work on The African Americans and Many Rivers To Cross. Her work, including ITVS Town Hall and for Triangle Fire, has earned the Peabody, Emmy, and NAACP award.

Her latest project, Ailey, which had its world premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, is a documentary that chronicles the life of iconic dancer, instructor and choreographer Alvin Ailey. Ailey was born out of the realization that American Masters had yet to do a documentary on this legendary figure and what complicated matters is that no other biographies existed about him either. Wignot sought to change that by showing the impact he had in launching what is now a legendary dance company and outlining his impact on generations of other artists.

We were lucky enough to sit down with Wignot and discuss her film and what she hopes audiences take from watching it.

Ailey is currently in theaters from NEON.

Dewey Singleton

I'm a member of Critics Choice, Hollywood Critics Association, and The Society of Professional Journalists. I am also on Rotten Tomatoes. My bylines include @awardswatch, @deweysmovies, @awardsradar, @weliveentertainment, @bleedingcool, and @insessionfilm. I am married to @sgitw and have two sons.

Recent Posts

2025 Oscar Predictions: BEST ACTRESS (November)

As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday here in the U.S., it also means we're… Read More

November 20, 2024

‘Sugarcane,’ ‘Soundtrack to A Coup d’Etat’ Lead 40th IDA Documentary Awards Nominations

Sugarcane earned a leading five nominations as the IDA Documentary Awards announced its nominees today, followed closely by Soundtrack… Read More

November 20, 2024

AwardsWatch Partners with Vision Media to Revolutionize the Awards Season Experience

Los Angeles, CA – November 20, 2025 – AwardsWatch, the leading industry resource for awards… Read More

November 20, 2024

Interview: Fred Hechinger on Working with Ridley Scott and Embracing Villainy in ‘Gladiator II’ [VIDEO]

“It’s been a wild trip so far,” remarks Fred Hechinger on the firestorm of a… Read More

November 20, 2024

Interview: Gabriel LaBelle on His Comedic Influences, Building His Confidence, and Trying Not to Be a Mimic in ‘Saturday Night’

“There is a dreamer alive in Gabe’s eyes that is almost impossible to find in… Read More

November 20, 2024

This website uses cookies.