Letitia Wright
During the inaugural SXSW London event, Letitia Wright, known for her roles in Black Panther, Death on the Nile, Black Mirror, and Small Axe, captivated the audience not just with her presence but with her tale of triumph over self-doubt. She has made her directorial debut with the short film Highway to the Moon, a project she both wrote and directed, premiering at the South London Film Festival.
Wright unfolded her journey, sharing, “I had to tackle ‘impostor syndrome’ head-on and humble myself to be in the directing chair.” It wasn’t a solitary journey; she strategically aligned with seasoned professionals who guided her through the intricacies of filmmaking, from industry jargon to the technical aspects, she conveyed to an eager SXSW London audience.
In a moment of nostalgia, Wright recalled a significant conversation with Ryan Coogler, the director of Black Panther. He once envisioned her as a future director. “You will be directing soon,” Coogler prophesied. Her initial response was disbelief, “You are mad!” she exclaimed. Yet, his words echoed again from another notable actor, affirming a path that she eventually walked.
In discussing her cinephilia at the tender age of 13, Wright shared, “I became a cinephile at age 13,” recalling days spent diving into films unearthed through Limewire, a secret refuge for a withdrawn teenager. “I was kind of a loner,” she admitted.
As for her career aspirations, they are rooted deeply in legacy and significance. “It’s about legacy and purpose,” she explained, defining her outlook on the dizzying heights of fame. “I want to leave an impact, and I want you to have a great time,” she revealed her dreams to the audience.
Wright’s exploration of fame extends beyond mere celebrity. She emphasized that fame demands resilience, often confronting criticism that can overlook her humanity. “It takes a very strong person” to endure fame’s less-welcoming moments, Wright noted. “They don’t give us the grace to be human,” she lamented.
Reflecting on her body of work, she expressed gratitude for her cinematic journey. Yet, among roles in her illustrious career, she holds special sentiment for her performance in Danai Gurira’s stage play The Convert at London’s Young Vic Theatre, portraying Jekesai/Ester as a standout experience.
Also part of the vibrant panel was Nigerian singer-songwriter Tiwa Savage. These discussions took place during Women in the Room, held at the Truman Brewery in Shoreditch, marking a monumental step as part of the festival’s European debut.
SXSW London continues its celebration of arts through June 7, helmed by Penske Media, the majority stakeholder of SXSW and proud parent company of The Hollywood Reporter.
