The actress came to Brazil to launch “A Mulher Rei”, a film that will debut on Thursday 22nd and was the most watched over the weekend in North American cinemas.
SPECIAL FOR ESTADÃO – RIO – Viola Davis arrived on Saturday 17 in Brazil. He came to promote the release of the feature The woman kingin Gina Prince-Blithewood, which will debut in theaters on Thursday 22. The film was released with a bang in the United States, garnering the best weekend box office in the country. “It’s important for a black woman to know that she can lead a blockbuster movie without needing a white or male lead,” she said.
Here Viola had a busy tourist program before the interviews: on Saturday she had lunch at the Jockey Club, visited Christ the Redeemer and dined at the Ouro restaurant in Leblon. On Sunday she went to a concert Hose, in the city of Samba. He played the tambourine and evolved with high school students. “I didn’t play or dance well, but they were all very nice to me.”
The first time Viola heard of the agonies it was 2015. The theme came to her through the actress Maria Bello, who succinctly told him the story of the warrior women of Dahomey. In the 19th century they formed a cutting-edge army for fight doubly against European colonialism and an enemy tribe equipped by him. “(My husband) Julius (Tannon) and I started doing research. We didn’t know anything about the Agojies. African Amazons. We run after the true story avoiding the Amazon cliché, a white myth. “
Emotion
Why Ginny? “When we told her the story, she cried. It may not have been just that, but Gina, along with her immense talent as a director, is a very sensitive woman. We needed someone like that, with commitment, to save the story of. Agojies. ” Viola is glorious as the leader of the Agojies, Nanisca. Get ready for lots of strong emotions.
Racism and slavery at the epicenter
Although the – shocking – trailer for The woman king it can induce the viewer to see the film Gina Prince-Blythewood like a new adventure wonder, there is nothing superpowered in the story of Nanisca, the general who commands the king of Dahomey’s army of warriors. “It’s a true story and, sadly, little known. It was the reason that pushed us.” -Viola includes her producer husband, Julius Tannen, who accompanies her on the trip to Brazil. You take the opportunity for Brazil to participate in this story. The King of Dahomey, played by John Boyegafrom the franchise Star Wars, fought his slave brother. This brother even sold his mother. A Portuguese slave trader and his Brazilian partner arrive in the kingdom of Dahomey. Racism and slavery are at the center The woman king.
In addition to being an actress, awarded with the Oscar supporting role for A border between usdirection of Denzel WashingtonViola is also a writer, author of looking for me, published in Brazil by Best-Seller. On the back cover, Oprah Winfrey says this is the book for anyone who appreciates the uplifting biographies of victory. The girl who grew up in a dilapidated apartment in Central Falls has managed to become not only a black star in the Hollywood sky but an active voice in defense of minorities. Viola admits that she has her references, like the great (white) actresses. Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore And Elena Mirren. But do the warning. “They are great, because they had the space to show what they were capable of.”
Black women – black actresses – face a lot more difficulty in establishing themselves. “In general, we are at the end of the chain when it comes to showing skills. A film like ours is necessary, because it increases the self-esteem of women and, in particular, of black women and children.” At her press conference, sitting next to her, her producer husband answered her question: why is it important to retrieve the stories of the Agojies right now? “Because it is a little or unknown story, and these women have conquered an extraordinary space for their value”. Nanisca – Viola’s character – goes from general to woman-king. “It’s an uplifting story. Black women and black children need these narratives in this world where the structural racism it’s still strong. “
Nobody doubts Viola’s talent, but how did she prepare for her action movie? Oops! “Even though we have very strong fight scenes, I don’t think the definition is exact. For me, The woman king It’s not an action movie, but a Dramaand powerful. “
The reporter takes a risk – and why not a melodrama? Eventually, the story turns between mother and daughter and this is a classic melodramatic theme. “I know about melodrama and talked about it with Gina (the director). For us, this story has more to do with the secrets that each person hides. Nanisca has a part of her life that has been hidden for a long time – rape – and when he arrives, he thinks of nothing but revenge. Violence against women is a universal drama and, during slavery, it was a scourge for black women. “
Viola Davis is in Brazil to promote the film ‘A Mulher Rei’. Photo: Pedro Kirilos / Estadão
Women
In the wake of the question of why Gina Prince-Blythewood was called to direct, it is inevitable to note that several key roles on the team are filled by women. Because? “Because we can be very good at what we do. Women just need opportunities to assert themselves in the male universe.” Still on the theme: the power of women, Viola reflects. “It is important that audiences pay to see our films. It is the only way to overcome the paradigms. The industry survives thanks to its successes and if we have the box office, we will have the recognition.”
On the trail of the “Black Panther”
It is difficult, if not impossible, to evade confrontation with black Panther. Wakanda forever! In this case, now, it’s Dahomey forever! But there is a difference, and a big one. Black Pantherwith Chadwick Boseman, it was a superhero movie of wonder. It emerged in line with the #BlackVidasImportam movement. It was a global success. The untimely death of the actor who played the role shocked the world. The woman king it is based on a true story. Viola Davis, like Nanisca, doesn’t have the superpowers of Scarlett Johansson nor from Brie Larsen, Black Widow and Captain America. But he is powerful, brave, strong.
The story of the Agojie, the so-called Black Amazons of Dahomey, is not a legend. Viola doesn’t even like their names. Why the Black Amazons? The label has something racist about it. It puts these women in a secondary position and they don’t deserve it. The film opens in a male field. A noise shakes the horses, the men exchange glances, take their weapons with a start. The Agojie emerge from the undergrowth, and in the center of them the very first Nanisca. Viola! It is the first of a series of defeats they will impose on their tribal enemies in the colonial context of 19th century Africa.
The film tells the story of Nanisca along with that of Nawi. The rebellious girl, who does not accept her husband imposed by her father – and she takes revenge on her when he beats her – on her, will enter the universe of the Agojie, the warrior women of Dahomey. They are objects of respect and admiration. Everyone bow to them. They cannot be looked in the eye. The Agojie undergo hard training. They cannot marry or have children. Nanisca, the most powerful of them, holds secrets – who doesn’t? Despite her strength and leadership, Nanisca is experiencing a moment of fragility in front of the commander of the enemy tribe. This man makes fun of her. She reopens old wounds. What does this have to do with Nawi?
This story is told with great color. Scenarios, costumes, weapons. The woman king follows the path that led to the triumph of black Panther, technical Oscar winner. But the film isn’t just for the eyes. It is meant to watch. These women have secrets, they are humanized in their struggle. As Viola says, “Nanisca is not a metaphor, she is real and her story deserves respect”.
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Source: Terra
Emily Jhon is a product and service reviewer at Gossipify, known for her honest evaluations and thorough analysis. With a background in marketing and consumer research, she offers valuable insights to readers. She has been writing for Gossipify for several years and has a degree in Marketing and Consumer Research from the University of Oxford.
