Mar 15, 2021
Film Forward returns with acclaimed writer/director Philippe Lacôte to discuss his new film, Night of the Kings. The movie is nominated for and Independent Spirit Award and is the Ivory Coast’s official selection for the 2021 Academy Awards.
Night of the Kings follows a young man who is sent to “La Maca,” a prison of Ivory Coast in the middle of a forest ruled by it’s prisoners. With the red moon rising, he is designated by the Boss to be the new “Roman and must tell a story to the other prisoners throughout the night… or pay the price.
Philippe and host Nicholas Ybarra discuss the film’s response from the Ivory Coast in the middle of a turbulent political climate. The filmmaker also does a deep dive on the construction and filming of the “La Maca” prison, and the explains the significance of Kings and Queens to Ivory Coast culture.
As always, our guest takes part in our Gimme Three segment, providing us three films that inspired him and inspired his work.
Night of the Kings is available on demand right now. Check it out and please let us know what you think.