This past June, I had the opportunity to speak with Radha Blank. The playwright and comedian turned filmmaker won the U.S. Dramatic Competition Directing Award (the second Black woman to do so) for her debut feature, The Forty-Year-Old Version, in 2020. The film would debut on Netflix in October of that same year, where it was named one of the best films of 2020 by the National Board of Review. Never having had the chance to see the film on the big screen, I was delighted to learn that the LA indie video rental store/movie theater, Vidiots, would be screening the film, only to then be invited to interview Blank about her movie.
Within this interview, Blank discusses the process of making The Forty-Year-Old-Version. She highlights its autobiographical elements and the emotional impact it had on her. Blank delves into the challenges of acting in her own film, the decision to shoot the movie in black and white, and the deliberate choices made to ensure the film not only had a nostalgic feel but also felt true to its Brooklyn setting. She also shares advice she received from other filmmakers, the struggles of securing distribution, and her eventual decision to partner with Netflix as a distributor, as well as the various forms of acclaim the movie received.
See Also: ‘The Forty-Year-Old Version’ Review: A Fresh Look at Aging and Reinvention
Additionally, Blank spoke about where things are now and how they have and haven’t changed. This contributes to the already prevalent notion that Hollywood is afraid to take risks. That being said, Blank also notes the importance of community and mentorship. She also hints at some future projects she is working on. Plus, there’s even some discussion of the eventual return of RadhaMUSprime, Blanks’ rapping alter ego.
The following interview, conducted between me and Blank, has been edited for clarity and published through the Out Now with Aaron & Abe podcast, which I co-host. Also – be sure to check out Radha Blank’s terrific feature film debut, The Forty-Year-Old Version, now streaming on Netflix.
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