Stella Meghie is a black woman filmmaker who is directing a studio picture.
We highlight that because it’s not apparent that enough folks are aware of, or are talking about her and her work, especially at a time when the film industry is abuzz with conversations about the lack of not only women filmmakers, but also filmmakers or color, hired to direct specifically Hollywood studio films.
How many black women filmmakers can you name who are directing Hollywood studio-backed feature films right now? Of course we all know Ava DuVernay; but how many others can you name?
There are more black women directing for television; although even in that realm, the list isn’t very long. It’s a much, much shorter list when it comes to studio feature films.
Meghie is director of a film adaptation of Nicola Yoon’s debut novel, “Everything, Everything,” which MGM studios developed with Warner Bros, and will be distributed by the latter.
Meghie directs from a script penned by J. Mills Goodloe, based on the YA novel that’s centered around a 17-year-old girl with severe combined immunodeficiency – causing multiple allergies – which prevents her from leaving the house, only seeing her mother and her nurse, until a boy moves in next door, and she begins to fall in love with him.
Amandla Stenberg, who’s quite busy these days, is starring in the film as Maddy, the girl at the center of the story; she’s joined by Nick Robinson who plays Olly, the boy who moves in next door.
Anika Noni Rose also co-stars in the film, which we didn’t know until today, thanks to the below trailer premiere.
Warner Bros. has set a May 19, 2017 release date for “Everything, Everything.”
Les Morgenstein and Elysa Dutton of Alloy Entertainment Features are producers.
Meghie’s solid quirky feature film debut, the indie drama “Jean of the Joneses” (which stars Taylour Paige, Sherri Shepherd, Gloria Reuben and more), and which TV One premiered this fall, was more than good enough for CAA to sign her for representation in all areas. “Jean of the Joneses” is also nominated for an Independent Spirit Award (Best First Screenplay). In addition to “Everything, Everything,” she’s also currently developing a pilot for Warner Bros TV.
“Everything, Everything” should help raise her mainstream profile, especially if it’s a critical and commercial success for Warner Bros and MGM Studios.
But if you weren’t aware of her before (we’ve covered her and her recent work on this blog), if you’re reading this, you now are. You can follow her on Twitter at @stellamink.
“Jean of the Joneses” will hopefully soon be released on home video so that more of you can see it.
If you’d like to buy a copy of “Everything, Everything,” you can do so by clicking here, or the book cover below.
A trailer for the film premiered just moments ago and is embedded below:
