Festivals - FCAD 2024 : We Grown Now Shines at Deauville American Film Festival, Followed by an Engaging Q&A with Director Minhal Baig

By Mulder, Deauville, Centre International de Deauville, 08 september 2024

The 2024 Deauville American Film Festival has been a stage for diverse and powerful narratives, and this year, Minhal Baig’s film We Grown Now has emerged as one of the standout pieces in the official competition. Minhal Baig, known for her sensitive and intimate storytelling, has captivated audiences once again with her deeply emotional and beautifully crafted exploration of friendship, community, and identity. Following the screening of We Grown Now, the audience was treated to an insightful and heartfelt Q&A session with the director, where she delved into the inspiration behind the film, its production challenges, and the significance of its themes in today’s world.

Set against the backdrop of Chicago’s Cabrini-Green housing projects in the early 1990s, We Grown Now tells the story of two young boys, Malik and Eric, whose friendship blossoms amid the struggles and beauty of their close-knit yet often neglected community. The film artfully weaves the innocence of childhood with the harsh realities of systemic inequality, highlighting the complexities of growing up in a world that is rapidly changing around them.

The film is not only a reflection of the socio-economic struggles of the time but also an ode to resilience, friendship, and the human spirit. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Malik and Eric’s bond transcends their surroundings, becoming a beacon of hope and a reminder of the importance of human connection in the face of adversity.

During the Q&A session, Minhal Baig shared that much of the film’s inspiration came from her own upbringing in a diverse Chicago neighborhood. She expressed how the narrative was close to her heart, a story she had been waiting to tell for years. It’s about capturing those small moments of joy and pain, the nuances of childhood friendships that stick with you for life, Minhal Baig explained. The director’s passion for the subject matter was palpable, and the audience responded with deep appreciation for her vision.

The cinematography in We Grown Now plays a crucial role in bringing the story to life. Minhal Baig worked closely with her team to ensure that every frame was infused with authenticity, capturing the vibrancy of the neighborhood as well as the challenges faced by its residents. In the Q&A, she discussed the importance of portraying the Cabrini-Green projects not just as a symbol of hardship, but as a place filled with life, love, and community.

Minhal Baig emphasized her commitment to presenting the area with honesty, avoiding the pitfalls of sensationalism. It was essential to me that we don’t just show the struggles but also the beauty and pride of the people who lived there, she said. The audience seemed to resonate deeply with this perspective, as many praised the film for its balanced and nuanced portrayal of urban life.

The director also spoke about the challenges of filming in modern-day Chicago, given that much of Cabrini-Green has been demolished or redeveloped. Despite these hurdles, the film manages to evoke a strong sense of time and place, immersing viewers in the lives of its characters in a way that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

One of the highlights of We Grown Now is its outstanding cast, particularly the two young actors who play Malik and Eric. Their chemistry on screen is undeniable, and Minhal Baig praised their dedication and natural talent during the Q&A. She recounted the extensive casting process, noting that finding the right actors to portray the boys was essential to the film’s success.

The audience was curious about how Minhal Baig guided her young actors through such an emotionally charged story. Minhal Baig explained that she created a nurturing environment on set, ensuring that the boys felt comfortable and supported while filming intense scenes. It was important for me that they understood the weight of the story but also that they felt safe and free to express themselves, she shared.

Throughout the Q&A, Minhal Baig touched on the deeper themes of We Grown Now, particularly the exploration of identity, race, and the dynamics of friendship. The film delicately examines how Malik and Eric, both children of color, navigate their environment while grappling with the broader societal forces shaping their lives. Minhal Baig highlighted how the film reflects the reality of growing up in America, where systemic barriers often shape the experiences of marginalized communities.

The conversation also touched on the current relevance of the film’s themes in the context of contemporary social justice movements. Minhal Baig acknowledged that while the story is set in the past, its messages resonate strongly with today’s struggles for equity and inclusion. We may have moved on from Cabrini-Green, but the issues it represents are still very much with us, she noted, drawing a connection between the film’s historical setting and ongoing conversations about gentrification, displacement, and community identity.

The audience at Deauville responded with enthusiasm to We Grown Now, giving it a standing ovation at the film’s conclusion. The Q&A session further cemented the film’s place as one of the festival’s most memorable offerings, with many attendees praising Minhal Baig for her nuanced storytelling and empathetic direction.

As the festival continues, We Grown Now stands as a powerful contender in the official competition. Minhal Baig’s ability to blend personal narrative with universal themes has struck a chord with viewers, and the film is expected to generate significant buzz as it makes its way through the festival circuit.

For Minhal Baig, the Deauville screening was not just a showcase of her latest work but a moment to reflect on the power of cinema to foster understanding and empathy. I hope that people walk away from this film with a sense of hope and a deeper understanding of what it means to grow up in a place like Cabrini-Green, Minhal Baig concluded during the Q&A, leaving the audience with much to contemplate long after the credits rolled.

You can discover our photos in our official Flickr page

Synopsis:
Chicago, 1992. Malik and Eric, 9 years old, are two inseparable friends. Curious and imaginative, they roam the city to escape the banality of school life and the difficulties of growing up in public housing. But at an age when they're just learning to cope with life, their unbreakable bond is called into question when a tragedy shakes their community.

We grown now
Written and directed by Minhal Baig
Produced by Joe Pirro & Minhal Baig
Starring Blake Cameron James, Gian Knight Ramirez, S. Epatha Merkerson, Lil Rei Howery, Jurnee Smollett
Music: Jay Wadley
Director of photography: Pat Scola
Editing: Stephanie Filo
Production companies: Participant, Symbolic Exchange, Stage 6 Films
Distributed by Sony Pictures Classics, Stage 6 Films (United States)
Release date: April 19, 2024 (United States)
Running time: 93 minutes

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville