Rolling Out article

Rolling Out ~ Spotlight [October 2000]

April Lundy by Yaminah Ahmad

‘Blair Witch’ wasn’t artful in my opinion, states April Lundy, a filmmaker, in a matter-of-fact tone as she explains her view on the horror blockbuster. “It was marketed based on a lack of funding.” Her opinion stems from her firm belief as a traditionalist in keeping the art of movie-making the focal point. Her experience spans almost a decade, and she has a unique vantage point as a black producer and director living in Atlanta.

Lundy formed her own company called Film Noire, and she is also co-founder of Strange Fruit Films, which produced “The Book of Love,” which stars Treach of Naughty By Nature, Robert Townsend, Salli Richardson and Robin Givens. “I was bitten by film in 1990 and subsequently trained under Keith Ward. He’s a very prominent young black filmmaker,” Lundy states. “There’s been a demand for black filmmakers since Spike Lee filmed ‘School Daze,’ We welcomed a lot of projects from that trend.” Lundy refers to herself, at the age of 32, as and “old head.” She’s worked with the same crew Lee hired, and they work for the love of art instead of box office blockbusters. But there’s been a demand for African American films since we watched Spike Lee scream his bald head off in “School Daze,” and observed a young Cuba Gooding Jr. portray a teenager struggling to overcome his environment in Boyz ‘N The Hood.” But Lundy describes this current fascination with black faces on screen as a “wave.” “The industry looks at us like black movies are “in style.” I think we’re just now starting to break the barrier with ‘The Wood’ and ‘The Best Man.’ It’s long overdue.” Additionally, Lundy pointed out that there still aren’t any black studio executives who can properly fund black movies which aren’t stereotypical.

There is an increase in black directors and producers, and Lundy is exercising both within music videos. Some of the projects that she’s produced and directed include those for Outkast, Goodie Mob, Usher, Tyrese and 702. “There’s also a demand now for female directors, and I consider myself a commodity,” Lundy says. “When directing performers, it’s all about communication, how they receive you, and the kind of energy you’re providing them. As a black woman, they’re more open to you.” Lately, Lundy has been directing public service announcements and commercials. “I have this thing about human nature, and exposing the simple things that tell who we are and what connects us,” she states. Lundy’s aspiration is to write, produce and direct a film with a strong female lead. She states over and over how hard it is to make a film, but shares, “I learned to be true to myself and to follow my own heart. I try to stay focused and to not bite off more than I can chew and I’m careful in what circles I travel. Everybody’s not good for you.”