Is God Is, Janelle Monáe Interview

Can you describe the film Is God Is and its main themes? 

"Is God Is is a Southern Gothic Western that deals with rage. Rage within your family, the bond of sisterhood, the fun with family, the adventure with family, retribution, beauty, the beauty within family, sisterhood, an unbreakable bond of sisterhood. And honestly, it’s bold, it’s audacious, it’s chilling, oh, it is genre-defying. Like I don’t... I think it’s so hard to just say a few words about the film because it it literally is one of the most original films I’ve ever been a part of."

 What is Angie's life like on the outside compared to her reality? 

"I think life for Angie on the outside looking in, the veneer of it seems beautiful, you know, white picket fence, all things are working harmoniously, but in reality it is toxic, it is violent, and change is absolutely necessary in order for Angie to thrive and survive and be free. Yeah."

 What was the focus of your conversations with director Alicia Harris regarding Angie's character? 

"I think when I was speaking to the incredible director that is Alicia Harris, she and I talked through what was most important about shining light on with Angie and I think, you know, she’s she’s a woman who made sacrifices for everyone, you know, she’s given so much of herself as a mother, as a wife, and she honestly has not lived life in a way that she would have chosen. I think if she could choose differently, she would have. And that’s a hard thing to say like as a mother and as a wife, but I think that she is trying to figure out how to be happy and how to experience happy and happiness and really understand what that means and not fake no what it means but having experiences that really bring her joy and happiness. And I think that she is fighting for her right to do that."

 What was it like working with Kara Young and Mallory Johnson (who play Racine and Anaia)? 

"I loved working with Kara and Mallory who play Racine and Anaia. I think they are just exceptional talents and I think in this film, seeing them and meeting them for the first time, like we had a lot of fun. As crazy as our scene is together, I really actually enjoyed sparring with them and I'll leave it at that."

 What made you accept the role after reading Alicia Harris's script? 

"Alicia Harris is one of my favorite screenwriters, you know, I know she came in through playwriting and this is from from her play Is God Is, adapted from her play. I will tell you, it was the best script I had read all year. When I read this script I was like 'who is this Alicia lady who wants me to be in this film?'. It is a yes. I mean, I was in the movie immediately. Like I was laughing, if you can make me laugh in a script, you got me. I was crying, I was rooting for so many people and I I just thought her voice needs to be amplified. I need to help her in whatever way that I can and I’m so happy that she has decided to take on a film like this and to you know just bring her heart and her soul into it. And for this to be your first film Alicia, for this to be Alicia's first film out the gate, next level. Just exceptional, I could not be more proud to be a part of your first film Alicia."

 How would you describe the evolution and strength of Angie's character throughout the film? 

"Angie is a survivor, through and through, and I think that she with each frame gets bolder and bolder with standing up for herself. I think that's a beautiful thing to watch a woman who has endured so much like Angie make the choices that she makes in this film and not looking back while making those choices, like only moving forward, only looking to the sun, only looking to the horizon to to get to the future that she deserves."