Film Craft > Production

"YOU LOVE ME"

PRETTYBIRD, Culver City / BEATS BY DRE / 2021

Awards:

Bronze Cannes Lions
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Film
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Overview

Credits

OVERVIEW

Write a short summary of what happens in the film.

Instead of highlighting the tragedies suffered by Black people in America, "You Love Me" focuses on the mundanity of Black life – the small moments that have been historically left out of the frame. A father holding his toddler, a young woman putting the finishing touches on her hair and makeup, a group of children wading in an inflatable pool; all subtle images that, combined with the film's challenging voiceover, humanizes and immerses the viewer into the Black experience. The takeaway is a pointed reminder to viewers to love Black people as much as they love their culture.

Cultural / Context information for the jury

After the tragic death of George Floyd, the agency set out to create a spot that turned their platform over to Black youth to "Be Heard" in honor of Mr. Floyd. The agency reached out to Melina Matsoukas to craft an approach that would not only honor his legacy but create a positive contribution to the culture. With creative contribution from writer Lena Waithe and composer Solange, Melina reframed the approach that "Being Black is the Revolution." Together, they were able to creatively ideate a concept, write a script, and bring it to life in a way that is bold in its denunciation of injustices but subtle in its depictions of everyday life. The resulting piece is something unique to this very moment.

Tell the jury about the casting process.

In "You Love Me," Melina concepted, co-wrote, and directed a piece - in the height of a global pandemic- which asked the world to move past the imagery of anger and protest, and instead normalize Blackness. To see Black people not in the streets, but in their homes, with their families, with their friends. Melina's casting choices are bold and empowering as she etches normal folks into a story alongside celebrities and social activist icons, including Naomi Osaka, Lil Baby, Bubba Wallace, and Janaya Khan. The world appreciates and idolizes their contribution to the arts, to music, and to sports, but at the same time, still oppresses the Black community at large. With their faces and bodies framed centrally, eyes defiant, the celebrities involved stand together with their peers as a signal of solidarity and strength.

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