What's it like finding out Denzel Washington wants you to direct his next movie? It's like getting a phone call from Muhammad Ali or Michael Jordan saying they want you to coach them.
Interpretation
Receiving recognition from an esteemed figure can be both exciting and validating.
In this quote, Antoine Fuqua compares the exhilarating feeling of being sought after by a legendary actor like Denzel Washington for directing a film to the honor and responsibility of being contacted by sports icons like Muhammad Ali or Michael Jordan for coaching. This highlights the significance of being recognized by peers and leaders in one's field, indicating that such moments validate a person's skill and talent.
In practice
In a motivational speech to aspiring filmmakers, this quote can emphasize the value of being acknowledged by industry leaders.
We've been fighting our whole lives to say we're just human beings like everyone else. When we start separating ourselves in our work, that doesn't help the cause. I've heard it for years: 'How do you feel being a black filmmaker?' I'm not a black filmmaker, I'm a filmmaker. I'm a black man, I have black children. But I'm just a filmmaker.
You have to feed your soul and spirit, but you also have to be a professional and remember the business that you're in. Everything is not your passion project.
I think men under pressure - I mean, that's what brings out the worst and the best of us. I like to explore that quite a bit in my characters because I don't see a lot of it on the screen that moved me like the films that I grew up with - that are honest, at least, about honest emotions and honest heroism.
It is very much the theme of our President, President Thabo Mbeki, whose passion is for Africa to work together, and for Africans to get up and do things for us. We are trying as women to do things for ourselves.
We have to inspire people and give them a sense of hope. We need to bring people along, not ridicule and tear them down.
Anita Roddick was amazing. Her presence in a room was full of light, and everything she worked to achieve still resonates now.
How did the rose ever open its heart and give to this world all of its beauty? It felt the encouragement of Light against its being; otherwise we all remain too frightened.
I don't condemn anyone for making their choices. If someone chooses those roles, fine. But not for me. When someone stops me and says, You're the reason I became an actress, that lets me know I made the right decision
You never know when one act, or one word of encouragement can change a life forever.
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