In the days when I wasn't being taken seriously, I wore long skirts - very conservative. But now, I dress any way I want to.

My experience I consider an accident in the Hollywood system. I don't believe it should be a reference for a black film maker, or an example for any young film maker, because it's purely luck.

Some people make movies for money or glory and will take any subject people offer them. But I cannot do that. I need to feel the story and make it mine.

Francois Truffaut was my godfather on 'Sugar Cane Alley.' He believed in me and in that story, and told everyone that it should be made.

'Sugar Cane Alley' had a lot of international success, big success everywhere.

I believe that the American audience is not so dumb that they wouldn't be interested in a black story.