Belle is an incredible film based on the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate daughter of Admiral Sir John Lindsay, who was also of mixed race. Belle is raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield and his wife in a world where she walks a fine line between having certain privileges but is also prevented from participating in noble traditions due to her mixed-race status.
I sat down with co-stars Sam Reid, who plays John Davinier, Miranda Richardson who plays Lady Ashford, and the star of the film, the beautiful British actress, Gugu Mbatha.
Belle was not a slave. She had the unusual distinction of being a member of an aristocratic family. She had the love of her father and great-uncle, and she was also wealthy due to an inheritance she received when her father passed.
I asked the director of Belle, Amma Asante to discuss the importance of this film, its meaning to her, and why she was compelled to bring the story to the big screen.
Catch Belle in theaters now!
Tanya Hart