South African filmmaker, Michael Matthews, has expressed his gratitude for being recognized by Beyoncé for his film, Five Fingers For Marseilles, as an inspiration for her latest country album, Cowboy Carter.
The US singer revealed that each track on the album drew inspiration from different Western films, with Matthews’ 2017 contemporary Western being one of them.
In an interview with South African newspaper The Sowetan, Matthews stated, “It’s a huge honour to have made a mark on an artist as bold and innovative as Beyoncé.”
He also mentioned his appreciation for being included among renowned filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese, whose works also influenced Beyoncé’s album.
Matthews emphasized the significance of Beyoncé acknowledging a South African movie and expressed hope that it would lead to more recognition for local films and filmmakers globally.
This recognition from Beyoncé has brought attention to Matthews’ film and highlighted the talent of South African filmmakers.
The impact of Beyoncé’s acknowledgment is not only a personal honor for Matthews but also a validation of the creativity and storytelling present in South African cinema.
The hope is that this recognition will open doors for more international recognition of South African films and filmmakers, showcasing the diversity and talent within the country’s film industry.
